[normajean777]

I definitely recommend Symphony X and Dream Theater. And theres also a chance that you may like Between the Buried and Me. It is extremely progressive and well played, although if you want strictly fast guitar and clean vocals, they are not a good choice. The first two however are very solid.

[crazymoose]

Theocracy is a pretty good Christian power metal band.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1x3w...eature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8j0jSJ8pwiE
Me and a couple friends did this version of O Come O Come Emmanuel by Theocracy for our school's Christmas banquet.

Also in the Christian scene is DivineFire and Narnia.

Though I'm not a huge power metal listener, I just happen to know a few from trying to find epic songs to do at school events since screaming is of the devil.

As for piano music, look at classical. Once you get past the "classical=boring" stereotype in your mind you can find some dang good music. I mean look at some Chopin for crazy piano songs.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvm2ZsRv3C8

Basically look around the classical realm and you'll find a lot of good stuff.

[conceived in fire]

Originally Posted by normajean777

I definitely recommend Symphony X and Dream Theater. And theres also a chance that you may like Between the Buried and Me. It is extremely progressive and well played, although if you want strictly fast guitar and clean vocals, they are not a good choice. The first two however are very solid.

Symphony X is the only one that satisfies either requirement.

For piano stuff, find the X Japan album/song Art of Life. There's a huge piano solo, and even though it isn't necessarily ridiculous it's really really good.

[Mr.Zachcore]

What? No one has mentioned the mighty MANOWAR yet?