I don't at all buy the argument that power metal bands don't blast because that's not how people in the 80s played metal. Blast beats are extremely aggressive and that's just not what power metal is about. Power metal is mostly about melody of the keys, guitar, vocals, and the general "epic" feeling of the songwriting; all of which are conveyed much better by double bass runs than constant snare hits. The same goes for heavy metal. And thrash with blast beats is essentially just grindcore, so it makes sense thrash bands don't blast much either; it completely changes the vibe.

For the other question, there are two main reasons power metal bands are less common. The first is skill: to play even entry-level power metal, everyone in the band needs to be a near expert at their instrument. It's possible to play competently in a black/death/doom/heavy/thrash band within a year of starting out. Power metal, with its insistence on theatrics, speed, and solos... you're looking at closer to five years of regular practice to get there.

Second is popularity. Although power metal is popular in Europe and Japan, that's about as far as it goes. Despite a recent minor resurgence in popularity in North America, the audience is just comically small. Unleash The Archers are unequivocally the biggest North American power metal band at the moment and even they play 200-300 person clubs.

Although power metal is popular in Europe and Japan, that's about as far as it goes.

The world is more than just Europe, Japan and North America.
Power metal bands are big in South America as well.

There are a few power metal bands that fill stadiums though. For example, Helloween, here in Argentina they played in a micro stadium with a capacity of 8000 people, their last tour they sold out the venue.

Chile has 88 active power metal bands vs 940 active death metal bands.

I knew as soon a I made that comment people would be jumping on me with examples of the most popular power metal bands of all time and acting like what they do is a normal part of the scene and not complete outliers. This is like saying Industrial Metal is popular because Rammstein exists.

Why aren't there any Immortal clones in Black Metal? I know there're many bands with a sort of similar sound, but I can't think of any band that copies their style fully.

Why aren't there any Immortal clones in Black Metal? I know there're many bands with a sort of similar sound, but I can't think of any band that copies their style fully.

Inspired by the legibility of death metal lyrics debate going on in the Unpopular Opinions thread, I was just wondering if there has been a changing perception regarding the importance of lyrical quality in heavy metal. It’s probably a reflection of my own bias, but it seems like metal lyrics are much more of an afterthought compared to past decades. If it is a thing, what caused the shift? Could we really blame extreme metal for it since it often seems like they aren’t as important in melodic metal genres either?

How often do you guys find heavy metal cds in thrift stores or donated book/media sales? I found an Oceanborn copy at the thrift store for $2 and an Angel of Retribution yesterday at my campus's book sale for $3.

Chapter 3 of my Manilla Road plunge:

I'll admit I was left kinda cold with The Deluge, but I figured onward and upward, so I got Crystal Logic next. The songs are definitely there. If It had Mystification's production it would be my favorite Manilla Road album ever.

How often do you guys find heavy metal cds in thrift stores or donated book/media sales? I found an Oceanborn copy at the thrift store for $2 and an Angel of Retribution yesterday at my campus's book sale for $3.

I will pick up Open The Gates, but won't that just have the same production as The Deluge? Especially since its in between that and Crystal?

Sounds like you live at the best college ever!

How likely might it be, that Slayer's slower moments during their classic era, such as the intro to South of Heaven, influenced doom metal to come?

Doom metal already existed by then....

How often do you guys find heavy metal cds in thrift stores or donated book/media sales? I found an Oceanborn copy at the thrift store for $2 and an Angel of Retribution yesterday at my campus's book sale for $3.

What are your guys' opinions on the lyrics of post-MO Avantasia? They often warrant some minor criticism that they don't make too much sense, though you could make an argument that part of the appeal of the vague lyrics is that you get to pin your own story or imagination based on what was written, which is the true meaning of Avantasia.

Where did Agent Steel get the sample used in "The Calling" from?

Is there a lore reason why Tom Araya's vocals sound soooo weak and disinterested on South of Heaven?

Have any of you guys seen Death to All live? Is the official tribute band of Death fronted by Steve Digiorgio. I am hearing great things about them, they recently came to South America, and I was surprised by the reaction of people to the show.
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So I stumbled into the members section of Possessed and I see Jack Nguyen, piano player since 1983. Since when the fuck does Possessed have a piano player.

Has Tuomas Holopainen mishandled his talents?

Aside from him and Emppu, they are the only founding members since 1996 and from then, many have gotten fired or left from Tarja, Anette, Marco, Sami to Jukka. That's not quite a good track record for a leader especially for a band like Nightwish. While the music is good for the most part, there plenty of hits than misses and he does come across the narcissistic that don't really care much about his former bandmembers and get fired for any reason and then writes a sappy song about it.

So, what are your thoughts?