Top 5 power metal bands of all time

This is not a poll. I just want your opinion. Please list what you consider to be the top five power metal bands of all time. Thanks!

To do this effectively, I think a definition of power metal is necessary. No one can agree on that.

I can name a few of mine, but don't wanna limit the list to merely 5.

Helloween
Gamma Ray
Freedom Call
Iron Fire
Blind Guardian
Firewind
Mystic Prophecy
Power Quest
HammerFall
Stratovarius
Nightwish
Sinergy
Jag panzer

Just to name a few!

Depends on your definition of power metal.

ultmetal wrote:

Some that came to mind:
Grave Digger
Brainstorm
Enola G ay
Dream Evil
Hammerfall
Sinner
Primal Fear
Symphorce
Angel Dust

and if they still be considered power metal
Metal Church
Vicious Rumors
Nevermore
Recon
Vanize

and an old band I only recently discovered:
RapidFire (CA)'

I
guess I consider bands like U.D.O., Accept, Judas Priest, Armored Saint
to be traditional heavy metal. Early Grave Digger is traditional heavy
metal. Even a band like Metalium seem more traditional heavy metal than
power metal to me. Power metal in the 80's were those bands that rode a
fence between heavy metal and thrash. Metal Church would be the perfect
example. In the 80's Ultimatum would have been considered power metal.
Modern power metal is much, much different.

JUDAS PRIEST
IRON MAIDEN
FATES WARNING
METAL CHURCH
QUEENSRYCHE

SpectreFate wrote:

To do this effectively, I think a definition of power metal is necessary. No one can agree on that.

If no one can agree on it, why is it necessary?!

Blind Guardian
Symphony X
Demons & Wizards
Rob Rock (includes all of his projects)
Savatage

Pick 5 without operatic vocals and songs about hobbits...I'll go with those.

Iced Earth
Blind Guardian
Helloween
Gamma Ray
Angel Dust

I also love Axxis and Stratovarius (+Kotipelto solo).


Reading the other replies: if Savatage counts, they are my #1. Impellitteri would be high up, too.

If we're going to include the modern definition:

Helloween
Metal Church
Blind Guardian
Nevermore
Rage

Are nevermore a power metal band?? Sanctuary for sure, but not nevermore

Helloween
Crimson Glory
Fates Warning
Blind Guardian
Nightwish