Galneryus - The Flag Of Punishment (2003), Advance To The Fall (2005)
Genre: neoclassical / power metal
Many bands try to make their first work as high-quality as possible. But someone is able to generate interesting ideas, but someone is not able. These guys just have this ability. Someone might say that during this period this band was just a copy of Stratovarius and would be right. But this was just the basis for the beautiful compositions. The result is obvious: they have been giants of Asian metal scene for ten years already. And it all started with amazing albums.
Light Bringer - Midnight Circus (2010), Genesis (2012)
Genre: symphonic / power / progressive metal
Someone tries from beginning to make maximum impression on listeners, and someone long searches for the sounding. In 2005-2006 band Light Bringer was a miserable sight with incomprehensible perspectives. But soon they were able to convince the audience of their competence with the help of Heartful Message (2007). From that moment on they understood in what direction to move. And on this wave there are two beautiful albums: Midnight Circus (2010) and Genesis (2012). The result of the 5-year search is impressive. To say that “we hear the usual power metal” means insulting the members of this band.
Yes, there is also a very cool Scenes Of Infinity (2013), but there is already nothing special about it. It is made on the wave of inspiration from two very successful albums. And in it, only echoes of past success are heard.
Alhambra - Fadista (2007)
Genre: symphonic / power / progressive metal
This release is so good that I don't even dare to write something about it.
Gunbridge - Privilege of Ten Thousands (2014)
Genre: speed / power metal
The ways of Galneryus and Yama-B broke up in 2008. Yama-B returned to the projects of Rekion and Gunbridge. And Gunbridge is turned out very interesting. It would seem that the usual power metal with very fast tremolo. But listen to this song and you will understand everything.
In my opinion, over the past 15 years this is the standard of sounding speed / power metal.
Concerto Moon - Rise From Ashes (2008)
Genre: neoclassical / power metal
Initially, they were also just a copy of the western mainstream. But this time, Norifumi-sensei produced a truly great and unique work. Album name corresponds to the content. For a long time they were just a copy of such projects as Deep Purple, Rainbow, Malmsteen, Royal Hunt, Dio. After the album Rain Forest (2001) it became obvious: it's a new legend. But it was in album Rise From Ashes that combination of the skill of instrumentalists and composer reached the zenith. However, the first song from the album will say better than any words.
Octaviagrace - Resonant Cinema (2015)
Genre: progressive / power metal
I can explain many things and I rarely have words to describe. Here is a case. Release is so good that I can't describe it in words.
Lujaneeza - Angelic Toxicity (2013)
Genre: thrash / power metal
You will reproach me for this choice for a long time, but I have already done it. It's difficult for this album to put an estimate of 100 out of 100. It would seem that a thrash rhythm section was combined with a general melodic pattern. And result - medium release, which can get 60-70 out of 100.
But
You will not believe me, but it's a very rare combination on metal scene. Yes, you can remember Anchang with his "machinegun" team. But they have too much dispersion: album is played by speed / power metal, and on the next single - thrash metal in Drop C tuning.
But this band purposefully strengthened power metal pattern. Not for nothing that their music they call "New Wave Of Brutal Hime Metal". So here you can put 70 for an excellent instrumental and an amazing voice. The remaining 30 - for an interesting idea.
Lost Eden - Cycle Repeats (2007)
Genre: melodic death metal
Extreme music are known for very high intensity of sound extraction. And as an extremely specific topic. But you can just repeat one note at high speed, or you can draw interesting pictures in listeners ears. For fans of the Japanese scene, Nagoya has gloomy associations. And this band is no exception. No, this is not another groove metal like Oz or post-hardcore like Balalaika. Here charms of extreme style and the composer's excellent work combine incredibly successfully.
Beautiful instrumental parts with interestingly constructed vocal parts create a unique atmosphere of desperation and zeal, forcing listener to ponder over each word. It does not matter what year you listen to it - this album is always relevant.
