1.HELLOWEEN - the German masters, have inspired so many bands, only band rivalling in inspiration stakes being Maiden. Keeper Pt2 - absolute landmark.
2.IRON MAIDEN - very close to the 'weeners, being somewhat less consistent in quality of output. Can't wait for next album
3. GAMMA RAY - anything with Kai Hansen is worth investigating.
4. SAVATAGE - America's best secret. Priest like early on in their career and then in a pronounced U - TURN in the last 10 years or so have crafted some of the most mature melodic metal ever to be released. Faves Hall of the Mountain King and Streets: A Rock Opera.
5. EDGUY - Great young German band steeped in the HELLOWEEN tradition and yet carving a niche of their own.
6. CRIMSON GLORY - Forget their current alternative disaster Astronomica - check out their earlier classics.
7. ANGRA - Brazilian melodic legends - fantastic singer, great melodies.
8. IMPELITERRI - still vital.
9. LOUDNESS - yeah, they are cheesy, but their Japan's best.
10. THIN LIZZY - not really a power metal combo but the Gorham/Robertson twin guitar attack was THE best ever.
Any opinions, anybody?