Power metal is a subgenre of
heavy metal combining characteristics of
traditional metal with
speed metal, often within
symphonic context. Generally, power metal is characterized by a more uplifting sound, in contrast to the heaviness and dissonance prevalent in styles such as
doom metal and
death metal. Power metal bands usually have anthem-like songs with fantasy-based subject matter and strong choruses, thus creating a theatrical, dramatic and emotionally "powerful" sound. The term was first used in the middle of the '80s and refers to two different but related styles: the first pioneered and largely practiced in
North America with a harder sound similar to speed metal, and a later more widespread and popular style based in
Europe (especially
Scandinavia,
Germany,
Greece and
Italy),
South America (especially
Brazil and
Argentina) and
Japan, with a lighter, more melodic sound and frequent use of
keyboards.