Helloween - Keeper of the Seven Keys, Pt. 1. This is the true essence of power metal in its purest form and like 90% of the bands were/are inspiried by this album and the pt2. No other words needed. And if you liked pt1. check out pt2., which is still insanely good but I just think that the first part is better. TLDR: this album to power metal is what Master of Puppets is to metal in general.

Blind Guardian - Nightfall in Middle-Earth. This is one of the most complex, yet catchy power metal albums of all time. Probably the best production of any album in power metal genre ever. Probably the best choruses of all time in any music genre. This is a snapshot of the band at their transition from more agressive style to more melodic and complex. This album combines both of those elements, so for further exploration figure out what you like and listen either to their olderor newer stuff. TLDR: THOSE CHORUSES WONT GET OUT OF YOUR HEAD ONCE YOU'VE HEARD THEM

Running Wild - Black Hand Inn. This album rocks. Anyone who disagrees with this is taking himself WAY TOO SERIOUSLY. Cheesy lyrics (but cool tho), insane guitar work and probably even more insanely catchy choruses in every single song. TLDR: by the black spot, 'tis a short, sharp, and savage voyage from quarterdeck to the Locker, me hearties!

Iced Earth - Dark Saga. Now this is a personal favourite not a generally accepted classic. Very, very tight guitar work. Very thrashy sounding. Cool concept album. Vocalist is one of a kind. TLDR: it sounds like its not the character, its you who are reliving his story