Sure, we all know and love classic records such as "Stained Class", "Number of the Beast", "Peace Sells", "Ace of Spades", "Holy Diver" and "Sabbath, Bloody Sabbath". But many of the great bands we grew up with still exist today and continue to produce new music.
Of all of the 'classic' bands (let's agree on any band who's debut was released in 1985 or earlier), which is creating the most vital music today?
Is it Priest? I'd say no way. "Angel" is a borefest and the two Ripper-era records stunk regardless of who sang on them.
Dio? Sure, his last two are welcome returns to form, BUT they are NOT up to par with Holy Diver or Last In Line.
Sabbath? Hardly. With Ozzy being the prick he is (or is it Sharon?), they've not released a new album in a decade.
Megadeth and/or Metallica? Next.
Deep Purple? No. As much as folks tend to dislike Blackmore, the band sorely misses him. Bananas was putrid.
King Diamond? He's been consistent, but, IMO, he's missed the boat more often than not in recent years (although his last album is genius).
Rush? I'm new to Rush, but I must say, their last two albums are friggin' GREAT records.
But, with that said, I'd have to vote for Iron Maiden. The two 'reunion era' records are without blemish, IMO (well, except for sound/production on DOD). The reformation saved the band. As good as the X Factor was, Virtual XI wasn't. And the early 90s Bruce-Maiden records SUCKED.
Dance of Death is, IMO, on par with their classics from the mid-80s.
Of all of the 'classic' bands (let's agree on any band who's debut was released in 1985 or earlier), which is creating the most vital music today?
Is it Priest? I'd say no way. "Angel" is a borefest and the two Ripper-era records stunk regardless of who sang on them.
Dio? Sure, his last two are welcome returns to form, BUT they are NOT up to par with Holy Diver or Last In Line.
Sabbath? Hardly. With Ozzy being the prick he is (or is it Sharon?), they've not released a new album in a decade.
Megadeth and/or Metallica? Next.
Deep Purple? No. As much as folks tend to dislike Blackmore, the band sorely misses him. Bananas was putrid.
King Diamond? He's been consistent, but, IMO, he's missed the boat more often than not in recent years (although his last album is genius).
Rush? I'm new to Rush, but I must say, their last two albums are friggin' GREAT records.
But, with that said, I'd have to vote for Iron Maiden. The two 'reunion era' records are without blemish, IMO (well, except for sound/production on DOD). The reformation saved the band. As good as the X Factor was, Virtual XI wasn't. And the early 90s Bruce-Maiden records SUCKED.
Dance of Death is, IMO, on par with their classics from the mid-80s.