Vicious Rumors are an American power metal band, originally formed in 1979 in the San Francisco Bay Area. The band was conceived by founder and guitarist/vocalist Geoff Thorpe, and has been actively recording and touring worldwide since their full-length recording debut in 1985. They are signed to the Germany-based label SPV/Steamhammer.
Vicious Rumors in 1988
Vicious Rumors performing in 2013
Power metal is a subgenre of heavy metal combining characteristics of traditional heavy metal with speed metal, often within a symphonic context. Generally, power metal is characterized by a faster, lighter, and more uplifting sound, in contrast with the heaviness and dissonance prevalent in, for example, extreme metal. Power metal bands usually have anthem-like songs with fantasy-based subject matter and strong choruses, thus creating a theatrical, dramatic and emotionally "powerful" sound.
Power metal
Kai Hansen of Gamma Ray during a show in Barcelona. Hansen is regarded as one of the biggest influences in the early development of power metal.
Most songs of German band Blind Guardian are based on fantasy, mythology and science fiction, and their live shows often feature fantasy decorations.
Italian band Rhapsody of Fire performing in Buenos Aires in 2010
