Obviously both bands are legends, and each has its debate points. Judas Priest pre-dated Maiden by about six years and was the second most popular metal band in the early ’70s behind Black Sabbath. The band’s dual guitar sound and leather and studs attire ushered in the new wave of British Heavy metal movement, of which Iron Maiden also played a major role. Also, Priest’s songwriting throughout the glory days of metal was untouchable: “Screaming For Vengeance,” “Breaking the Law,” “Living After Midnight” and “Some Heads are Gonna Roll” are just a handful of their legendary hits, and each achieved notoriety without relying on power ballad constructions or watered down production. And let’s not forget vocalist Rob Halford, whose multi-octave, vibrato-laden voice is so powerful, he’s widely called the “Metal God.”
As for Maiden, their longtime singer is no slouch, either. Although he didn’t join the band until 1982, Bruce Dickinson solidified Maiden’s attack with mighty vocals that were part operatic croon, part banshee howl. Over the years, Maiden, too, have composed some of the most captivating songs in metal. Their galloping rhythms and sinuous guitar harmonies pioneered power metal and their stellar arrangements combined complex musicianship with timeless hooks on songs like “The Trooper,” “Number of the Beast,” “Aces High,” “Flight of Icarus,” and “2 Minutes to Midnight.” Also, Maiden brought the world the most recognizable mascot in metal, the immortal zombie, Eddie. Now you guys duke it out. Leave your comments below. And look for more bar room argument topics in the weeks ahead:
