Power Metal Matchup Trivia Quiz

Answer: Rhapsody of Fire

Rhapsody of Fire is an Italian symphonic metal band formerly known as Thundercross. "From Chaos to Eternity" is the last album in a series called the "Algalord Chronicles." The saga begins with "Legendary Tales" and continues through nine albums until "Chaos". The saga itself is divided into two segments which each tell their own story: "The Emerald Sword Saga", comprising the first five albums, and "The Dark Secret Saga" (four albums long).

Songs from this album include "Ghosts of Forgotten Worlds", "Tempesta di Fuoco", and the twenty-minute-long "Heroes of the Waterfalls' Kingdom".

Answer: Avantasia

"Ghostlights" is the seventh album by Avantasia, a power metal/rock opera project fronted by Tobias Sammet. The band's name comes from a mash-up of the words "Avalon" and "Fantasia". Most of Avantasia's albums are concept albums, which tell a story throughout. In "Ghostlights", a man discovers a team of scientists who think they're working for the greater good but are being manipulated for nefarious purposes. Songs include "Let the Storm Descend Upon You", "The Haunting", "Master of the Pendulum", and "Unchain the Light".

Sammet is the main vocalist; each album features members of other (typically metal) bands performing guest vocals or instruments. Associated acts include other bands on this list: Rhapsody of Fire, Nightwish, Blind Guardian, and Within Temptation.

Answer: Blind Guardian

Blind Guardian come from Germany and are associated with power, symphonic, and speed metal. They are greatly inspired by fantasy fiction and myths, including J.R.R. Tolkien, whose book " The Silmarillion" forms the basis of the 1998 album "Nightfall in Middle-Earth", and Michael Moorcock's "Eternal Champion"books.

"Nightfall in Middle-Earth" features brief interludes of under a minute in length between most of its songs. Tracks include "The Curse of Fëanor", "The Dark Elf", "Noldor (Dead Winter Reigns)", and "A Dark Passage".

Answer: Nightwish

Nightwish originated in Finland in 1996. Their first album "Angels Fall First" contained elements of folk metal; the band then transitioned to a more symphonic/power sound on "Oceanborn", whose sound and lyrics invoke the power and mystery of the sea. Tracks include "Stargazers, "Sacrament of Wilderness", "Swanheart", and "Sleeping Sun".

Answer: Dragonforce

Dragonforce is a British speed/power metal group. They take inspiration from 8-bit video games--some of their songs have a retro sound, and extended guitar solos are common. "Reaching into Infinity" is their seventh album, which includes "Ashes of the Dawn", "Judgement Day", "Midnight Madness", and "Land of Shattered Dreams".

Answer: Epica

Epica began in the Netherlands in 2002. Their fifth album, "Requiem for the Indifferent", addresses the ways in which humanity ignores the world's problems and the imbalance they've created in their apathy. Tracks include "Monopoly on Truth", "Delirium", "Internal Warfare", "Deep Water Horizon", and "Serenade of Self-Destruction".

Answer: Sonata Arctica

Sonata Arctica come from Finland. They were called Tricky Beans, then Tricky Means, before changing to Sonata Arctica, and originally played rock music. "Silence" is their second album and features the songs "Weballergy", "False News Travel Fast", "Wolf & Raven", and "The Power of One".

Answer: Within Temptation

While primarily symphonic, the Dutch band also plays with elements of gothic and folk metal. The 2004 album's name and subject matter comes from a Dutch book, "The Hidden Force," by Louis Couperus. "Stand My Ground", "Angels", "Memories", and "Aquarius" are some of its tracks.

Answer: Therion

Therion is a Swedish symphonic metal group that began as death metal. They took their name from the Celtic Frost album "To Mega Therion", which means "The Great Beast." Their fifth album "Theli" marks an experimental shift away from death metal; one of its songs is called "To Mega Therion" in reference to their namesake.

Other tracks include "Cults of the Shadow" and "The Siren of the Woods".

Answer: Serenity

Austrian band Serenity's major influence is historical events and figures. 2013's "War of Ages" features songs about the 30 Years' War ("For Freedom's Sake"), Nero ("The Matricide"), Beethoven ("Symphony For The Quiet"), and Countess Bathory ("Wings of Madness"). Other albums like "Death & Legacy" and "Codex Atlanticus" follow this trend.