25 January 2012 - 7:07The Metal Strikes Back

Or Episode V. I promised I would continue my METAL saga one day. Here is a day when I choose to do so. Now… where was I? Oh yes, my diatribe about why Maiden is better than Priest. I established my early and undying devotion to Eddie and the boys in my last post, so now it’s time to see where that path leads.

Not to take anything away from Priest, they were a talented band, and were every bit as METAL as Maiden. But I do have to say, that they have been around so long that they had a disco stage (Diamonds and Rust). How long have they been around? Well, I do believe they started out as hippies.

I first became aware of Priest around 1986, when Turbo Lover was their big song. It was pretty commercial by the standards of what I was listening to at the time. I’d been listening to Maiden, Motorhead, Dio, Metallica, and the synthesisers kinda made them sound a bit like, well, Bon Jovi. There, I said it.

I always found Rob Halford’s voice to be kind of painfully shrill too. It didn’t really match what the band was doing. I actually think King Diamond did a better job with this type of sound, and let’s face it, Painkiller is basically a rip off of Mercyful Fate’s work. The live show leaves a lot to be desired, lots of standing around, not a lot of interaction with the audience. Sure there might be some pyrotechnics there, but they only seem to be there to keep your interest. Go ahead, watch some youtube videos, I’m right. No giant Eddy stumbling about the stage anywhere. Occasional synchronized guitar rocking at best.

I firmly believe everybody has a right to make money, but to sell minivans? Sorry.

I’m sure the same arguments could be made about Maiden, but they can’t be substantiated. Maiden didn’t fall apart until after guitarist Adrian Smith left the band, followed by singer Bruce Dickinson. Priest have been falling apart since the 70s. But Maiden always sounded like Maiden. They evolved, but they never changed their approach to getting the rock to the audience. They’ve put on some of the best live shows I’ve ever seen. Best of All, Adrian and Bruce came back, and now they have 3 guitar players and a 60 foot Eddy that shoots fire out of his eyes and they fly to gigs on their own custom airliner. Talk about making it. No minivans in sight.

What ever you do, do not get me started on Those Bitches Formerly Known As Metallica.