Metal Reviews

We've discussed bands that may potentially relieve the old guard of their duties when the sun sets, but even going well into the second decade of the 21st century, who do you think will be the longest running band of the late 70's/80's? Which band has the longevity, great songwriting ability, chemistry to last a few more years before calling it a day? How will you feel when they finally declare their end, or what factors are the glue that will hold the band together going into 2020 and beyond?

Judas Priest and Iron Maiden will chug out maybe a few more albums before calling it quits.

it will definitely feel a bit weird. we've seen the end of Death and Pantera, plus maybe a couple of other classic bands, but they were not as old or as big as acts like the ones MS mentioned, or Metallica or Slayer or Black Sabbath for that matter (maybe Pantera were?).

it's an odd genre because the founding fathers are still at it today, with varying degrees of success.

Black Sabbath seem like they'll go on forever

Motörhead

Good call, Motorhead slipped my mind. Lemmy is like a cockroach you just can't kill him. You'd think after spending their whole career playing the same song Motorhead would just call it a day already.

errr... no.

Playing in a consistent style =/= "spending their whole career playing the same song".

They deliver the goods every time, and show no sign of winding down. In fact, they've aged sonically remarkably well. Most bands that have a frontman in his 60's have gone fairly soft, while 'head have managed to keep their breakneck amphetimine and whisky fueled gallop at wide open throttle.

The moment I saw this thread, I thought "Motorhead". Yes, I do see Iron Maiden, Judas Priest and maybe even Megadeth carrying on for some more time, but Motorhead just seem to be the band that will never quit.

I like Motorhead but they've been doing the same thing forever. Whilst I'm fine with that premise it does mean you know exactly what you're getting on every release. There's no surprise in their music at all.

Motörhead is Motörhead. They do their thing and (although the last two albums were not up to their usual standard) like you said, you know what you are getting.

Nickelback

Not up to their usual standard? I didn't check out World Is Yours, but Motorizer was solid. I'm excited for Aftershock.

Honestly, I didn't think of them when first seeing this thread, but now that they have been mentioned, they easily win this contest. In terms of writing classic material that is worth listening to still, Motorhead top everyone. The big four have played themselves out. Iron Maiden is bloated and self-indulgent. Priest is solid, but like Maiden's newest, Nostradamus was way too long. Playing live is a different story. I still think Slayer, 'thrax, 'head and Maiden even Priest are solid live, but 'head's newest albums stand atop all the dudes.

Motorizer was good, didn't really get into TWIY.
I'm looking forward to Aftershock, as well; out soon.

Unlikely given that Iommi will be dead soon. As will Lemmy.

Tell us more about the future, O Seer.

I would love all of the bands mentioned to go on forever, but I think people are underestimating the fact that this is the end of the first generation of metal, and Dio won't be the first icon to go. :( Motorhead would have been my pick too, were it not for Lemmy's recent health issues, which have me worried. But yes, am looking forward very much to Aftershock, and mean to review more 'head archives too. You get into and out of bands all the time, but I can see myself liking Motorhead forever.

QFT