Anyone played in a power metal band?

[oniman7]

A guy contacted me on Facebook earlier (we had been facebook friends) saying that he noticed my musical tastes and how my opinions were different than a lot of musicians in my city, he saw I'm a teacher so I must know some theory, etc.

He invited me to come audition for a band he's putting together. The lead singer is the dude in this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfnIBnz2_zw (very cheesy video haha) He's got pipes and here he is live with a very strong performance
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3joUEb5xoo


For those who don't know, power metal is basically if you take a lot of Iron Maiden (seriously, they can almost all be traced back to Iron Maiden) with some Megadeth, 80's thrash and glam metal (Dokken) and make it a little faster. High technicality, lots of harmonies, lead lines, powerful vocals, etc. Usually they tell stories, often of sci-fi or fantasy.

He sent me a couple covers they're trying to do
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3joUEb5xoo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9h3jRaZyB4


I've listened to this kind of stuff since I was 12 or 13, and I've always wanted to play it. Another opportunity came up recently but the lead singer wanted everybody to wear leather pants and swung a big hammer around while he sang, and that crossed my comfort zone.

Anyways, anybody done a gig like this?

[BassOrdinaire]

Can definitely be some good cheesy fun if you're into that kind of thing. You will build some killer right-hand chops most likely.

[MCS4]

I played in an all-original power metal band once. It can be very cool if done right, which to me means taking the best parts (operatic vocals, stirring choruses, emphasis on melody while staying heavy) but ditching the cliched elements (costumes, props, makeup, the same three or four Maiden rhythms). I thought our band worked because the singer and lead guitarist nailed the melodic elements, but we added a bit more modern extreme metal/groove metal heaviness to it and a plains-clothes style to tone down the cheesier tendencies.

+1 on the fact that it will build up some plucking-hand chops.

[powmetalbassist]

I used to play in a power metal band [see my name above] (mixed with Thrash, Progressive metal, NWOBHM & a touch of Black Metal). I love the energy from this music. The problem becomes finding an audience. Band changed its sound to more fit the local scene (Death, Black Metal, Hardcore) and thats when I bailed. A powermetal band in a sea of Deathmetal just isn't gonna float too well. Lots of fun to play and write though.

[Piggy8692]

I would totally join a power metal band if I had the opportunity and no other commitments. Powermetal would be one of my favorite styles if there was a way to cut the cheese. Great way to hone your skills.

[Atomic Al]

I play in a self dubbed "Brutal Power Metal" band..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbtM06gRC3g
It's alot of fun! If you think you will enjoy it give it a shot.

[Mr_Music90]

I haven't played in it, but I would like to in the future Despites the costumes you mentioned, the music is kick ass!

If you want to develope yourself for that kind of music, you should get a 5 or 6 string bass. This way you have more range for your bass lines. When it comes to your techniques, I would recommend Franck Hermanny's bass licks DVD.

Franck Hermanny is the bass player of Adagio, a Progressive Symphonic Metal band. They started as a Neo-classic Metal band, but got more in the Symphonic Metal and Death Metal with there later albums.

His DVD doesn't only teaches you the awesome bass lines of Adagio, but you will learn tapping (2 hands), bass sweeping, double thumbing, alternative thumb picking, slap 'n pop and flamengo-like strumming.

However, Franck plays 6 string basses exclusively and use the range of all 6 strings a lot in his work. So if you would like to buy his DVD, a 6 string bass is the best to have

[rolleharris]

Now this is a thread for me. I am from Sweden and i play in a powermetal band called Cryonic Temple. Plenty of fun epic songs :-)