"Hidden" Epic Metal tracks?

[MechaBarbarian]

I've been enjoying the Epic Metal tracks of Belantara (thank you so much Dan for introducing me to the Malay/Singapore scene!) and absolutely astounded by how they nailed the sound. So I was wondering what other True Epic Heavy Metal gems are hidden in other albums that really aren't "epic" as a whole. So not just your standard Maiden-"long song" but ancient steel of the Manilla Road/Warlord/Manowar school.

Some examples to get the ball rolling:
Saxon - Crusader (duh!)
Michael Schenker Group - Lost Horizons (Did Manowar base their sound on this song? It is uncanny!)
Anvil - Kiss of Death
Oz- Rather Knight
Def Leppard - Overture

[malegys]

One that springs to mind is KISS's "Under the Rose" from "The elder" album 1981. I've never been a fan of KISS, but this is a good example of Epic Metal.

[malegys]

Sir Lord Baltimore, from 1971, possibly the earliest example of Epic Metal :

[MechaBarbarian]

Yeah! Those two are great examples! Along with Trapeze's "Jury" I agree Caesar LXXI is the start of the genre.

The superb Finnish Prog group Kalevala has a sound which I think is a real treat for fans of From the Fjords, Full Speed at High Level and and the first 2 Manilla Road records.


Thunderpussy's sole full length is also an incredible example of a proto-Epic Metal sound. Though that applies to the whole damn album not just one song.


From the 70's generally I'd also add:
Blue Max - March of the Trolls
Alkana - The Tower (Damian King!)
Desiree - King of Hell
Granmax - Mistress of Eternity
Silvertrain - Nearer to the Light

[Kraignoss666]

QUEEN « The prophet’s » song. Not scarce or hidden gem, but too rarely evoqued in my opinion. Mostly first part of the song (even though I’m fine with some operatic meows).

[bigfootkit]

Nor 'hidden' perhaps, but that Salem epic is certainly not as well known as it ought to be.
And if we're including so-called Proto-Metal examples too, then Flower Travellin' Bands 'Satori' is undeniable:

[Nonseinormale65]

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