Secondly Melodic Metal is a stand-alone genre that once dominated the airwaves worldwide. Although this genre of "Poseurs" is hated by many who consider themselves True (often spelled "tr00") Metalheads. In truth, many bands of this genre cross back and forth over the line between Hard Rock and Metal. So much so in fact that many of the 80's Hard Rock bands were labeled as Metal based on image although musically they really were not. Nevertheless, Melodic Metal skyrocketed to popularity in the 1980's, and many bands of this genre reached superstar status. Bon Jovi, Slaughter, Ratt, and Warrant among others were once household words in North and South America, Europe, and Japan.
            Ironically it is the commercial success of this genre that is the source of distain from some Metal fans, since commercial success itself is considered a "sellout" to the corporate world. In addition this form of "Pop Metal" gave rise to the Power Ballad with sentimental themes like love and heartbreak considered to be very "un-metal." MTV could, although they probably never would, credit many in the genre for their success, as the videos produced by these bands were flashy and drew a large viewing audience for the young cable channel. MTV once catered expressly to that audience with shows like the three hour long Headbanger's Ball on Saturday nights. Interestingly enough MTV has become one of the leading detractors of the 80's Metal scene.

            Another reason this genre receives much criticism is the image that became associated with it. Excessively teased big hair and spandex were the order of the day. The image reached new extremes when bands like Poison donned makeup and lipstick, and the genre was derogatorily dubbed Hair or Glam Metal. Promoters and managers often pushed this image at the time rather than the bands themselves. Nevertheless, even some heavier bands like Mötley Crüe known for their leather and fire image came to adopt the hair and spandex. Other bands got tagged with the Glam or Hair moniker because they were of the same era although they never embraced the facade. Unfortunately, while Melodic Metal showcased some extremely talented musicians and extraordinary lyrics many are unaware of these accomplishments, as they will never see past the silly image, nor hear past the plethora of shallow songs about parties, sex, and cars.

            Melodic Metal remains a viable genre even today albeit as a mere shadow of its former greatness. Some of the bands of the era like Bon Jovi remain hugely popular. Poison and Cinderella also continue their successful careers on the touring circuit, often taking other bands from the era like Dokken and Great White on the road with them. Other bands such as Pink Cream 69 enjoy a fair amount of success in Europe. Once these bands are gone it seems unlikely they will be replaced, as there appears to be few if any new up and coming bands in the genre at present.

Examples of Melodic Metal artists: Bon Jovi, Winger, Slaughter, Steelheart, FireHouse, Whitesnake, Danger Danger, Alias.

            American Power Metal: This style is somewhat akin to Thrash as the guitars are often played using the same choppy staccato riffs. However, elements are found in American Power that would rarely if ever be found in Thrash. Aside from the vocals the most prominent difference would be the use of keyboards, which gives American Power a much more melodic air in contrast to the rawness of Thrash. Also American Power bands have been known to use other elements like choirs and orchestra instruments.
            There are relatively few bands that still play this style of Power Metal, as the European school has proven to be far more prolific. Currently there is a new generation of Power Metal bands emerging in the U.S., but these bands- Kamelot, Impellitteri, Zandelle etc.- subscribe to the European format. In a bit of roll reversal there are a few up and coming European bands like Symphorce and Black Desitiny whose playing is more the American style.

            European Power Metal: This style is far more bombastic than its American sister, with much orchestration, big choirs, and attention to melody. European Power Metal also stresses speed, speed, and more speed, and has therefore become synonymous with Speed Metal as has been previously discussed. This style also tends to use a lot of lyrics drawn from mythology, science fiction, medieval, or fantasy themes woven into tales of great battles and heroic deeds. Although these traits are drawn from Epic Metal they have given Power metal a reputation as being very up beat or "Happy," and so disdainfully dismissed by some as being "Cheesey." It should be noted that it is the falsetto style that defines the genre, and not lyrical content, which is a common misconception. This form of Metal is very popular across the E.U. and South America. It remains deep underground in the U.S. however, with a cult following at best. Euro Power follows three basic formats:
            The German style is usually the heaviest and most straightforward with less use of keyboards. This format closely resembles Traditional Metal though there is a prevalent use of double bass drums to produce a constant stream of sixteenth notes. This double bassing technique gives the music a powerful galloping quality.
            The Italian style is the most extravagant using keyboards to emulate entire orchestra string sections. Elements of Renaissance, Classical, and Baroque music are frequently present giving the music a grandiose flare.
            The Swedish style is mostly a blend of the two. Heavier than the Italians, but crisper and more polished than the Germans. Keyboards serve a more traditional function as a backing instrument rather than the exaggerated role they play in the Italian school.

            As in the case of Gothic the term Power Metal is an often misused, and the genre has become somewhat of a catch-all phrase to classify many bands that don't really belong in it. There is such a tendency in the rush to classify bands in modern terms that older genres are over looked. Also, older genres tend to become associated with eras in music, and therefore avoided when describing newer bands and artists. As a result many bands commonly referred to as Power Metal would be more accurately described as Traditional Heavy Metal, or even Melodic metal. This is a point of contention and source of irritation to Power Metal purists; however, the practice has become so widespread that for most the point is no longer worth arguing about. In addition too many bands cross the already vague boundaries between Heavy, Power, and Melodic Metal to be so easily pigeonholed.

Examples of American Power Metal artists: Manowar, Iced Earth, Nevermore, Jag Panzer, Savatage, Shatter Messiah.

Examples of European Power Metal artists: Helloween, GammaRay, Edguy, Rhapsody, HammerFall, Brainstorm, Rage.

Avant-garde:
            Undoubtedly there is room for much diversity within the genre with Conception and Opeth being at opposite ends of the spectrum. However, there are some who argue that the definition of the genre is too narrow. After all, the argument goes, the term "Progressive" is incompatible with a stagnant or formularized style as described above. They contend that integrating anything new, different, unusual, or innovative is the true definition of "Progressive."
            Their detractors point out that such innovations could include rubbing gravel on a cheese grater, which they'd rather not have included in their version of Progressive. Also singing lullabies set to Deathgrind would definitely be something new and unusual, but the resulting music would certainly not match the description above. The challenge then becomes to find suitable terminology that describes the second definition without displacing the first. Some have applied the word “Experimental”; however, it tends to be a self-limiting term. Obviously once something has been done once and becomes a regularly used element, concept, or feature it ceases to be experimental.
            Avant-garde is French for "Vanguard," which means forefront or leading edge. As applied to art and music of any kind, Metal included, it refers to the cutting edge, the pushing of boundaries, innovation, and novelty. This then fills the requirement of describing those "truly" Progressive artists without infringing upon Progressive Metal's moniker. Avant-garde is not yet a widely used term in Metal circles, but its use is growing.

Examples of Progressive Metal artists: Dream Theater, Fates Warning, Symphony X, Pain of Salvation, Evergrey, Opeth.

Examples of Neo-Classical Metal artists: Yngwie J. Malmsteen, Joe Stump, Tony MacAlpine, Michael Angelo Batio, Adagio.

Examples of Symphonic Metal artists: Nightwish, Therion, Rhapsody, Cradle of Filth, Symphony X, Dimmu Borgir.