Even if they’d never released Elements (Part I and II), Stratovarius would be MY favorite Power Metal Band, not only a power metal, but for any music.
Listen to their ‘Stratovarius II or Twilight Time’, ‘Fourth Dimension’, ‘Episode’, ‘Vision’, ‘Dreamspace’, ‘Destiny’ and ‘Infinite’. And after you’ve had enough, add ‘Eements’!
Stratovarius came earlier than Helloween, though the latter is commonly considered the first power metal act. They re-introduced and perfected the use of Keyboards in melodic metal.
Apart from fast keyboard solos, blazing guitar runs, high pitched vocals and pounding drums, their trademark “sad rush’ or melancholic style is the single most factor that won my heart.
Stratovarius….I hail thee!!! Long live Scandinavian Metal!!
Fifth Dimension 