GunsnRoses has good vocalist, too. Just so we're clear about what I mean when I say "high-pitched vocals."

At 2/3/14 01:23 PM, WallofYawn wrote: Yea, through my dogs eyes was unusual...it;s supposed to be about how a dog would view things. I didn't really get it either. In fact, I think Painter's Palette is a lot better effort, but that's just my opinion.

I'm not too sure the sound on that album fits my idea of the darkest cliffs of Mordor... But I have the album Pain Necessary to Know on my iPod, so I might start from there, and maybe listen to Painter's Palette.

Power metal is often a gateway into metal, as it is less abrasive, more melodic and often focuses a lot on vocals. Not to say that it's a poppish genre, but it is definitely more accessible than other genres.

I got a question though: why do they all sing like high-pitched opera vocals? I understand it's mostly all fantasy and stuff, with the lyrics, and they take heavy influence from classical music, but I just can't seem to get around those vocals. (and no, I wouldn't consider Led Zepplin, as high-frilly vocals. To me Robert Plant is more akin to a soul/blues singer, in terms of vocal style, so when I say high-pitched, I mean operatic)

It's an artistic choice that stuck to the genre, I suppose. Like the death growls for death metal or the high-pitched scream for symphonic black metal or the operatic vocals for symphonic metal. It fits with the genre and becomes a standard after a while.

But there are also quite a few power metal vocalists who don't sing in high-pitched clean vocals, though they still use clean vocals, and sometimes operatic vocals. Try bands like Labyrinth (Italia), Altaria, Sabaton or Jacobs Dream. These bands are all power metal bands, but they use vocals that differ from those you have described.

Otherwise, you could try the bands that mix power metal with melodic death metal elements like Synergy, Ensiferum, Wintersun, Norther or Children Of Bodom. I know these aren't straight-forward power metal, but if you really can't get around the typical power metal vocals, those might be good alternatives.

It's one of the main thing keeping me from liking Iron Maiden and King Diamond.(aside from typical differences in taste)

I'd recommend you the first two albums of Iron Maiden with their former vocalist Paul Di'Anno, then. His vocals were nothing like Bruce Dickinson's, and in their early days, the punk elements were well felt in their heavy metal focused music.

I can get into some of it, but man...those vocals.

Haha! I hear you :P My girlfriend can't stand them either and she mocks me whenever I listen to "cheese" stuff like Helloween's Keeper albums.

Leprous - Waster Of Air

Not much a Children of Bodom fan, Heavenduff, but Ensiferum are pretty great.(i never thought of them, tho when we were mentioning this)

I'll be sure to check out those others you suggested as well. I like most kinds of music, though the more poppy the music, the less likelihood I have of liking it. But I'm sure there's some I'll like of power metal.

Fun fact:

Pantera originated as a power metal group as well. They moved into a more aggressive metal sound later on, but you can still see glimpses, such as in the song "cemetary gates." He even goes into high-register at one point in the song. I found that interesting.

I discovered metal at 14 years old when I was a freshman in high school. At that time I had listened to stuff like Slipknot, As I Lay Dying, blah blah blah. All that core/nu metal crap. Then I was bored one day and I looked up "top 10 metal bands" on youtube, just to be surprised that none of my favorite bands were on there. The list I believe was this: Dew-Scented, Insomnium, In Flames, Slayer, Suffocation, Amon Amarth, Dying Fetus, Vader, Nile and few others I can't remember. I listened to Dew-Scented and it was the best fucking music I've ever heard. I listened to the rest and same thing. I never wanted to go back to the other shit I listened to prior to that.

I'd have to give most of the credit to Dew-Scented, particularly this song. This started it all for me.

Anyway, I'm going to see Amon Amarth on Wednesday. So fucking pumped. First time seeing them, and as much as all of you are probably going to disagree, their album last year is at the top of my list of last year's albums. Also gonna see Behemoth, Goatwhore, and 1349 later in April. Killer lineup, are any of you guys going?

https://www.facebook.com/events/661280903895866/

this concert was fucking awesome, the decor inside the venue was amazing

I remember the whole concert but unfortunately got blackout drunk afterwards and was a nobhead to my gf and brother :(

At 2/3/14 01:23 PM, WallofYawn wrote:

At 2/3/14 01:09 AM, HeavenDuff wrote:

Try their earlier work. Painters Palette is a good place to start.

Phormula is also good.

At 2/3/14 05:59 PM, WallofYawn wrote: Pantera originated as a power metal group as well.

Pussytight! Tonight! Pussytiiiiiiiiight!

At 2/4/14 05:43 PM, Shade wrote:

At 2/3/14 05:59 PM, WallofYawn wrote: Pantera originated as a power metal group as well.

Didn't they invent the term "Power Metal"?

I think so. Their 4th album is named power metal, so it wouldn't surprise me.

At 2/4/14 06:10 PM, WallofYawn wrote: I think so. Their 4th album is named power metal, so it wouldn't surprise me.

Yeah, except they probably meant it in a more hardcore/wannabe-badass kind of way, which is funny really. Especially considering how power metal moved away as far as it possibly could from this redneck macho style that Pantera were so fond of.

Amirite?

Too bad Pantera didn't stick to their sound on Cowboys from Hell. That album was great. Their stuff after that, not so much.

I dunno, I like some of their newer stuff, tho it's mostly pick n choose a song, with those albums. CfH was probably their best tho, I agree.

And OH MY FUCKING GOD AT THE GATES ARE BACK TOGETHER. Goes to show what ya miss when you don't have consistent net access for a couple years. I am SO getting their new album. Not even downloading, in fact, I think I'll buy it.

Also, as I was talking about how I got into metal, someone mentioned Stratovarius. Twilight Time was one of the earlier albums I got when I was finally getting seriously into metal and also becoming a powerfag at the time. I got that album because it was cheap. What brought my attention to them, though, was the song Black Diamond from the album Visions.

Finally sent off the payment for my copy of Call Of The Mastodon.
Now I'm going to see if I can get my uncle to buy me a ticket to see Ghost in April! It's payment with credit or debit card only so neither I nor anyone else in my family can get me a ticket since no one in my family has either of those.
Then going to try getting a ticket to see Mastodon, Gojira, and Kvelertak in May.
Going to the first show with my gf. And hopefully the second one too. But she isn't sure if she can go or not....
Shes seen Gojira live 3 times already and Mastodon one other time before.
Also met Dave Mustaine and got a pick that Chris Broderick used onstage.

Also going to see if I can order a copy of Terrestrials. Or maybe something else on vinyl. I haven't decided yet.

At 2/7/14 06:11 PM, Thor wrote: Hi there.

I was into Punk for most of my life.

Well, punk and metal do sometimes...crossover.

Welcome, Thor. As far as bands with Norse themes, Einherjer (particularly Blot) and Myrkgrav are pretty good. I can recommend more thrash, if you'd like. Also, Clutch isn't metal, but I love them to death. I have a Clutch shirt somewhere.

I need an opinion on this. And since it's John Baizley related it's metal related.
Which do you think I should get?
Thishis or this?
Or should I go ahead and get both? Together it's $55 without shipping and all that. The first one isn't going to be available after this month but the second only has 3 left at the moment and comes with a lithograph of the shirt design.

At 2/7/14 06:11 PM, Thor wrote: Burzum

Which Burzum? Older Black Metal Burzum? Or newer Dark Ambient Electronic Burzum?
I personally like the electronic stuff. But thats just me.

Amon Amarth, Type O Negative, Clutch, Sleep, Danzig,

Woo. Also like Sense-Offender said, Clutch aren't metal. They're Stoner Rock. Still doesn't make em any less awesome.
Are you psyched for the new stuff Sleep are working on?

Enslaved

My gf is seeing them with Amon Amarth and Skeletonwitch tonight. Would've gone too but I couldn't get a ticket :/

At 2/7/14 07:14 PM, Thor wrote: Black Metal for sure!! Hlidskjalf makes me moist

I like Filosofem myself. Though Sol Austan, Mani Vestan is probably my favorite by them at the moment.

Damn, sorry D; They are awesome as hel though. And hel yeah! I saw Sleep my junior year, actually.

Ah it's fine. I sorta saw Clutch back in November with The Sword and American Sharks. By sorta I mean that I only was there for the first 2 songs of their set. My sister (my ride) wanted to go because her back was killing her and she was tired (they were on last and didn't go on til really late). Still pretty fun. Got to shake hands with the guitarist from American Sharks and got my CD from their drummer. They're a Stoner Rock/Hardcore Punk band and their manager is Kyle Shutt from The Sword. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgwDf9TzBhI

I saw them all a couple weeks ago. It was soooo rad.

Hopefully I'll be able to see em next time they're around the area.
Gonna be 21 in March so I can go to really any show after that. Which is awesome.

At 2/7/14 07:14 PM, Thor wrote: I'll check them out! and that'd be great :D

I just remembered that I recently posted thrash recommendations. Here's the post. There are some you already mentioned, though.

So I was informed that I'm apparently getting a free ticket to see Ghost in April.
And my day got better because of that.
Though I feel weird having someone buy a ticket for me and me not having to pay em back....

I have listening to Black metal for quite a long time now. I have been listening to the likes of Emperor, Marduk, Satyricon, Darkthrone, Oranssi Pazuzu, Gorgaroth and the like.

Apart from the well known classics like Emperor, what other maybe not so heard of black metal bands can you guys come up with that might spark some interest?

At 2/9/14 01:32 AM, twistex wrote: I have listening to Black metal for quite a long time now. I have been listening to the likes of Emperor, Marduk, Satyricon, Darkthrone, Oranssi Pazuzu, Gorgaroth and the like.

Apart from the well known classics like Emperor, what other maybe not so heard of black metal bands can you guys come up with that might spark some interest?

Arcturus' album Aspera Hiems Symfonia
Ulver's albums Bergtatt and Nattens Madrigal
Ved Buens Ende
Sigh (not all bm but lots of it is)
Klabautamann
Rotting Christ (I especially like Theogonia, Aelo, and Kronos, but Non Serviam is their classic)
Yaotl Mictlan
Negura Bunget (especially Om and 'n Crugu Bradului)
Borknagar
Diabolical Masquerade (I'd go for Death's Design and Nightwork)
Blut Aus Nord (at least Ultima Thulee and Memoria Vetusta I)
Code
Darkestrah
Thorns
Manes' album Under ein Blodraud Maane
Agatus
Varathron

Yankee black metal is dead good atm
Deafheaven
Boss-de-nage
Vattnet Viskar (maybe my favourites)

Oh yeah.

@Thor You might want to check out Borknagar, Vintersorg, and Windir.

At 2/9/14 01:13 PM, Thor wrote:

At 2/9/14 12:22 PM, Sense-Offender wrote: Oh yeah.

@Thor You might want to check out Borknagar, Vintersorg, and Windir.

I already know of Vintersorg, what albums do you suggest by the other two?

Windir's best album (IMO) is 1184, but Arntor is pretty good too.

At 2/9/14 01:13 PM, Thor wrote:

At 2/9/14 12:22 PM, Sense-Offender wrote: Oh yeah.

@Thor You might want to check out Borknagar, Vintersorg, and Windir.

I already know of Vintersorg, what albums do you suggest by the other two?

For Windir, 1184 and Arntor. For Borknagar, their self titled and the Olden Domain are really good albums with Garm. Epic and Empricism are both great albums with Vintersorg, as is Origin, though that was a folk music album, no metal (I like it a lot). I still have not heard their stuff with Vortex or their last two albums.

Do I have y'all on last.fm

http://www.last.fm/user/earfetish

At 2/9/14 02:18 PM, Earfetish wrote: Do I have y'all on last.fm

http://www.last.fm/user/earfetish

Could never be bothered. :(

At 2/9/14 01:32 AM, twistex wrote: I have listening to Black metal for quite a long time now. I have been listening to the likes of Emperor, Marduk, Satyricon, Darkthrone, Oranssi Pazuzu, Gorgaroth and the like.

Apart from the well known classics like Emperor, what other maybe not so heard of black metal bands can you guys come up with that might spark some interest?

It really depends on the genres you like.

I really enjoy bands like

Ulver (Bergtatt and Nattens Madrigal albums)
Sigh (Some of their stuff is bm, check out Scorn Defeat, it's amazing!)
Miserere Luminis
Gris
Forgotten Woods
Austere (Australia)
Balrog
Taake
Nachtmystium
Monarque
Forteresse
Deafheaven
Chaos Moon
Fell Voices
Peste Noire (early stuff)
Infernal Stronghold

These bands cover a wide range of sub-genres of black metal, so if you want more information on any of those, just ask!

At 2/7/14 03:47 PM, WallofYawn wrote: And OH MY FUCKING GOD AT THE GATES ARE BACK TOGETHER. Goes to show what ya miss when you don't have consistent net access for a couple years. I am SO getting their new album. Not even downloading, in fact, I think I'll buy it.

Wait they split before? I fucking love AtG, I don't care what anyone says about them. Slaughter of the Soul is simply one of the best as far as melodic death is concerned.

At 2/7/14 07:27 PM, Viper50 wrote:

At 2/7/14 07:14 PM, Thor wrote: Black Metal for sure!! Hlidskjalf makes me moist

I like Filosofem myself. Though Sol Austan, Mani Vestan is probably my favorite by them at the moment.

I was a big fan of Filosofem until I heard the original Burzum (1992) album. Every track just has that awesome melancholic, sorrowful sound with some thrashy tracks like War.

At 2/9/14 01:32 AM, twistex wrote: I have listening to Black metal for quite a long time now. I have been listening to the likes of Emperor, Marduk, Satyricon, Darkthrone, Oranssi Pazuzu, Gorgaroth and the like.

Apart from the well known classics like Emperor, what other maybe not so heard of black metal bands can you guys come up with that might spark some interest?

Gromm
Darkestrah
Urgehal
Tsjuder
Blodsrit
Krypt
Thorns

All I can think of off the top of my head but there are a shitton of underground BM bands.

Anyway I saw Amon Amarth on Wednesday. They were so fucking sick, that night was every reason I just fucking love metal. I grabbed a pick from Johan Söderberg at the end of the show too, here's a pic of it (front and back, clearly I had a hard time editing it. lol)

Black Metal you say? Here:

Shining,
Immortal,
Cruachan(mix of black metal, classical, and irish folk music)
Carpathian Forest,
Chthonic,
In The Woods...(black/folk metal),
Behemoth(black/death metal),
Katatonia(doom/black metal),
Blasphemy(black/death),
Bathory(proto-thrash, black, death, folk metal)

At 2/10/14 11:31 AM, WallofYawn wrote: Katatonia(doom/black metal),

Katatonia are so poor now, they're like a soft rock band

I used to think they were sick-as but the quality has fallen dramatically

don't think I'd ever describe them as bm tho, doom metal, maybe Brave Murder Day if you wanted to be generous

Enslaved
1349
Altar of Plagues
Primordial
Fen
Forefather
Naglfar
Nargaroth
Carach Angren - they're like Dimmu Borgir
Nazgul
Nokturnal Mortum
Wolves in the Throne Room
Ulver
Winterfylleth
The Ruins of Beverast
Wodensthrone

At 2/10/14 11:58 AM, Earfetish wrote:

At 2/10/14 11:31 AM, WallofYawn wrote: Katatonia(doom/black metal),

Katatonia are so poor now, they're like a soft rock band

I used to think they were sick-as but the quality has fallen dramatically

don't think I'd ever describe them as bm tho, doom metal, maybe Brave Murder Day if you wanted to be generous

Weren't they at one time? I think really early on. Oh well, haven't listened in a while, I just mentioned them for the hell of it.

Enslaved

Yes.

1349

Yes.

Altar of Plagues
Primordial
Fen
Forefather
Naglfar

Will check these out.

Nargaroth

Yes.

Carach Angren - they're like Dimmu Borgir

Oof. Early Dimmu, or newer Dimmu?

Nazgul

Will check.

Nokturnal Mortum

Yes.

Wolves in the Throne Room

YES.

Ulver

Yes.

Winterfylleth
The Ruins of Beverast
Wodensthrone

Again, will check these out. Thanks man.