Hmm. I think Iced Earth will win comfortably, but this is a hard one for me. David Coverdale has one of the best set of chops on him.... but then again, so does Matt Barlow.
I vote Whitesnake - again with a heavy degree of spite coming through. However, I've loved Whitesnake for a lot longer than I've listened to Iced Earth, so that will be my official reason.
Even though i voted for Whitesnake i love the Tribute to the Gods CD from the Dark Genesis boxset...i probably should try and listen to the other 4 CD's in the box