List of power metal bands

This is a list of power metal bands including notable bands that have at some point in their careers played power metal or heavily contributed to the genre's development.

Power metal has two distinct early styles, which developed in parallel.

US Power Metal was developed in the mid/late 80s, pioneered by bands such as Omen and characterized by harsh thrashy sound and a focus on speed and soaring operatic vocals.

It was directly influenced by speed metal and NWOBHM, and had a drop in popularity in the 90s.

A more widespread and popular style, European Power Metal, was developed in the late 80s by key bands such as Helloween, and was more melodic, employing keyboards, synths and anthem-like songs.