36. Gamma Ray - Powerplant (1999)Gamma Ray IMO, are the definitive band when it comes to power metal, and Powerplant could be the definitive power metal album. This is classic. It's melodic, very cheesy, fast paced, ripping solos, soaring vocals, boombastic, cheese fest lyrics and some complex yet well thought out song structures. Every song on this album really shines and a special mention to the amazing Pet Shop Boys cover of its a sin. Kai Hansen and the boys deliver a terrific album filled with some nice variety in the songs and just an overall kick ass power metal album. This album had incredible lasting power and got so many spins from me. Power metal heads should already own this.
Best tracks - Anywhere in the Galaxy, Razorblade Sigh, Send Me A Sign, Strangers in the Night, Gardens of the Sinner, Armageddon, It's A Sin
Anywhere in the Galaxy -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cbnes-Q9ZEGardens of the Sinner -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wDig7BQM9c35. Last Tribe - The Uncrowned (2003)Here's a virtually unknown melodic power metal band. Magnus Karlsson is the mastermind behind this band. Some of you may know him from the Allen/Lande projects and currently in Primal Fear, plus many, many other projects and guest apperances. Magnus is pretty much the king of melodic rock, and has been for quite a few years. This was his first real musical output. His was in a band called Midnight Sun, but was just a guitarist, Last Tribe is his first real idea and creation of his amazing brand of melodic power metal. I have been hooked on this album since about 2005 and I still listen to it regulary. It is simply some of the best melodic power metal ever created. Every song has a chorus that is just gold, brilliant melodies, a stunning rhythm section, great vocals and flawless melodic guitar playing. It may interest some of you that the bass player is Dick Lovgren from Meshuggah. I have many great memories of good times meeting my current girlfriend around the same time as discovering this band, so there is a strong nostalgic connection also. But simply, this album is stunning and anyone remotely into power metal should check it out, it's simply incredible.
Best tracks - Healer, Sacrifice, The Otherworld, The Uncrowned, Sound of Rain, Call of the Tribe
Healer -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OUije2FW-i0The Uncrowned -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kxQckq9-g