What is American Metal?

Hah. I am sure that this thread will be a complete waste because people will write bands from 00s only.
American Metal for me is mainly the legacy of Seattle bands like
Queensryche, Sanctuary and Nevermore, Lethal, Heir Apparent, Fifth Angel..
Also - Vicious Rumors, Helstar,Crimson Glory, Liege Lord, Fates Warning, Manowar and so many others
American metal for me is a term which appeals to good HEAVY/POWER metal from the usa that was glorified in the late 80s and first half of 90s. Lets not forget the song from Lizzy Borden - AMERICAN METAL. Probably written to praise the metal underground of usa that was boiling back then.
Today this inheritance brought us bands like Katagory V, Power Of Omens, Cauldron Born etc.
 
Fates Warning used to rule.

I'd like to add:
Wicked Innocence
Arghoslent
Vore
Immolation
Incantation
Atheist
Infester
Nocturnus
Brutality
Ceremonium
Rehtaf Ruo