Keeper of the Seven Keys, Pt. 1 cover

Keeper of the Seven Keys, Pt. 1

Released

You can point the blame at Maiden or Malmsteen or Manowar all you want, but power metal truly started with these pumpkinheads. The doubletime drumming, the neoclassical guitars, the falsetto vocals, the obtuse conceptual storyline — it’s all there. Not much in the way of muscle, but plenty of dexterity as these German gymnasts perform complicated routines through speedy symphonies like “Future World” and “Halloween.” Thankfully, they don’t leave the hooks behind on the launching pad.

Jeff Treppel

Recommended by

Suggestions