10 Greatest Power Metal Albums Of All Time
1. Keeper Of The Seven Keys Part II - Helloween
If someone had to pick out one power metal album, just one, to represent the entire genre, it would be this one right here. Everything good about the genre, is highlighted to perfection in Helloween’s 1988 masterpiece.
Their first two albums were quintessentially speed metal. Here however, the band set themselves apart and establishes their unique formula, one that retained the best things about speed metal, while adding a taste exclusive to Helloween.
The addition of Michael Kiske on vocals, whose style perfectly complemented that of Kai Hansen, along with Hansen and Weikath’s tremendous guitar work, Schwichtenberg’s breakneck drumming pace, and the immersive lyrics, make sure every single power metal box is ticked.
Helloween also ensure a diverse experience, by steering some of the songs into humorous territory. Mr. Stein, one of their all-time greatest hits, is about as cheeky as power metal ever got. The legacy of this album transcends borders and eras. It went on to inspire power metal bands all over the world, and continues to do so, to this very day.
Everything on this album can be considered essential-listening, but if one had to pick, they have to go for Dr. Stein, the title track, Eagle Fly free, and of course, Helloween’s most famous hit, the infectious I Want Out.