I have to mention 2 bands that are totally non cult or old, but totally in the us metal vein (especially the Seattle scene), and also they have their forums in the UM
Ion Vein: I first heard these guys in a Queensryche tribute album, they covered "Take Hold Of The Flame", and i purchased their first album, "Beyond Tomorrow". This was more prog metal than power (but non cheesy prog) but it was relaly really good. Their second album "Reigning Memories" was a shock to me. With influences from Queensryche, Fates Warning, Lethal, Crimson Glory etc they created a power metal masterpiece. All power metal fans should listen to this album, it has the best riffs written in the genre since .. "Into The Mirror Black" maybe (no joking). And the vocals are so "OMG" and emotional.
Katagory V: When i read in
www.metal-treasures.at about their debut "Present Day" i started searching everywhere for it. Luckily i found it in a metal store here, although it was self financed. Its an AMAZING piece of us metal, more old school than "modern" with influences from Queensryche, Savatage, Lethal, Crimson Glory (the usual suspects that influence every serious u.s power metal band), Fates Warning (Arch Era, and a little bit from "No Exit) Heir Apparent, even Candlemass! Some years after it , i found their second album "A New Breed Of Rebellion" in the same store, and it was a step forward, more serious, more technical, less catchy and with a real musical depth. Fantastic album.
These 2 bands are for me the greatest inheritors of the rich us metal treasure, and they keep that special feeling alive today.
