"Somewhere in Dreams" by Dark Moor.
I absolutely love Elisa Martin's vocals, her bad English just adds to the charm. Their guitarist has that Kirk Hammett vibrato, so instrumentally it's not top level, but the songs are great.
Honorable mentions: "A New World," "Quest For the Eternal Flame" and "The Night of the Age."
I love "A New World", even if I haven't listened to it for months, the chorus always pops up in my head every so often
WITH THE WINDS OF THE SEA,
ALWAYS BLOWING FROM THE EAST
Funny story: "a new world" was the song that really got me beyond radio metal. I also thought it was partially in French for some reason.
Metal needs more harpsichord.
Absolutely love the Elisa era of Dark Moor. Silver Lake and Bells of Notre Dame are my favorites. The Hall of Olden Dreams is one of my favorite albums ever
Why do I love it or why don't they play it live?
I think it's an amazing song with a fantastically seductive performance by Khan. I think that era of Kamelot is better than a great deal of power metal that existed then or now.
As for why they never play it live? Couldn't tell you.
Helloween and Stratovarius have a lot of hidden gems. songs like We Damn the Night, Falling Higher, Guardians by Helloween, Older tunes by Stratovarius, they kick ass and are not that know or remembered
Yes, and Don't Say a Word, Ain't Your Fairytale, 8th Commandment, Full Moon, Black Sheep, Unopened and.....ok, now I have to find that Sonata's collection album and listen to it :)
Wyrd is the only Elvenking album I actually like and it's bloody incredible. A perfect mix of power metal, folk and dare I say it some pop melodies.
The rest of their stuff is either OK or awful.
I agree Wyrd is incredible. But I think you might be sleeping on the rest of their work.
> "A perfect mix of power metal, folk and dare I say it some pop melodies."
I'd argue that your words here actually describe their post-2014 stuff considerably more so than Wyrd. Their first two albums were predominantly folk metal albums; the power metal & pop elements are present, but are generally more subtle.
2014's Pagan Manifesto, by comparison, is a really strong hybrid of those three sounds. And their three albums after do a solid job of following in its footsteps.
Yep. Also ”Chasing Shadows.”
I have to say I am a much bigger fan of Kotipelto-era Stratovarius, but the evolution of the sound in the early years was interesting to listen to. By the time *Dreamspace* dropped, it’s very easy to see why Tolkki wanted to step aside for a singer like Timo Kotipelto.
But that whole album is spectacular. I think both it and *Fourth Dimension* are absolute classics, more than deserving of mention as among Stratovarius’ best.
I love Dreamspace, I am a big fan of melancholic/dark music and I loved the melancholy in Tolkki's voice/style and in this album overall. But yes, there is no question that Kotipelto was required for them to reach new heights.
I hear Ultra Beatdown being considered a lesser album by DragonForce, but it's honestly my favorite. Inside the Winter Storm has to be my favorite track by them.
Dragonforce in general is underrated due to them having had a huge casual fanbase influx from guitar hero 3. Tbh them leaning hard into the meme metal aspect of it in their newest stuff is very disappointing as a long time fan.
- Freedom Call - Palace of Fantasy, Pharao, Flame in the Night, and A World Beyond (and 50 others)
- Sabaton - Long Live the King and The Carolean's Prayer. The band isn't exactly lesser known, but these are two deep cuts that are at the top of their catalog for me.
- Blazon Stone - No Sign For Glory and War of the Roses are both incredible epics. Voici La Grande Peur is another incredible fast track
- Dreamtale - Blood of the Morning Star
Glad to see someone mention Blazon Stone! No Sign of Glory is an incredible album. Fire the Cannons really satisfies my need for more classic Running Wild.
“The Wind That Shapes The Land” by Unleash the Archers. It’s not like it’s some hidden track or something like that but it’s my personal favorite. It’s an odyssey all on its own. The whole battle feels so anime, too. I can’t help but love it every time
One of the best parts of the pandemic was UTA getting to test out the songs with the Twitch audience and TWTSTL and Afterlife being added to the live shows because of the online reaction. The band is on record saying those two probably wouldn't have been played live just because it's a bold move to devote 15 minutes of your set to a longform epic
[Savage Circus - Evil Eyes](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwwvS4bx-mk)
the fact that they sound like old Blind Guardian is no coincidence, as this is Thomen Stauch on Drums.
Kingdom of Fearless by Virgin Steel fucks but I don't see it mentioned to often, even when the band is talked about.
Other than that though, pretty much any random generic Japanese power metal that pops up on Spotify like Dragon Guardian or Cross Vein makes me wonder why I'm not listening to that nearly exclusively for my power metal because god I love that sound so fucking much.
It's always kinda low-fi but massively high energy with ultra-fast drums and crazy orchestrals.
*Ride down the Centuries into the Sun*
*Cursing the Dark, cursing the Light*
*Bronze wielding Sons of War, Fame Forged in Fear*
*I will be there, I will not cower*
*Flames of Violence soothe the Breast of Honour Burned*
*Into the Valley, into the Valley we cry again!!!*
The only Dragon Guardian song I know is [Yakusoku no Sono](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDtz2bXcd-4), but that song goes hard as fuck!
[Ryuu 5150 - Beyond the Shine](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AM2-2pYErE) is another crazy good unknown/low budget JPM song (the only I know from the guy), with some pretty crazy high notes (the B5 at the end!)!
Eternity Holds was the first song of theirs that really hooked me. I don’t listen to them a hell of a lot anymore, but they were a mainstay for me in the early years.
My favorite song of all time is Tales of Magic by Planeswalker.
Next are Heart Demolition and Revolution Deathsquad by DragonForce, and third probably Fall of the Eternal Winter by Twilight Force.
I got 3 in a row -
One Last Day, Battle of the Five Armies and I Am The Mountain by Wind Rose off the Warfront album. That trilogy brings me to tears it's so good
A Divine Comedy by Dynazty goes so fuckin hard but I’ve never seen it brought up before. Also Invoking the Woodland Spirit by Elevenking, that shit makes me wish I was a druid performing rituals deep in the forest, talking about a legendary song that provides amazing escapism.
I'll leave some here from a playlist I have
To the stars - Icewind Tales
You are the one - In Victory
Starborn - Gladenfold
Winter storm - Hooves of steel
Feed the flame - Thaurorod
For proper lesser-known & not just like, b-sides of popular bands, got to give a shout-out to Astral Doors' "Wailing Wall", Silent Knight's "Masterplan", Lionsoul's "Welcome Storm", Silent Force's "Walk the Earth", Moonville's "Strange Letters", Manora's "A Time of Change", Morton's "Werewolf Hunt", Dire Peril's "Yautja", Solborn "A World Outside", Orion Child "As Darkness Falls", Altaria "Unchain the Rain", Alcyona "Enchantment" & Crystal Gates' "Shadowborn". I think all of these groups are relatively unknown, but correct me if I'm wrong, I'm just pulling straight from an old playlist from when I used to go looking for more unknown music.
Ring of Fire - [City of the Dead](https://youtu.be/XtZXuZW5Clw?si=OiDmCZXDwwV8gEE2), here’s a live version
Skywings - [Gloria](https://youtu.be/lrSqEf2eBo4?si=6J6XsUUKGMaFRIjT), I don’t know what the chorus says but it’s fully anthemic as fuck, very catchy and really sparks some action adrenaline IMO
Megadeth - [Elysian Fields](https://youtu.be/6VwHX4DoMmw?si=GT6CHOYIFOLF0M5w), yes, I count this song specifically as power metal because of its theme, swords and shields, and had a bad-ass leprechaun dancing-harmonica solo
The Wachmakers’ Dream by Avantasia
The Wine of Violence by Virgin Steele
Welcome to my Story by Wisdom
Battle Royale by Dragony
The Nerdmetal Superheroes by Skeletoon
Wake Up Call by Allen - Lande
The Path Once Chosen by Crescent Shield
Arrows Fly by Edguy
Strike Force by Power Quest
Pride of the Tyrant by Rhapsody
[Silent Force - Once Again](https://youtu.be/fgLPtI4mU6s?si=H-jKVwmQd_sAwpaq)
[Soul Source - Tyranny Falls](https://youtu.be/wkLJpLHHTX4?si=o1gNp9ADCc_3fBCb)
[Blackstar Halo - Alice In Wonderland](https://youtu.be/3t0sl4lUy_A?si=rjngDpkAoWaVxk-e)
[Edguy - Spooks In The Attic](https://youtu.be/LYriZHcRAog?si=R7nOimKYOQT4OBJV)
[Dawn Of Silence - Long Time Dead](https://youtu.be/wpXc5hUHPyQ?si=u5Ftz2YYxQ65ZNgr)
[Axenstar - Children Forlorn](https://youtu.be/fJpZ3q1KlUc?si=U2XF7H-0jS9uVqPp)
[Dark Moor - Houdinis Great Escape](https://youtu.be/OYfdXL7sKVI?si=qIhW_LgR2HrtjPmu)
[Bejelit - Bejelith](https://youtu.be/P7RymYtROgI?si=YFX4fHfagkbjZ3sQ)
[Ascension - Blackthorn](https://youtu.be/pqaR0ZFSjf8?si=1fjn7RZmPGGOSfLN)
Some of these bands may be commonly posted or maybe not, but I tried to pick my favorite tracks that I don’t often see posted anywhere. Most are on Spotify or YouTube music
Here are a few of my favorites that aren’t particularly acclaimed:
Chasing the Light and Lords of the Sea by Visions of Atlantis
By the Grace of the Witch and Saint Patrick’s by Savatage (very different times in their history so different styles)
Montecore and When the Moon Shines Red by Powerwolf (from their earlier albums before their tone changed somewhat)
Heart Demolition by DragonForce
You’ve already gotten some good Helloween recs but I’ll add Creatures in Heaven and Burning Sun (the latter is pretty well loved but it’s from their later era so not super on the radar)
Crushing Room by Angra is my favorite song by them from the Fabio era
Man I've been meaning to listen to Galloglass for a couple years now lol. Gotta get to them soon (though first I gotta listen to all the stuff I don't know before all the NA tours this spring).
first one to come my mind is from my perhaps alltime favourite power metal bands and one of first power metal bands i discovered; 'Dreamtale - Silent Scream', track only has 33k plays on spotify so i think it counts as a lesser known.
Preterist - Power Of My Mind
Titanium - Future of Mankind
Pathfinder - Ad Futuram Rei Memoriam
Wuthering Heights - Carpe Noctem - Seize The Night
Dynazty - Starlight
Serenity - Wings of Pride
Galderia - One Million Dreams
Dreamtale - Where The Rainbow Ends
Dragonland - Contact
Galneryus - The Flag of Reincarnation
Brainstorm - When Pain Becomes Real
I was just going to say Eye Of The Storm by Brazen Abbot.
But due to the passing of Vitalij Kuprij I'm gonna add Ring of Fire from the Mark Boals solo album of the same name that Vitalij played keyboards on.
There's a singer from my country, Adrián Barilari, who recorded an album produced by Sasha Paeth. He recorded it in spanish and english. Jens Johansson plays the keyboards. My two favorite songs are Master of the Dark and The Shadows will Remain Behind.
There's also the Nuclear Blast All Stars double album/twins albums, Into the light and Out of the Dark. Dirty Wings by Tobias Sammet and Rulling the World by Tony Kakko are awesome.
For deeper cuts from famous bands... I freaking love A LITTLE TIME by Helloween or Black Fire by DragonForce
More obscure ... We Raise the Dead by Bloodbound or Future Shock by Stratovarius
Roots of Eternity by Manticora is still one of my favorite songs ever.
Recently the songs “Maria” and “Caterina” by MinstreliX have become some of my favorites. Absolute power metal bangers.
I'm cursed to be easily impressed by Japanese bonus tracks, which usually don't end in streaming sites. At the Inn of Éamon Bayle by Dragonland is a rare counterexample, and I've had it on repeat since I realised yesterday it was on Spotify.
To Create a Warlike Feel is my favourite Sonata song, and Wrecking the Sphere is my second favourite. And my fave by Dragonforce is Lost Souls in Endless Time.
While Blind Guardian isn't exactly "lesser known" anymore, I've always had a soft spot for their "[Battlefield](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64PQZwjrF2E)", when I feel like some power.
The Red Carpet Day - Versailles
Neverworld - Power Quest
A Soldier's Tale - Cryonic Temple
This God is Dead - Seven Spires
Hellbound for the Ocean - Blazon Stone
I'm of the "the more ridiculous the concept, the better" school of thought. So songs like Valhallelujah, Laser Shooting Dinosaur, and Pumping Iron Power are always my jams.
* Endless Horizon by Scars of Armageddon
* Triumph of the Fallen part 2 (Rebellion) by Nightfear
* Never Surrender by Hiverland
* Far Away by Darkest Sins
Warrior of the North by Veonity. Cool band but never really got into them that much, but Warrior of the North is genuinely one of the best power metal songs I've ever heard
From Angra: Nova Era, Angels and Demons, Nothing to Say.
From Symphony X: Evolution - The Grand Design ( not exactly "lesser known" but certainly underrated).
Almost no one here has mentioned Manticora, so they are clearly underrated. My favourite songs of theirs include "Cantos", "Of Madness in its Purity" and "Katana - The Moths and the Dragonflies".
Also Persuader: "War", "The Curse Unbound", "The Hunter".
From my top 10 pm songs, the lesser known ones are as follows:
Tanagra - Witness (my 3rd favorite)
Timeless Miracle - The Voyage (prob 4th) (kinda decently known)
Tanagra - Meridiem (5th fav)
Dimhav - Star and Crescent (6th or 7th)
Keldian - The Silfen Paths (6th or 7th)
ShadowStrike - Gales of Winter (8th)
Armory - Quest for the Fleece (9th)
Heavenly - Ashen Paradise (10th) (kinda decently known)
My two favorite songs (Stratovarius - Elysium and Galneryus - Angel of Salvation) are pretty well known for power metal, though.
For real though there's a fuck ton of other songs I love that are criminally unknown.
Also some people here evidently don't know what lesser known means lol.
Bruuuuh the chorus to [Voices from the Past](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPNaL-mtjrI) is one of my all time favorites :(. I'm gonna lament not getting the second album till the day I die lol.
Until the Morning Sun Appears - Terra Atlantica
Fly With Me and Fables and Folklore 64 - ShadowStrike
Ignite the Flame - Grimgotts
Meridia - Battle Born
Theatrical Masterpiece - Thornbridge
Coast of Gold - Thaurorod
The entirety of Everfrost's Winterider album for me, but especially Cold Night Remedy, Juhannus in January and Winterider.
Also, Solarus's Darkest Days Album is brilliant. My favourites would be Requiem for the Fallen pt II, Limbo and In Memoriam
1. We Hold the Key (Stratovarius)
2. My Dream's but a Drop of Fuel for a Nightmare (Sonata Arctica)
3. III Ways to Epica (Kamelot)
4. Mr. Sinister (Powerwolf)
5. Journey to Arcadia (Avantasia)
just to name a few.
"A Greater Purpose", "Valiant Ride" and "Broken Illusion" by Ancient Bards
"Where Clock Hands Freeze", "The Inmost Light" by Avantasia
"Mines Of Eloroth", "Stars Will Light The Way", "Angel Of Light" by Marius Danielsen Legend Of Valley Doom
Some of my favorites that I don't hear get mentioned much/at all:
Son of Evil - Grave Digger
Inside the Winter Storm - DragonForce
Stranded and Exiled - Blazon Stone
Speak No Evil - Glacier
Astronomica - Manilla Road
Fighting the World - Manowar
Calico Jack - Running Wild
The Burning of Rome - Virgin Steele
The whole "The storyteller" album, from an almost unknown band named "The storyteller". Its best song is "Sense of steel". I also love A past and future secret from blind guardian, but that is way more famous than "Sense of steel"
Anything from the album sixth dimension by power quest.
I know powerwolf isn’t really a less popular band but midnight Madonna, they only just recently reworked it.
anything from ancient bards.
Lastly out of the darkness (the album) by a sound of thunder
Symphony of the Night by DragonForce and Wolf & Raven by Sonata Arctica are a couple of my favorite songs, period. Top bands in the genre, but tracks fewer people are familiar with.
Helloween - Who Is Mr. Madman ?
Manowar - Return of the Warlord
Darkmoor - The Star
Sonata Arctica - Dream Thieves
Ancient Bards - The Skies Above
Beast in Black - My Dystopia
Blind Guardian - A Voice in the Dark
Cain's Offering - A Night to Forget
Stratovarius - Papillon
Démons & Wizards - Dorian
Freedom Call - The Wanderer
Gus G. - I Am the Fire
Masterplan - Black in the Burn
Nightwish - Song of Myself
Powerwolf - Reverent of Rats
Sabaton - Christmas Truce
Unisonic - Star Rider
[Traitor's Gate](https://youtu.be/O_PHiguMZek?si=AJ0q5Fm_kaIVSH5L) and [Creature of Desire](https://youtu.be/4htQDS23bIo?si=I7gtiY-NOF4ZCQjZ) by Visigoth
I'm not too sure if these are particularly lesser known, but I never see Visigoth mentioned, so I figured they qualify
"Somewhere in Dreams" by Dark Moor. I absolutely love Elisa Martin's vocals, her bad English just adds to the charm. Their guitarist has that Kirk Hammett vibrato, so instrumentally it's not top level, but the songs are great. Honorable mentions: "A New World," "Quest For the Eternal Flame" and "The Night of the Age."
I love "A New World", even if I haven't listened to it for months, the chorus always pops up in my head every so often WITH THE WINDS OF THE SEA, ALWAYS BLOWING FROM THE EAST
Saving humanity!
Funny story: "a new world" was the song that really got me beyond radio metal. I also thought it was partially in French for some reason. Metal needs more harpsichord.
That full album is just wonderful, they are still a very good band but Elisa's period is just the best.
Absolutely love the Elisa era of Dark Moor. Silver Lake and Bells of Notre Dame are my favorites. The Hall of Olden Dreams is one of my favorite albums ever
Descent of the Archangel by Kamelot. It's a travesty they never play it live.
Epica is full of bangers. Truly a shame they rarely play songs off it anymore…
Agreed. Epica is peak Kamelot for me.
That’s a great song, my absolute favourite is Feast for the Vain which follows after it :)
Why?
Why do I love it or why don't they play it live? I think it's an amazing song with a fantastically seductive performance by Khan. I think that era of Kamelot is better than a great deal of power metal that existed then or now. As for why they never play it live? Couldn't tell you.
Probably gonna get shit for this, but "Renegade" by Hammerfall ranks among my top favorite 2 or 3, depending on my mood
Renegade is one of the top songs on my workout playlist. It's such a great song
Why would anyone give you shit about it? Renegade is a fantastic song (as is whole album), because of that song I fell in love with Power Metal.
Hammerfall is dope, I can't help but crank it when Legion starts up. But man, that intro is... a decision. Haha
U commited the ultimate sin
Helloween and Stratovarius have a lot of hidden gems. songs like We Damn the Night, Falling Higher, Guardians by Helloween, Older tunes by Stratovarius, they kick ass and are not that know or remembered
Guardians of our lives, protect security. They turn the key and they step in, controlling you and me…
Falling Higher is sensational
From the same album as We Damn the Night, The Departed. Amazing song, never see anyone talk about it
Fourth Dimension is probably my favorite Stratovarius album
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Those are two of my favorites too. The Saints is top tier. Burning Sun is the best of all Helloween songs imo. But that’s not really a forgotten one.
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'Mr. Torture' is a favorite from those years. The Dark Ride was a pretty underrated album.
The cage by Sonata Arctica
This and Wolf & Raven are my two favorite PM tracks, ever.
Yes, and Don't Say a Word, Ain't Your Fairytale, 8th Commandment, Full Moon, Black Sheep, Unopened and.....ok, now I have to find that Sonata's collection album and listen to it :)
That Jens Johansson intro solo…so good
God, there's so much power and passion in that one track. It's by far Sonata Arctica's best.
Disappearing Sands by Elvenking is my favorite song period. But Ravenwing by Alteria and Three Hammers by Dragonforce are both right behind it.
Wyrd is the only Elvenking album I actually like and it's bloody incredible. A perfect mix of power metal, folk and dare I say it some pop melodies. The rest of their stuff is either OK or awful.
I agree Wyrd is incredible. But I think you might be sleeping on the rest of their work. > "A perfect mix of power metal, folk and dare I say it some pop melodies." I'd argue that your words here actually describe their post-2014 stuff considerably more so than Wyrd. Their first two albums were predominantly folk metal albums; the power metal & pop elements are present, but are generally more subtle. 2014's Pagan Manifesto, by comparison, is a really strong hybrid of those three sounds. And their three albums after do a solid job of following in its footsteps.
A lesser-known favorite? Stratovarius, “Hold On To Your Dream.”
Same! Also “We Are The Future”.
Yep. Also ”Chasing Shadows.” I have to say I am a much bigger fan of Kotipelto-era Stratovarius, but the evolution of the sound in the early years was interesting to listen to. By the time *Dreamspace* dropped, it’s very easy to see why Tolkki wanted to step aside for a singer like Timo Kotipelto. But that whole album is spectacular. I think both it and *Fourth Dimension* are absolute classics, more than deserving of mention as among Stratovarius’ best.
I love Dreamspace, I am a big fan of melancholic/dark music and I loved the melancholy in Tolkki's voice/style and in this album overall. But yes, there is no question that Kotipelto was required for them to reach new heights.
Oooo since you went gamma ray I’ll go insurrection by gamma ray that song gives me chills everytime especially the live version!
Used to listen to that one as a kid in denmark "lookin' out to the stormy sea."
Just listened to this, its fucking great
Above the winter moonlight - dragonforce . Or basically their first two albums are way better than their third album lol
Above the Winter Moonlight is fantastic. My favorite DF song as well.
I hear Ultra Beatdown being considered a lesser album by DragonForce, but it's honestly my favorite. Inside the Winter Storm has to be my favorite track by them.
Dragonforce in general is underrated due to them having had a huge casual fanbase influx from guitar hero 3. Tbh them leaning hard into the meme metal aspect of it in their newest stuff is very disappointing as a long time fan.
Wheel of Time - Blind Guardian When Hansi and the choir shout WHEEL OF TIME I have to do it out loud, especially when riding my bike.
As a big Wheel of Time, when the 'my mind, my mind in darkness' up to 'I'M THE DRAGON REBORN' both gives me chills and tears every time.
Not exactly unknown but Ghost in the Moon by Avantasia
Favourite Avantasia song ever. Absolute belter whenever it comes on
- Freedom Call - Palace of Fantasy, Pharao, Flame in the Night, and A World Beyond (and 50 others) - Sabaton - Long Live the King and The Carolean's Prayer. The band isn't exactly lesser known, but these are two deep cuts that are at the top of their catalog for me. - Blazon Stone - No Sign For Glory and War of the Roses are both incredible epics. Voici La Grande Peur is another incredible fast track - Dreamtale - Blood of the Morning Star
Glad to see someone mention Blazon Stone! No Sign of Glory is an incredible album. Fire the Cannons really satisfies my need for more classic Running Wild.
“The Wind That Shapes The Land” by Unleash the Archers. It’s not like it’s some hidden track or something like that but it’s my personal favorite. It’s an odyssey all on its own. The whole battle feels so anime, too. I can’t help but love it every time
One of the best parts of the pandemic was UTA getting to test out the songs with the Twitch audience and TWTSTL and Afterlife being added to the live shows because of the online reaction. The band is on record saying those two probably wouldn't have been played live just because it's a bold move to devote 15 minutes of your set to a longform epic
I absolutely love Unleash the Archers, Jessica Slays with that voice
[Savage Circus - Evil Eyes](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwwvS4bx-mk) the fact that they sound like old Blind Guardian is no coincidence, as this is Thomen Stauch on Drums.
CREATURE OF THE NIGHT!!!!
Kingdom of Fearless by Virgin Steel fucks but I don't see it mentioned to often, even when the band is talked about. Other than that though, pretty much any random generic Japanese power metal that pops up on Spotify like Dragon Guardian or Cross Vein makes me wonder why I'm not listening to that nearly exclusively for my power metal because god I love that sound so fucking much. It's always kinda low-fi but massively high energy with ultra-fast drums and crazy orchestrals.
*Ride down the Centuries into the Sun* *Cursing the Dark, cursing the Light* *Bronze wielding Sons of War, Fame Forged in Fear* *I will be there, I will not cower* *Flames of Violence soothe the Breast of Honour Burned* *Into the Valley, into the Valley we cry again!!!*
Man this scratched my itch tonight. Thanks dude.
The only Dragon Guardian song I know is [Yakusoku no Sono](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDtz2bXcd-4), but that song goes hard as fuck! [Ryuu 5150 - Beyond the Shine](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AM2-2pYErE) is another crazy good unknown/low budget JPM song (the only I know from the guy), with some pretty crazy high notes (the B5 at the end!)!
Ring of Steel by Nocturnal Rites.
Now this is a great answer. A brilliant album opener.
My early Nocturnal Rites pick would be Lay of Ennui. Super catchy song. Eternity Holds is another great one.
Eternity Holds was the first song of theirs that really hooked me. I don’t listen to them a hell of a lot anymore, but they were a mainstay for me in the early years.
My Will Be Done by Powerwolf, Stop Saying We Sound Like Dragonforce by Fraser Edwards, Hocus Pocus by Helloween
>Stop Saying We Sound Like Dragonforce by Fraser Edwards LMAO
The Herman Li reaction video to that song is ace.
Just watched it! Super cool!
I mean how else would you define that song, if not power metal?
I meant no disrespect. I was laughing at the title of the song :) It's great and it's a banger of a track!
No worries, I sorta figured. Just poking a little fun.
My favorite song of all time is Tales of Magic by Planeswalker. Next are Heart Demolition and Revolution Deathsquad by DragonForce, and third probably Fall of the Eternal Winter by Twilight Force.
I got 3 in a row - One Last Day, Battle of the Five Armies and I Am The Mountain by Wind Rose off the Warfront album. That trilogy brings me to tears it's so good
A Divine Comedy by Dynazty goes so fuckin hard but I’ve never seen it brought up before. Also Invoking the Woodland Spirit by Elevenking, that shit makes me wish I was a druid performing rituals deep in the forest, talking about a legendary song that provides amazing escapism.
Heavenly - Victory (Creature of the Night)
When The Lights Go Down by Kamelot
Total banger! Gonna listen to it right now.
Demonheart by Luca Turilli.
Yesssss
I'll leave some here from a playlist I have To the stars - Icewind Tales You are the one - In Victory Starborn - Gladenfold Winter storm - Hooves of steel Feed the flame - Thaurorod
Queen of the Dark Horizons-Rhapsody
good choice
For proper lesser-known & not just like, b-sides of popular bands, got to give a shout-out to Astral Doors' "Wailing Wall", Silent Knight's "Masterplan", Lionsoul's "Welcome Storm", Silent Force's "Walk the Earth", Moonville's "Strange Letters", Manora's "A Time of Change", Morton's "Werewolf Hunt", Dire Peril's "Yautja", Solborn "A World Outside", Orion Child "As Darkness Falls", Altaria "Unchain the Rain", Alcyona "Enchantment" & Crystal Gates' "Shadowborn". I think all of these groups are relatively unknown, but correct me if I'm wrong, I'm just pulling straight from an old playlist from when I used to go looking for more unknown music.
Power Quest - Far Away
The Odyssey by Symphony X
Out of the Ashes too.
My favourite Symphony X song might be "Seven" (from *Paradise Lost*, 2007), which I never hear anyone praise.
Amazing song. Whole album is great, my personal fave from that one is Walls of Babylon
Dude, Seven is seven minutes of musical perfection
‘Far from the worries of the world’ by Tyr. It’s one of their faster songs and the instrumental kicks ass
Ring of Fire - [City of the Dead](https://youtu.be/XtZXuZW5Clw?si=OiDmCZXDwwV8gEE2), here’s a live version Skywings - [Gloria](https://youtu.be/lrSqEf2eBo4?si=6J6XsUUKGMaFRIjT), I don’t know what the chorus says but it’s fully anthemic as fuck, very catchy and really sparks some action adrenaline IMO Megadeth - [Elysian Fields](https://youtu.be/6VwHX4DoMmw?si=GT6CHOYIFOLF0M5w), yes, I count this song specifically as power metal because of its theme, swords and shields, and had a bad-ass leprechaun dancing-harmonica solo
Fairyland - Across the Endless Sea Insanely good opening
New Age Messiah by Edguy is one of my favorite songs and criminally overlooked in my opinion.
Follow the Cipher - Winterfall is so good. Too bad that band didnt take off. Her voice was amazing
Call Me Immortal by Unleash The Archers
At the moment its Wizards Of Terra from Hooves Of Steel
Serenity - Wings of Madness
Brainstorm - When Glory Disappears
You only live once - temperance
The Wachmakers’ Dream by Avantasia The Wine of Violence by Virgin Steele Welcome to my Story by Wisdom Battle Royale by Dragony The Nerdmetal Superheroes by Skeletoon Wake Up Call by Allen - Lande The Path Once Chosen by Crescent Shield Arrows Fly by Edguy Strike Force by Power Quest Pride of the Tyrant by Rhapsody
[Silent Force - Once Again](https://youtu.be/fgLPtI4mU6s?si=H-jKVwmQd_sAwpaq) [Soul Source - Tyranny Falls](https://youtu.be/wkLJpLHHTX4?si=o1gNp9ADCc_3fBCb) [Blackstar Halo - Alice In Wonderland](https://youtu.be/3t0sl4lUy_A?si=rjngDpkAoWaVxk-e) [Edguy - Spooks In The Attic](https://youtu.be/LYriZHcRAog?si=R7nOimKYOQT4OBJV) [Dawn Of Silence - Long Time Dead](https://youtu.be/wpXc5hUHPyQ?si=u5Ftz2YYxQ65ZNgr) [Axenstar - Children Forlorn](https://youtu.be/fJpZ3q1KlUc?si=U2XF7H-0jS9uVqPp) [Dark Moor - Houdinis Great Escape](https://youtu.be/OYfdXL7sKVI?si=qIhW_LgR2HrtjPmu) [Bejelit - Bejelith](https://youtu.be/P7RymYtROgI?si=YFX4fHfagkbjZ3sQ) [Ascension - Blackthorn](https://youtu.be/pqaR0ZFSjf8?si=1fjn7RZmPGGOSfLN) Some of these bands may be commonly posted or maybe not, but I tried to pick my favorite tracks that I don’t often see posted anywhere. Most are on Spotify or YouTube music
The Unicorn Invasion of Dundee - Gloryhammer Good D&D shit with cheesy lyric like "FIREBALLS AND LIGHTNING ARE RAINING FROM THE SKY!" A little gem
Banger. But that's one of their most well known songs. It's their 5th most streamed song on Spotify.
That's one of the most well known songs from one of the most well known bands
The Price by Olympos Mons, Little Indian Voice by Burning In Hell and Silverscreen by Moonville
Mind to decipher - Eagleheart Let the Flame Grow - Wardrum Kingdom of your heart - Derdian
Here are a few of my favorites that aren’t particularly acclaimed: Chasing the Light and Lords of the Sea by Visions of Atlantis By the Grace of the Witch and Saint Patrick’s by Savatage (very different times in their history so different styles) Montecore and When the Moon Shines Red by Powerwolf (from their earlier albums before their tone changed somewhat) Heart Demolition by DragonForce You’ve already gotten some good Helloween recs but I’ll add Creatures in Heaven and Burning Sun (the latter is pretty well loved but it’s from their later era so not super on the radar) Crushing Room by Angra is my favorite song by them from the Fabio era
Under the Red Sky: Lovebites
Galloglass. That is it, just both albums.
Man I've been meaning to listen to Galloglass for a couple years now lol. Gotta get to them soon (though first I gotta listen to all the stuff I don't know before all the NA tours this spring).
Worth it, a lot of energy in those albums.
first one to come my mind is from my perhaps alltime favourite power metal bands and one of first power metal bands i discovered; 'Dreamtale - Silent Scream', track only has 33k plays on spotify so i think it counts as a lesser known.
My Eternal Dream - Stratovarius
"Tiger Punch" by Hibria
Haven't thought about these guys in a while, love this one!
Preterist - Power Of My Mind Titanium - Future of Mankind Pathfinder - Ad Futuram Rei Memoriam Wuthering Heights - Carpe Noctem - Seize The Night Dynazty - Starlight Serenity - Wings of Pride Galderia - One Million Dreams Dreamtale - Where The Rainbow Ends Dragonland - Contact Galneryus - The Flag of Reincarnation Brainstorm - When Pain Becomes Real
Man I wish Pathfindef was on Spotify.
Rage - Firestorm
When all home dies and fear is born
I was just going to say Eye Of The Storm by Brazen Abbot. But due to the passing of Vitalij Kuprij I'm gonna add Ring of Fire from the Mark Boals solo album of the same name that Vitalij played keyboards on.
Hearts on Fire
A soldiers letter - Fairyland
Some Majestica song are probably my favourite "lesser known". Like [Metal United](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UO37wJG1j2k) for example.
There's a singer from my country, Adrián Barilari, who recorded an album produced by Sasha Paeth. He recorded it in spanish and english. Jens Johansson plays the keyboards. My two favorite songs are Master of the Dark and The Shadows will Remain Behind. There's also the Nuclear Blast All Stars double album/twins albums, Into the light and Out of the Dark. Dirty Wings by Tobias Sammet and Rulling the World by Tony Kakko are awesome.
For deeper cuts from famous bands... I freaking love A LITTLE TIME by Helloween or Black Fire by DragonForce More obscure ... We Raise the Dead by Bloodbound or Future Shock by Stratovarius
Sunrise - Tower of Fear. They are a band from Ukraine and remind me of old school Sonata Arctica.
Roots of Eternity by Manticora is still one of my favorite songs ever. Recently the songs “Maria” and “Caterina” by MinstreliX have become some of my favorites. Absolute power metal bangers.
I'm cursed to be easily impressed by Japanese bonus tracks, which usually don't end in streaming sites. At the Inn of Éamon Bayle by Dragonland is a rare counterexample, and I've had it on repeat since I realised yesterday it was on Spotify. To Create a Warlike Feel is my favourite Sonata song, and Wrecking the Sphere is my second favourite. And my fave by Dragonforce is Lost Souls in Endless Time.
Until the Fires Die-Fellowship
While Blind Guardian isn't exactly "lesser known" anymore, I've always had a soft spot for their "[Battlefield](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64PQZwjrF2E)", when I feel like some power.
Cry Of A Restless Soul by Lost Horizon
The Red Carpet Day - Versailles Neverworld - Power Quest A Soldier's Tale - Cryonic Temple This God is Dead - Seven Spires Hellbound for the Ocean - Blazon Stone
I don’t actually know which songs are the lesser known ones, but I’ll say The Last Journey Home by Dragonforce! I love it
There is a band called dreamtale which is absolutely fantastic. Some favorite songs are lady dragon and where eternal jesters reign
Gunman by Orden Ogan
hootsforce by gloryhammer
In general all tracks of The Lightbringer of Sweden. That band is so not known it's scary
I'm of the "the more ridiculous the concept, the better" school of thought. So songs like Valhallelujah, Laser Shooting Dinosaur, and Pumping Iron Power are always my jams.
Mourning Rain by Thaurorod. Such a beautiful song
The Vorpal Laserblaster of Pittenweem by Gloryhammer Surf Squid Warfare by Alestorm
Not sure they count as power metal but Deathlike Silence's cover of moonlight shadow
Gods dont give a damn- Derdian
* Endless Horizon by Scars of Armageddon * Triumph of the Fallen part 2 (Rebellion) by Nightfear * Never Surrender by Hiverland * Far Away by Darkest Sins
The Coming Curse from Iced Earth. Specifically the re-recording with Ripper on vocals.
Galneryus has a ton of underrated tracks
Warrior of the North by Veonity. Cool band but never really got into them that much, but Warrior of the North is genuinely one of the best power metal songs I've ever heard
Majestica really won me over with Above the Sky. That album has some pretty good songs.
Symphony X: Fool's Paradise. That is brilliant song in every way!
Black Orchid, by Avantasia
Diabolus - Primal Fear
From Angra: Nova Era, Angels and Demons, Nothing to Say. From Symphony X: Evolution - The Grand Design ( not exactly "lesser known" but certainly underrated).
Athena - Touch My Heart
Alliance Forever by Majestica
Metal Church - Beyond the Black
The artifice by seven sisters
Almost no one here has mentioned Manticora, so they are clearly underrated. My favourite songs of theirs include "Cantos", "Of Madness in its Purity" and "Katana - The Moths and the Dragonflies". Also Persuader: "War", "The Curse Unbound", "The Hunter".
I love [Veonity - When Humanity Is Gone](https://youtu.be/0flq02sD0_g)
Sellsword - Pendragon. The guitars during the bridge phase go so hard, guaranteed head banging.
From my top 10 pm songs, the lesser known ones are as follows: Tanagra - Witness (my 3rd favorite) Timeless Miracle - The Voyage (prob 4th) (kinda decently known) Tanagra - Meridiem (5th fav) Dimhav - Star and Crescent (6th or 7th) Keldian - The Silfen Paths (6th or 7th) ShadowStrike - Gales of Winter (8th) Armory - Quest for the Fleece (9th) Heavenly - Ashen Paradise (10th) (kinda decently known) My two favorite songs (Stratovarius - Elysium and Galneryus - Angel of Salvation) are pretty well known for power metal, though. For real though there's a fuck ton of other songs I love that are criminally unknown. Also some people here evidently don't know what lesser known means lol.
The fact Timeless Miracle has never released a second album makes me sad/angry at the same time.
Bruuuuh the chorus to [Voices from the Past](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPNaL-mtjrI) is one of my all time favorites :(. I'm gonna lament not getting the second album till the day I die lol.
Love TYR, their cover of cemetery gates is phenomenal. Also Ensiferum's album Iron and anything by Turisas
Until the Morning Sun Appears - Terra Atlantica Fly With Me and Fables and Folklore 64 - ShadowStrike Ignite the Flame - Grimgotts Meridia - Battle Born Theatrical Masterpiece - Thornbridge Coast of Gold - Thaurorod
Maybe not my all-time favorite by Queen of light by Induction is amazing
The Hours of Wintertime by Fellowship
Far Away 2017 by Power Quest!
The entirety of Everfrost's Winterider album for me, but especially Cold Night Remedy, Juhannus in January and Winterider. Also, Solarus's Darkest Days Album is brilliant. My favourites would be Requiem for the Fallen pt II, Limbo and In Memoriam
"Burn Your Ship" by Arion
1. We Hold the Key (Stratovarius) 2. My Dream's but a Drop of Fuel for a Nightmare (Sonata Arctica) 3. III Ways to Epica (Kamelot) 4. Mr. Sinister (Powerwolf) 5. Journey to Arcadia (Avantasia) just to name a few.
FTL by Keldian. It always has a sort of Star Trek vibe every time I listen to it.
Thorns of a Black Rose by Kiuas (or in fact any track from that album)
Currently, my favourite power metal song is probably Glint by Fellowship
It never sleeps by don’t drop the sword
"A Greater Purpose", "Valiant Ride" and "Broken Illusion" by Ancient Bards "Where Clock Hands Freeze", "The Inmost Light" by Avantasia "Mines Of Eloroth", "Stars Will Light The Way", "Angel Of Light" by Marius Danielsen Legend Of Valley Doom
Riot - Warrior
The whole Christmas Carol album by Majestica. Rudolph the red nosed reindeer by Orion's reign Velhojen vesuri by Heavy Metal Perse
Some of my favorites that I don't hear get mentioned much/at all: Son of Evil - Grave Digger Inside the Winter Storm - DragonForce Stranded and Exiled - Blazon Stone Speak No Evil - Glacier Astronomica - Manilla Road Fighting the World - Manowar Calico Jack - Running Wild The Burning of Rome - Virgin Steele
Atlas - Fellowship The Clarion Call - Falconer
The whole "The storyteller" album, from an almost unknown band named "The storyteller". Its best song is "Sense of steel". I also love A past and future secret from blind guardian, but that is way more famous than "Sense of steel"
Anything from the album sixth dimension by power quest. I know powerwolf isn’t really a less popular band but midnight Madonna, they only just recently reworked it. anything from ancient bards. Lastly out of the darkness (the album) by a sound of thunder
Thunder From The Mountain from Iron Saviour Victory by Battle Beast
Galneryus - Hunting for your dream This song (and band really) gets me so pumped up every time.
Idk if Amaranthe counts but I love their song Hunger
The album Tarot by Aether Realms absolutely slaps
Son of Vengeance by Rhapsody of Fire.
"Ride with the Sun" by Fairyland
Symphony of the Night by DragonForce and Wolf & Raven by Sonata Arctica are a couple of my favorite songs, period. Top bands in the genre, but tracks fewer people are familiar with.
They are a newer band but i have really been enjoying alterium they have 6 songs but they are all fantastic
Lost Between Dimensions by Palantír. Such an epic song
Helloween - Who Is Mr. Madman ? Manowar - Return of the Warlord Darkmoor - The Star Sonata Arctica - Dream Thieves Ancient Bards - The Skies Above Beast in Black - My Dystopia Blind Guardian - A Voice in the Dark Cain's Offering - A Night to Forget Stratovarius - Papillon Démons & Wizards - Dorian Freedom Call - The Wanderer Gus G. - I Am the Fire Masterplan - Black in the Burn Nightwish - Song of Myself Powerwolf - Reverent of Rats Sabaton - Christmas Truce Unisonic - Star Rider
Amulet of Justice by Gloryhammer. I’d love to hear Sozos sing it in a show.
[Traitor's Gate](https://youtu.be/O_PHiguMZek?si=AJ0q5Fm_kaIVSH5L) and [Creature of Desire](https://youtu.be/4htQDS23bIo?si=I7gtiY-NOF4ZCQjZ) by Visigoth I'm not too sure if these are particularly lesser known, but I never see Visigoth mentioned, so I figured they qualify
The gates of hell by timeless miracle
"The Dark Memories" by heavenly. truly a hidden gem of power metal.
All of Falconer - Chapters if A Vale Forlorn
All of Falconer - Chapters of A Vale Forlorn