Also, I laughed when I saw Braid up there. Not cause it's a bad game, but because it's Hipster Game of the YearTM.

ARHHRHHRHHHGSGAFLKJASKLDAGVWJKN NO HL2?!??!?!?!?!!?

Slough Feg is good stuff.

MF's first two albums, self-titled EP and even their unreleased tracks that were later redone into actual songs on the full lengths are all amazing. Some of the best guitar work for oldschool, traditional heavy metal as well as some of the best atmosphere.

I can't (I won't) defend Manowar's image. That's one of those things that I just came to accept. How can you say Manowar don't sing about Thor? That's what they're all about. Maybe not Thor specifically, but all of their songs are about battles and being manly and shit.

I heard they'll play any show for $500 and some alcohol.

There are European bands out there that can do power metal very well. Defender, Running Wild, Iron Savior, Blind Guardian to name a few.

Yep.

Defender is pretty badass and Mark Shelton is able to pull off a song about it and make it even more badass.

Yes, instead lets have lyrics about H.P. Lovecraft and Robert E. Howard. The rest of our album will be about the same dark imagery and gratuitous use of the word "funeral".

Give me some time to search through your posts and come up with more ad hominem's.

I don't have a problem with it existing, I do have a problem with it having the name power metal attached to it.

Sorry, power metal is actually quite awesome.

It's a shame you're promoting mediocrity.

For Priest, get their live album Unleashed in the East. It's the best example of their work from the 70's since it had a good production on songs from Sad Wings which are hard to get through since they sound so thin.

Butthurt metal fans of AV Club, I know you're out there.

Power Metal
Dragonforce?

Mercyful Fate
Why the hell hasn't this band been mentioned at all?

Good thing Holy Diver was from Dio's solo band.

When Friedman joined up I'd say he was definitely on the center stage with Dave. He took over on lead duties and already had a name for himself with Cacophony. He might not have been as big of a presence as Mustaine, but I'd say he was far from in the shadows (especially nowadays where he's worshiped by everyone).