Metal Reviews

For traditional heavy metal in general, I haven't really seen any bands as good as Iron Maiden (not counting other genres such as black, power, death, etc)

Does anyone know of any band that even COMPETES with Iron Maiden? There's the obvious ones, like Judas Priest, but the only not-well-known one that comes close in kicking ass like Maiden is Satan, IMO.

Bands with great riffs, harmonies, and excellent song structures.

Any suggestions? I just find the generic-ness of most bands I look into worrysome

Useless thread is useless.

Seriously though, d'you really think someone's gonna have a viable alternative to Maiden that you haven't heard of already? Unless it's some obscure band that died after one EP and the only person who likes 'em is the guy who's recommending them.

I had to think there has to be SOME bands out there that are as innovative as this one that maybe didn't get all the world-wide fame.

Worth a shot to see if anyone may know of one that is similar, I notice people listen to quite a bit of metal here

Holy Terror?

I would hope so, it is called "Metal Reviews" after all.

Check out that "Lost Metal Relics" thread, you might find something there.

Innovative, sure, just not in that genre and time-period. NWOBHM is defined to a certain extent by the limitations of bands like Maiden. If they had played differently, NWOBHM would be a different kind of genre, defined by different characteristics.
Anyway, the whole concept of innovation is relative, as a band that was innovative when it first started becomes stale after a few years when what it created becomes standard compositional material for many other bands.

Without switching genres completely? Silly question. Otherwise, Rush!

Slough Feg.

It depends on what era of Maiden you're into really. Here are some old-school type bands though.

Slough Feg
Brocas Helm
Cirith Ungol
Dark Quarterer
Diamond Head

Mercyful Fate.

Thin Lizzy

Not really related but as far as classic heavy metal I don't think you can do any wrong with Accept.

Whether they are as good depends on individual tastes, but the following bands play similar stuff.

Machine Men

Hibria

Omen

Manilla Road

Steel Prophet

Icarus Witch

I actually don't know any bands that play similar to the recent Maiden.

It's not that nobody can, it's just that nobody wants....


And, that's stating the obvious but Manowar were awesome before they released two lousy albums.

Recent Maiden is still great for fanboys like me

This is what I was going to say.

Manilla Road is the only other heavy metal band with an extensive and majestic discography that I can think of, but they're more of an acquired taste rather than something I'd expect everyone to love.

Pharaoh

I was going to laugh to, but I decided to try and be nice tonight.