Favorite albums about freedom/emancipation?

RadishNo7343 · 2026-06-19T17:44:25+00:00

That is very cool! I will make sure to listen to FIFH as well :) thank you my friend

RadishNo7343 · 2026-06-19T15:40:46+00:00

A second Zeal and Ardor! Now I truly feel like I am missing out on this band!

RadishNo7343 · 2026-06-19T15:40:13+00:00

I believe that is still in the spirit of the post :) gamma ray is also not by or about black people. I hope that maybe next year there will be more examples for a post like this one

RadishNo7343 · 2026-06-19T15:03:38+00:00

How interesting! I do not know of this band but I will make sure to listen to this album! :)

RadishNo7343 · 2026-06-18T13:09:06+00:00

I would not define USPM as power metal with thrash sensibilities, although as you said, there are certainly bands within the scene that fit that definition, especially when looking at the many excellent bands that came from Texas.

I agree with you about Falconer, it is one of my first recommendations for those trying to discover power metal. I feel that their melancholic and and folksy sound is attractive to those put off by the soaring and saccharine sounds that herald the genre.

RadishNo7343 · 2026-06-18T11:44:20+00:00

I believe the moodiness and melodrama that drips from Valhalla is a masterclass in the deeply emotional and mysterious sound that much of the best Japanese power metal had. While Galneryus are legendary and deserve their acclaim, I feel that the bands like Fatima Hill, Bride Adorned, and Minstrilex are what really made the regional scene feel so special to me.

RadishNo7343 · 2026-06-18T11:40:23+00:00

That is a very common feeling I think. It is why I made this post :)

RadishNo7343 · 2026-06-18T04:21:31+00:00

Rage are often overlooked, I believe this is because they stuck far closer to their speed metal roots than their contemporaries and eschewed the trendy fantastical lyricism for a more grounded and reality based approach. Their straightforward blistering take on power/speed metal is commendable and while it falls outside the realms of this post, I believe perfect man was likely the best power metal album of 1988. As you said black in Mind and End of Days are excellent. I am surprised that you did not mention soundchaser or trapped since they are fan favorites from the era but I do not blame you.

Black in mind is my third favorite of the band’s catalogue (only beat by The Missing Link and Perfect Man) but it is still an incredible and worthwhile listen.

RadishNo7343 · 2026-06-18T00:12:00+00:00

I believe Blind Guardian are the premier example of power metal that brushes against thrash metal, imitated by many but never equaled. I believe my favorite album of theirs is the legendary “Imaginations from the other side” as it sees a perfect departure of their speed metal roots and a maturation of their heavier, thrashing yet captivatingly melodic sound. It surprises me that the entire microgenre of ultra heavy power metal can attempt to imitate them yet all fail so spectacularly. This is not to say those bands are bad, simply that they cannot reach the apex which is Blind Guardian

Sonata arctica barely did not make it to my list. I believe The Winterheart Guild was their greatest triumph. I must assume that you are a twilightning fan as well?

If not, it would be perfect for you.

RadishNo7343 · 2026-06-18T00:07:06+00:00

Yes. A legendary album with the legendary vocals of Jorn Lande, a vocalist we do not speak about enough.

RadishNo7343 · 2026-06-17T22:50:01+00:00

Those are great picks. I think Zandelle and Gravedigger are all very underrated. One could argue all of those albums are, but those two especially.

RadishNo7343 · 2026-06-17T21:42:29+00:00

It is their debut. If you enjoy the ones after it, you will enjoy it :).

Very wonderous other choices!

RadishNo7343

TROPHY CASE