• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Judas Priest VS. Iron Maiden

Which band is better?

  • Total voters
    96
43% burnt

43% burnt

an actor who wants to run the whole show
May 4, 2004
2,149
5
48
Bridgeport, CT
#1
Ok metal heads...Which of these two kings of metal do you like better?

I have a buddy whos totally obsessed with Iron Maiden. The guy has 4 eddie tattoos, and plans to get many more. I love to bust his chops about how Priest is so much better, have been around longer, and probably influenced Iron Maiden. It always makes for good conversation, so I thought I would pose the question here.

Anyway, I have a hard time saying which band is better-I love both bands. I personally like Iron Maiden's music a little better. Plus Steve Harris is a big influence for me. For the title of Kings of Metal, I would give it to Judas Priest. Due to the fact they have been around for longer. I also like thier guitar players better. But its a tough call. What do you think?
:bassist:
 
#4
Well, if it was about which metal band was around longer, wouldn't Black Sabbath win?

But I personally can't stand Judas Priest. The only song I like is 'Painkiller', and I like the cover Death did better than the original.

Iron Maiden, on the other hand, is amazing. They're my second favourite band, and Steve Harris is a huge influence to me. IMO, Maiden has better guitarists, bassist, and singer (I never did like Halford's voice). They have so many great albums, and I never get bored of listening to them. They're also amazing live.

Up the Irons!

Graeme :bassist:
 
#5
BassGod said:
Well, if it was about which metal band was around longer, wouldn't Black Sabbath win?

But I personally can't stand Judas Priest. The only song I like is 'Painkiller', and I like the cover Death did better than the original.

Iron Maiden, on the other hand, is amazing. They're my second favourite band, and Steve Harris is a huge influence to me. IMO, Maiden has better guitarists, bassist, and singer (I never did like Halford's voice). They have so many great albums, and I never get bored of listening to them. They're also amazing live.

Up the Irons!

Graeme :bassist:
Click to expand...

"
 
#11
Not surprised to see Maiden in the lead. That is probably because we are bass players and with Maiden bass plays more of a role than it does in Priest. In different circles (maybe guitar players) Priest might win out.

Both are good bands but I love classic Maiden. You guys should check out the "Early Days" DVDs if you haven't yet. They are really well done and I learned alot, despite being a fan for many years. For instance I had no idea there were so many line-up changes in the 1970s! They follow 'em in this DVD. Plus the rare concert footage was killer!
 
#12
That dvd is awesome!! Yeah, I'm not suprised Maiden is winning either. They are a better band IMO. I love Priest too, but there are more Priest songs I could do without than Maiden. I just love agruing with my buddy...he gets so furious, it's funny. But between bass players there is no question. Steve Harris is the man...one of my biggest influences.
 
#14
43% burnt said:
That dvd is awesome!! Yeah, I'm not suprised Maiden is winning either. They are a better band IMO. I love Priest too, but there are more Priest songs I could do without than Maiden. I just love agruing with my buddy...he gets so furious, it's funny. But between bass players there is no question. Steve Harris is the man...one of my biggest influences.
Click to expand...


All I remember from the 80's guitar magazines (they were my friend's, honest!) was Judas Priest whining the Maiden stole all their licks.

I like songs from both bands, but I like Maiden better.
 
#16
WillPlay4Food said:
All I remember was Judas Priest whining the Maiden stole all their licks.
Click to expand...

Yes, stole them, recomposed them into wonderful pieces of music, galloped them into a rampage, added about 3 other themes and rhythms to the composition, and made some Maiden songs out of them.

That's like saying that John Coltrane stole My Favorite Things, or Sergei Rachmaninoff stole an old Russian folk melody...

...Well a bit less extreme, but you catch my drift.

Metallica also said they influenced Maiden...and they did...about 5 years after Maiden were at their prime...
 
#18
Well, certainly Judas' guitarists are better shredders, etc...but you can't deny the quality of Dave Murray and Steve in making some awesome riffs and memorable solos...

I mean, their solos arent as difficult as Priest's but they are just as effective. Randy Rhodes (not to say he isnt better than them all) on Crazy Train...so many people can play that...but its not the difficulty so much as the style and the melodic and harmonic feel he had that made the solo work with the song and be so memorable. Maiden is great with that (especially in their early days).

I agree..they havent gotten better:
MY Fav Maiden albums:
1. Iron Maiden
2. NOTB
3. Powerslave
4. Killers
5. Piece of Mind
6. Fear of the Dark
etcetc
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back