Best Heavy Metal Band of all time. (Do people still listen to metal?) (1 Viewer)

[Sailorsaint]

Iron Maiden was my introduction to metal and that was in the 80's. Since then I've become a fan of several. No way to pick a favorite but Sabbath is very high on the list.

 

[faceman]

Iron Maiden was my introduction to metal and that was in the 80's. Since then I've become a fan of several. No way to pick a favorite but Sabbath is very high on the list.

The fact that Iron Maiden and Judas Priest aren't in the rock and roll HOF and grandmaster flash and snoop dog are is
a crime. WTH are these voters thinking? This no knock against Flash or the Dog,but they belong in the rock and roll
HOF as much as George Jones and Waylon Jennings

 

[Thunderchild]

No mention of Dio or Rainbow?



My top 5 would be:
Black Sabbath
Mettalica
Iron Maiden
Deep Purple
Motorhead

And I agree that several bands in the OP don't fit - Rush, LZ, G&R, a couple of others.

 

[saintmdterps]

Iron Maiden was my introduction to metal and that was in the 80's. Since then I've become a fan of several. No way to pick a favorite but Sabbath is very high on the list.

This song gets a nod from me as top 5 best metal. Black Sabbath, with either Dio or Ozzy is $$$$ metal

 

[Poison]

Me coming into this thread to suggest 1986-91 era solo David Lee Roth and reading HJ’s post:

I wouldn't classify all these bands as "metal". Some are just "hard rock". And just when you think you have it sorted out, someone comes along to blur the lines, which is how subgenres get created. And the subgenres of each class are almost too much to keep track of. And the names of some of these subgenres....hair metal, glam metal, speed metal, thrash metal, doom metal....are misnomers; as they aren't really "metal", but subgenres of "hard rock". These subgenres tend to describe a bands appearance, moreso than their musical stylings, IMO.

In very broad and general terms, at its basic premise, blues is the basis for hard rock, while classical music is the basis for metal. Generally speaking, hard rock tends to be lighter in nature/content, happier, optimistic...a "celebration" of something; while metal tends to be darker in nature/content, discontented, and somewhat pessimistic. Hard rock tends to be about a "self" experience, while metal tends to be about a larger societal experience or issue. As a result, hard rock musicians place a higher priority on partying and getting laid; while metal musicians place a higher priority on musical talent and instrumental proficiency.

We're painting in very broad strokes here, and there are exceptions to every rule. If the above criteria were a checklist, we're looking for the "overall fit", as very few bands are going to fit 100% entirely within a classification. And it is somewhat objective, subject to individual interpretation. But in my opinion, many of the bands on that list are "hard rock" bands, not metal bands. Here are my outlooks on each listed band:

• Metallica - metal band, no argument whatsoever
• Black Sabbath - a metal band in most respects, but music is blues-based, not classical-based; i'll still give 'em the nod for fitting most other criteria though, which is why they're the fathers of heavy metal, before classical influences defined it
• Guns N Roses - a hard rock band all the way; no metal here
• Pantera - a good blend of hard rock & heavy metal; music is a combo of blues & classical bases; I'd give 'em the nod to metal though
• Sound Garden (I think they are metal) - I can't comment...not really familiar with them
• System of the Down - only heard a few tunes, but what I heard is classical-infused; metal band
• Rush - constantly evolving; no 2 albums sound the same; by definition a "progressive rock" band; not metal
• Led Zeppelin - heavily blues based; the fathers of hard rock genre, not metal
• Anthrax - another solid metal band
• Iron Maiden - a good mix of blues and classical influences, but overall presentation of metal
• Megadeth - a solid metal band with obvious classical nuances in nearly every tune
• Slayer - metal
• Dream Theater - seems to fit most criteria as metal...."progressive metal"; what Rush would sound like if Rush were metal?!
• Judas Priest - often referenced as metal, and embrace the moniker; but a blues-based hard rock band all the way (my favorite on this list, but not metal)
• Ozzy - which version of Ozzy? Rhandy Rhoads era, sure! Jake E. Lee era, maybe. Zakk Wylde era...Zakk is a blues guitarist with classical influences. I guess I'd give him the nod to metal, but his band has constantly shifted & evolved. And Ozzy doesn't write music...or even all his own lyrics. But it's almost always dark. Only Ozzy could take a lovely ballad with Lita Ford and make it about death...."Close Your Eyes Forever"
• ACDC - ain't nothing metal about AC/DC; quintessential hard rock band!

Of course, these are all just my opinion. Subject to interpretation by others, as well!

Seriously good analysis though. And basically aligned to what I’ve always understood “heavy metal” to be.

Have to add to those who are saying Dio deserves to be on the conversation though. Surprised there’s not more mention of some of the NWOBHM bands like Saxon or Motörhead too.

I also can’t work out if I like Dream Theater or not. Some days I do and some days I don’t. I like Mike Portnoy but sometimes I feel like they’re the musical equivalent of a director trying to make an arthouse action movie.

 

[Hedon James]

Me coming into this thread to suggest 1986-91 era solo David Lee Roth and reading HJ’s post:




Seriously good analysis though. And basically aligned to what I’ve always understood “heavy metal” to be.

Have to add to those who are saying Dio deserves to be on the conversation though. Surprised there’s not more mention of some of the NWOBHM bands like Saxon or Motörhead too.

I also can’t work out if I like Dream Theater or not. Some days I do and some days I don’t. I like Mike Portnoy but sometimes I feel like they’re the musical equivalent of a director trying to make an arthouse action movie.

LOL on the DLR comment. I can't imagine DLR fitting any of the "metal" criteria? Maybe Vai's classical-based guitar playing? That's all I got!

I can relate to your Dream Theater comments too. I think Dream Theater is a heavy metal version of Frank Zappa, but without the irreverant lyrical content. Try that perspective on and see if it tips the scales for ya in either direction?

 

[faceman]

LOL on the DLR comment. I can't imagine DLR fitting any of the "metal" criteria? Maybe Vai's classical-based guitar playing? That's all I got!

I can relate to your Dream Theater comments too. I think Dream Theater is a heavy metal version of Frank Zappa, but without the irreverant lyrical content. Try that perspective on and see if it tips the scales for ya in either direction?

It's a different direction,but Frank Zappa testifying before congress about censorship was pure comedy gold. Those
politicians on both sides of the aisle didn't know what hit them.

 

[Hedon James]

It's a different direction,but Frank Zappa testifying before congress about censorship was pure comedy gold. Those
politicians on both sides of the aisle didn't know what hit them.

I remember that vividly. Those folks in Congress didn't know what to make of Dee Snyder either, as they obviously expected hedonistic rock 'n' rollers to be dumbarses. Unfortunately for them, Zappa was the smartest guy in the room.

No more questions.

My Cousin Vinny (1992) clip with quote No more questions. Yarn is the best search for video clips by quote. Find the exact moment in a TV show, movie, or music video you want to share. Easily move forward or backward to get to the perfect clip.

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[faceman]

I remember that vividly. Those folks in Congress didn't know what to make of Dee Snyder either, as they obviously expected hedonistic rock 'n' rollers to be dumbarses. Unfortunately for them, Zappa was the smartest guy in the room.

No more questions.

My Cousin Vinny (1992) clip with quote No more questions. Yarn is the best search for video clips by quote. Find the exact moment in a TV show, movie, or music video you want to share. Easily move forward or backward to get to the perfect clip.

getyarn.io

Congress really lost the battle when John Denver backed Zappa and Snyder. Those old men and women thought this
nice man who sings beautiful music will surely take our side.

My favorite moment was when a Senator asked Zappa if he had conventional Christmas toys in his home. Zappa said
"Yes,would you like to come play with them"? That moment was awesome. We really don't see censorship anymore.
Zappa was indeed the smartest man in the room.

 

[Sailorsaint]

Congress really lost the battle when John Denver backed Zappa and Snyder. Those old men and women thought this
nice man who sings beautiful music will surely take our side.

My favorite moment was when a Senator asked Zappa if he had conventional Christmas toys in his home. Zappa said
"Yes,would you like to come play with them"? That moment was awesome. We really don't see censorship anymore.
Zappa was indeed the smartest man in the room.

I think my favorite Zappa song of all time is "Why does it hurt when I pee?!"

 

[saintmdterps]

I think my favorite Zappa song of all time is "Why does it hurt when I pee?!"

Mine is Titties and Beer.

Baltimore contributed John Doe (X), Mama Cass Elliott, and Frank Zappa to music history.

 

[sfidc3]

VH1 had an excellent documentary on Ozzie. His wife told a great story about Rhodes. Rhodes showed an interest in
guitar at an early age. His mother signed him up for lessons with a teacher in classical guitar. A few weeks later the
teacher cut him from class and told his mother " I cannot teach him any more". Rhodes was born with "it". To quote
one of Ozzy's lyrics he was a bad bad boy. He left us way to early just like Hendrix

Yeah, he was brilliant, it would have been nice to see how he evolved and how dynamic he would have become. It speaks volumes that (my personal favorite) Steve Morse formed a tribute band to honor him....(Living Loud).....

I also can’t work out if I like Dream Theater or not. Some days I do and some days I don’t. I like Mike Portnoy but sometimes I feel like they’re the musical equivalent of a director trying to make an arthouse action movie.

Portnoy has been out of the band since like 2010 I think....I really liked their more proggy period (Scenes From a Memory, Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence) which was heavily influenced by Portnoy. I don't care for much of anything else they have done.

As far as musicianship they are way more advanced/dynamic than most metal bands. Petrucci is incredible but I've always found his playing a big stiff (we share Morse as a favorite player).....Rudess is an incredible keyboardist, I saw him play an acoustic show and he did unbelievable covers of old Yes/Genesis/ELP songs....a lot of talent in that band but something doesn't seem quite right chemistry wise....

 

[faceman]

As far as musicianship they are way more advanced/dynamic than most metal bands. Petrucci is incredible but I've always found his playing a big stiff (we share Morse as a favorite player).....Rudess is an incredible keyboardist, I saw him play an acoustic show and he did unbelievable covers of old Yes/Genesis/ELP songs....a lot of talent in that band but something doesn't seem quite right chemistry wise....

Glad i'm not the only one. Petrucci is fast,but lacks the musicianship ( your words ) of a Hendrix,Vaughn,Vai etc. He
reminds me of drummers who've eclipsed Buddy Rich's hand speed record. Yes they can play faster,but it's just a
monotonous tone,no musicianship at all.

 

[Brandon13]

Yeah, he was brilliant, it would have been nice to see how he evolved and how dynamic he would have become. It speaks volumes that (my personal favorite) Steve Morse formed a tribute band to honor him....(Living Loud).....



Portnoy has been out of the band since like 2010 I think....I really liked their more proggy period (Scenes From a Memory, Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence) which was heavily influenced by Portnoy. I don't care for much of anything else they have done.

As far as musicianship they are way more advanced/dynamic than most metal bands. Petrucci is incredible but I've always found his playing a big stiff (we share Morse as a favorite player).....Rudess is an incredible keyboardist, I saw him play an acoustic show and he did unbelievable covers of old Yes/Genesis/ELP songs....a lot of talent in that band but something doesn't seem quite right chemistry wise....

Glad i'm not the only one. Petrucci is fast,but lacks the musicianship ( your words ) of a Hendrix,Vaughn,Vai etc. He
reminds me of drummers who've eclipsed Buddy Rich's hand speed record. Yes they can play faster,but it's just a
monotonous tone,no musicianship at all.

I don't know a lot from them.. but from what I have heard you can tell they're talented, but for whatever reason it's just so boring to me.

 

[nolaspe]

This song gets a nod from me as top 5 best metal. Black Sabbath, with either Dio or Ozzy is $$$$ metal

That song is indeed awesome... I've always loved the tribute Sabbath album 'Nativity in Black' as well...