Bands similar to early Sonata Arctica?

Something I've been wanting to ask for a while. Anyone know of bands similar to Sonata Arctica, particularly their sound they had going on the first two albums? They just have these great catchy vocal hooks and keyboard melodies I've yet to find in another power metal band, and I'd really love to explore some more "fluffy" European power metal.

Try this one from Twilightning's "Delirium Veil" album. I dig this album but stay far away from anything after this one.

tohostudios wrote:

Try this one from Twilightning's "Delirium Veil" album. I dig this album but stay far away from anything after this one.

I thought that album was kind of by-the-numbers power metal. I think the other 2 1/2 albums smoke that one.

SpectreFate wrote:

tohostudios wrote:

Try this one from Twilightning's "Delirium Veil" album. I dig this album but stay far away from anything after this one.

I thought that album was kind of by-the-numbers power metal. I think the other 2 1/2 albums smoke that one.

You mean stuff like Plague House Puppet Show? The best thing about that one is the lyrics which make no sense whatsoever but are hilarious.

How about Freedom Call?

Thunderstone:

tohostudios wrote:

SpectreFate wrote:

tohostudios wrote:

Try this one from Twilightning's "Delirium Veil" album. I dig this album but stay far away from anything after this one.

I thought that album was kind of by-the-numbers power metal. I think the other 2 1/2 albums smoke that one.

You mean stuff like Plague House Puppet Show? The best thing about that one is the lyrics which make no sense whatsoever but are hilarious.

Delirium Veil is one of the best modern Power Metal albums. I thought Plague House Puppet Show was great aswell though. They moved towards a more 80s hard rock sound which I happen to love. Their last one was appalling though. They sacked the keyboard player and got rid of the awesome melodies. Then they split up. If only they had carried on in the vein of their first album, they could've been as big as Sonata Arctica.

Anything by Stratovarius.

Strato is what came to my mind also.

There's also pre-Epica Kamelot. 4th Legacy and Karma are some of the best albums in that genre. For a band that combines early Kamelot and early Sonata Arctica, there is Serenity:

Timeless Miracle - Into the Enchanted Chamber

Incredibly catchy "Euro" Powermetal

scottmitchell74 wrote:

Timeless Miracle - Into the Enchanted Chamber

Incredibly catchy "Euro" Powermetal

I would second this!

Labyrinth is way more riffy than Sonata Arctica, but if you're looking for the speed and superb vocals and lead playing that fits a similar mold, you do need to get both of the 'Return to Heaven Denied' records, ASAP...the others they have branch out and progress some more, and those are all superb as well. The RTHD duo are hallmarks and benchmarks for this specific style and they do not skimp on the guitars.

Loving these bands! Actually just ordered the Timeless Miracle and Serenity albums.

How about Sunrise?

metalhead777 wrote:

Loving these bands! Actually just ordered the Timeless Miracle and Serenity albums.

Serenity is really good, up till their last effort.

exact33 wrote:

metalhead777 wrote:

Loving these bands! Actually just ordered the Timeless Miracle and Serenity albums.

Serenity is really good, up till their last effort.

See, that's where we part on opinion with that band. The last one was great IMO. Granted the interludes can be annoying, but they are easily skipable.

DallasBlack wrote:

exact33 wrote:

metalhead777 wrote:

Loving these bands! Actually just ordered the Timeless Miracle and Serenity albums.

Serenity is really good, up till their last effort.

See, that's where we part on opinion with that band. The last one was great IMO. Granted the interludes can be annoying, but they are easily skipable.

Death and Legacy comes no where close to Engraved Within or Words Untold and Dreams Unlived imho.

I would also recommend Lorien:

exact33 wrote:

DallasBlack wrote:

exact33 wrote:

metalhead777 wrote:

Loving these bands! Actually just ordered the Timeless Miracle and Serenity albums.

Serenity is really good, up till their last effort.

See, that's where we part on opinion with that band. The last one was great IMO. Granted the interludes can be annoying, but they are easily skipable.

Death and Legacy comes no where close to Engraved Within or Words Untold and Dreams Unlived imho.

I only have Fallen Sanctuary to compare it to and granted it's somewhat inferior, but it is in no way a terrible album.

DallasBlack wrote:

exact33 wrote:

DallasBlack wrote:

exact33 wrote:

metalhead777 wrote:

Loving these bands! Actually just ordered the Timeless Miracle and Serenity albums.

Serenity is really good, up till their last effort.

See, that's where we part on opinion with that band. The last one was great IMO. Granted the interludes can be annoying, but they are easily skipable.

Death and Legacy comes no where close to Engraved Within or Words Untold and Dreams Unlived imho.

I only have Fallen Sanctuary to compare it to and granted it's somewhat inferior, but it is in no way a terrible album.

You should get Words. That album is a fantastic slab of prog metal.

On the list it goes.

I've loved that Sunrise album, but I can't find a place that sells it!!

scottmitchell74 wrote:

I've loved that Sunrise album, but I can't find a place that sells it!!

No one can because that label is a joke. It is all band's own fault though and no one else's.

Stormy...I guess I don't understand. They signed with a crappy label? What a shame, because I listen to the album sometimes on youtube and it's phenomenal.