Soul Vigilant Tribute : United States Power Metal (Part 2)

                                

• Manilla Road

Formed in 1977 in Wichita, Kansas, Manilla Road is not only one of the first metal bands to come out of the U.S, but they are also one of 

the first to use epic theme lyrics and imagery.They released their debut called Invasion in 1980, which was the breakthrough year of the NWOBHM. Manilla Road showed the world of heavy metal that U.S bands could stand right next to their contemporaries in Europe.Invasion was followed by Metal, the album that defined their unique style with The Shark's trademark solos and the use of keyboards, which was not common in metal at the time, and after that came the magnificent album called Crystal Logic, a true landmark in the history of heavy metal.After releasing some more classic albums like The Deluge and Open the Gates, they disbanded in 1992 and reunited two years later, remaining still active and are still able to deliver masterpieces (Voyager), even though all of the original lineup except for Mark ''The Shark'' Shelton (the heart and soul of the band) is gone.

Standout records : Crystal Logic, The Deluge, Voyager (and more) 

• Riot

Riot.The band with the worst album covers.Ever.Luckily their music was the exact opposite.Formed in 1975 by guitarist Mark Reale (R.I.P 2012) they were not only one of the first metal bands to come from the U.S, but they were also one of the first U.S metal bands (if not the first) to release a record, their debut, Rock City being released in 1977.It surely doesn't sound like today's metal, but it was clearly ahead of its time.The follow - up albums Narita and Fire Down Under, fully embraced the sound of the NWOBHM, giving us classics like Swords and Tequila and Road Racin', but it was not until 1987, when their quintessential album, Thundersteel was released and instantly became a classic in the hearts of all heavy metal fans.It clearly influenced the sound of the European power metal, not even musically, but also lyrically with its powerful and uplifting themes about real life and fantasy alike.The band still remains active, but after the unfortunate death of guitarist and mastermind Mark Reale and vocalist Tony Moore's departure in 2012 the lineup remains incomplete and the band has stopped performing for the moment.Their last album, Immortal Soul, was a very good effort and a good way for Mark to say farewell to us. R.I.P.

Standout Records : Fire Down Under, Thundersteel

• Helstar

Hailing from Houston, Texas, Helstar is one of the purest power metal examples the USA has to offer (many other bands in the USPM scene are considered by many to be just traditional heavy metal).They were formed in 1981 and released their debut, Burning Star in 1984, after recording 2 demos.Then, they proceeded to release classic albums such as Remnants of War and Nosferatu.James Rivera's over-the-top vocal performance and the complexity of the guitar work shook the waters of the U.S heavy metal scene.They were also one of the few traditional-sounding bands to employ speed drumming, giving a thrash metal edge to their sound.They disbanded at some point, after the release of their weakest album, Multiples of Death (1995) and they reunited again in 2007 with their classic Remnants of War lineup and have given us 3 great albums until today.

Standout records : Remnants of War, Nosferatu, A Distant Thunder

• Savatage

And now it's time for my personal favorite.Savatage started as Avatar in 1979 in Tampa, Florida and released a 3-track EP under that name in 1983.They changed their name to the one we all know the same year and released their sensational debut, called Sirens.A year later, they released what I revere as the greatest EP in all of metal, The Dungeons are calling.After releasing a not-so-amazing album (Power of the Night) and a really bad one (Fight for the Rock), they released the great classic Hall of the Mountain King (1987) and a year later they came back with another classic, Gutter Ballet, which turned the band's raw heavy metal sound into a more progressive and artistic direction.Everything changed in 1993 when Jon Oliva left the band and gave his place to vocalist Zak Stevens.After releasing the great album Edge of Thorns in 1994, guitarist and main songwriter Criss Oliva died in a car accident (R.I.P).The band went on to record 3 more albums with Stevens on the mic, until Jon Oliva's return in 2001, when the band recorded their last album, Poets and Madmen.After releasing the album the band was put on hold and has remained so until today.

Standout records : The Dungeons Are Calling EP, Hall of the Mountain King, Gutter Ballet

• Vicious Rumors

Another great example of pure U.S power metal, Vicious Rumors were formed in Santa Rosa, California in 1980. 5 years later they released their awesome debut, Soldiers of the Night, an album cited as an influence by many of the power metal bands at the other side of the sea.Then they proceeded to release their (IMO) magnum opus, Digital Dictator and after releasing their mediocre self-titled LP, they came back even more powerful with another masterpiece, Welcome to the Ball.Due to inconsitencies in the lineup, their sound has changed dramatically over the course of time and thus making them push their sound into a more groove metal direction, in a similar vein to Pantera, which surprisingly was not bad at all.The new sound suited the band quite well in fact.After releasing 2 albums in that direction, they decided to go back to their trademark power metal sound.The band has been in very good form, even after the turn of the millennium and have given us 4 overall solid records, one of which was released just a month ago.

Standout Records : Digital Dictator, Welcome to the Ball

See you around mates!Keep checking the Vigilant for part 3!