Disappointing new wave of traditional metal?

As much as i enjoy the return of heavy metal to form, i must say that i'm starting to get disappointed with many of the new bands claiming fidelity to old school.

In most of the cases, new bands are nothing but an imitation to the bands we all grew up listening to. Aside the Old school looks, the music actually seems to suffer.

Sure, i was quite happy listening to bands like BULLET. But as long as i can listen to the authentic sound, i have chosen to go back to Accept and AC/DC.

The whole metal scene is stale with about a dozen or two exceptions.

I agree to some point. Sure, they are imitations of the bands of old. But if you wanna recreate a period, you can't very well be doin' it in creating a new image or sound, now cand you? And how many bands are truly inventive and groundbreaking anyway?

No, my disapintment comes with the "talent" these bands inherits. They just donæt appeal to me, musically. There are some I like, like RAM. But 90% of them just doesn't do anything for me.

Lately I've found myself seeking backwards in metal history instead. Thanks to the discography section here I've been enjoying my favorite bands all over again. And I have also checked out albums that have collected dust for 10 years or more! They give me sooo much more than what is new out there.

Most of those new bands blow imo, there are some of them however that are absolutely stunning. Like RAM, Portrait (total Mercyful Fate worship, great band!), Enforcer (Di'Anno Maiden meets Exciter), Atlantean Kodex (epic heavy metal, ala Manowar, Isen Torr and Solstice), Argus (doomy US heavy metal with lots of Thin Lizzy elements), Dark Forest (NWoBHM worship) and Tales Of Medusa (heavy/speed metal with some doom-like moments).

I like some of the bands that try to carry on a traditional metal sound, but I think the main problem, is that you can't recreate an era that is passed by, the times have changed and the world has moved on.

That being said I am going to check out some of the bands Dave the Boss recommended and hopefully can add a few newer bands to my collection.

I like what's going on. That doesn't mean it's all great, but I think we live in good metal times.

scottmitchell74 wrote:

I like what's going on. That doesn't mean it's all great, but I think we live in good metal times.

I can agree with this statement.

scottmitchell74 wrote:

I like what's going on. That doesn't mean it's all great, but I think we live in good metal times.

Hear! Hear!

I think groups trying to stick completely with a "traditional metal" style usually end up sounding hackneyed. There are of course exceptions, but for the most partI think their vision is a little stilted.

The most interesting metal coming out right now (at least in my opinion) are the "new fusion" bands, groups that aren't afraid to mix together a variety of styles in search of their own thing.

I think if put your faith only in traditional metal then it is slow but the other genres of metal are vast. So for me I go to Power, Progressive, Thrash, Glam/Sleaz, AOR....there can alot out there right now.
All of it is not good but at least you have choices!

Wargod50

For me the resurrection of the older music coming back has been great, but it really hasn't introduced any new bands that I am aware of that are classic like the old stuff. Instead I have been enjoying the influx of popularity the stuff we all grew up on, is just being recognized again and brings me back to stuff I may have let sit for awhile.

The other positive is some of these bands that are in the dusk of their time, are getting out there and touring or making new music that we can enjoy. Bands like Heaven and Hell are a great example of what I mean. Some bands have just aged like a fine wine.

On the flip side, there have been some other bands that are less popular that I find seem to be jumping above the scene and riding their own train, bands like Porcupine Tree, Riverside or Brand New. Not to say this is something on any one heres platter they would like or dislike, but those bands to me are what I would like to see a new genre spawn from, not the crap that is out there now.

I recently read something similar to what you guys are saying. Basically, the writer was saying what's the point of going retro unless you're putting a new spin on it and pushing boundaries. I can see the argument for that and I agree it's good to blend old & new, but I also don't see a problem with new bands sounding "old". As long as it's good, so what?

And don't most fans spend their time whining about how old bands try too hard to modernize and don't look enough towards their own "classics" for inspiration?

By the way, Classic Rock magazine put out an exceptional NWOTM promo disc, here's my review. I think most of those bands are worth checking out.

Well I don't see much wrong with this new wave of metal. Older bands can't write like this so some one has to right? So let those bands do it! I welcome it!

Just as Metal Misfit said above:

Quote :

"And don't most fans spend their time whining
about how old bands try too hard to modernize and don't look enough
towards their own "classics" for inspiration?"

Very true! Therefore the bands that are writing like the old bands used to sound is a great welcome for metal. That sound and style has been gone from metal for a long time.

Some are very good and I appreciate them keeping the traditional metal flag high.

I'm not disappointed there are so many bands to choose from. Whether it's new material by Saxon or Maiden... Or bands I haven't been totally familiar with such as Theocracy or Hammerfall or Stratovarius just finding older releases is very cool....

I bascially missed the 90's (different period of life) so anything that squeaked out then I missed..... But there is just so much stuff, at least to me.... Primal Fear....

I agree that we live in good metal times. I think the openness of metal has been a lot better. Sure, there will always be "old-schoolers" who can't handle anything else mixed in w/ their metal (shudder at the likes of Rammstein, Stuck Mojo, or anything else non-traditional), and those that rep the new stuff but discount the old metal (lame, out-dated, etc). However, I think w/ the internet more people can see that the evolution of metal has been a vast one, and that there's nothing wrong w/ liking Manowar and Opeth at the same time. Nor is there a problem being a fan of Korn at the same time you're digging Darkthrone. Metal fans are more open now, and as a result we're seeing lots of great music. Once I can learn guitar I want to do a classic American metal band: something that sonds just like it was recorded in 1984 or 1985 like classic Metal Church, Armored Saint, early Liege Lord, that sort of thing. But I also want to do a shoegazer project, some indie rock, some 70's type rock, some death metal, and a bunch of other stuff. I think it's a lot better time to be a metalhead because you're not looked at like a complete freak any longer, nor do other metalheads ostracize you in the same way if you have broad tastes. They just take the metal attitude of "who cares" and like what they like.

Wargod48 wrote:

I think if put your faith only in traditional metal then it is slow but the other genres of metal are vast. So for me I go to Power, Progressive, Thrash, Glam/Sleaz, AOR....there can alot out there right now.
All of it is not good but at least you have choices!

Wargod50

Very well stated. I am currently immersed in the Power and Progressive branches of the Heavy Metal Tree. Peace.

I am wainting for those new bands to take over the old bands. Bullet is one of those bands I want to make it big, there is also warbringer, and merciless death that are strating up and are great. But I see that very few bands are taking the traditional metal styles these days. Most of the new bands go for the modern power metal sound and thrash metal style. But the few bands like Bullet and Airborne are to be admired for that reason

Temple of Blood wrote:

The whole metal scene is stale with about a dozen or two exceptions.

I agree and the reason is because the 70's and 80's were the true time of creating this art and now it's been run dry with mediocre ideas.

I find myself looking to the few veteran bands that are making consistant records like Overkill, Testament, Slayer and Flotsam & Jetsam. Ultimatum is oldschool in their approach so i give them points for that.

The newer bands lack any character that the older bands had like Bobby Blitz, Chuck Billy, Zetro, Tom Araya... they're all just "garage screamers" that never took their voices to the next level (personality). Where's the next Eric AK...or the next Russ Anderson?

metalFRO wrote:

Sure, there will always be "old-schoolers" who can't handle anything else mixed in w/ their metal (shudder at the likes of Rammstein, Stuck Mojo, or anything else non-traditional),

(Raises hand)

Fat Freddy wrote:

metalFRO wrote:

Sure, there will always be "old-schoolers" who can't handle anything else mixed in w/ their metal (shudder at the likes of Rammstein, Stuck Mojo, or anything else non-traditional),

(Raises hand)

I used to like Stuck Mojo mainly because Rich Ward is a cool player but the rapping began to get on my nerves.

Temple of Blood wrote:

The whole metal scene is stale with about a dozen or two exceptions.

I'd be curious as to who you consider the exceptions...not trying to bait you, I'm seriously curious.

Shawn Of Fire wrote:

Temple of Blood wrote:

The whole metal scene is stale with about a dozen or two exceptions.

I'd be curious as to who you consider the exceptions...not trying to bait you, I'm seriously curious.

Temple of Blood, of course!