Any Bands that I NEED to check out in the Traditional Metal Scene?

I know the important ones like Priest, Maiden, and Sabbath. But do you have any suggestions for me (any time period, 70's to now) that I should know about?

If you're looking for some obscure stuff from the NWOBHM (New Wave of British Heavy Metal), the Tygers of Pan Tang were pretty cool. Their first three albums are pretty awesome, especially "Spellbound". My favorite song from the album is "Take It".

Cool! I have heard some of their stuff. I think it was called Silver and Gold, and wasn't their guitarist John Sykes? or something like that, I forget first names. The one that was in Thin Lizzy? And I really like Tyrant from the NWOBHM scene. Really obscure stuff

}{Iron~Maiden~}{ wrote:

Cool! I have heard some of their stuff. I think it was called Silver and Gold, and wasn't their guitarist John Sykes? or something like that, I forget first names. The one that was in Thin Lizzy? And I really like Tyrant from the NWOBHM scene. Really obscure stuff

You would be correct on everything above...Sykes's debut was on this album.

Angel Witch was a pretty cool NWOBHM band as well. Definitely my favorite tune of theirs...

Only song I've heard from Angel Witch, was Angel Witch off of the album brilliantly entitled Angel Witch. Before your previous post of course! I think my favorite NWOBHM band would be a tie between Cloven Hoof and The Tygers (looked up a bunch of songs by them and looked on No Life 'Til Metal). I'm not sure how to post a link but the song "Astral Rider" by Cloven Hoof is awesome!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t80eKlbjCVw

}{Iron~Maiden~}{ wrote:

Only song I've heard from Angel Witch, was Angel Witch off of the album brilliantly entitled Angel Witch. Before your previous post of course! I think my favorite NWOBHM band would be a tie between Cloven Hoof and The Tygers (looked up a bunch of songs by them and looked on No Life 'Til Metal). I'm not sure how to post a link but the song "Astral Rider" by Cloven Hoof is awesome!

The only Cloven Hoof song that I'm familiar with is "Laying Down the Law", which is pretty damn good.

This is a must.

Oh Yeah! A band i hadn't heard of that actually kicks some serious a**! When was that Omen album released? Sounds like mid to late 80's to me, but I could be wrong. Well, all I know is that "The Axeman" is now on my favorites list on Youtube.

If you want traditional heavy metal at its best your first stop should be none other than... SAXON

You cannot go wrong with any Saxon but imo for a new comer to the band you are best to check out these albums:

Strong Arm of the Law
Denim and Leather
Wheels of Steel
Power and the Glory
Crusader

All of Saxon's official 80s catalog was recently re-issued with bonus tracks (dubbed as the 2009/10 re-issues).

You won't be disappointed especially if you are into early Priest and Maiden.

By all accounts Saxon should have been as big as Maiden and Priest yet for whatever reason, in part due to internal problems and management issues, Saxon has forever remained one of the cult heavy metal classics.

^^^ Agree totally!

I'm assuming you know Dio (epsecially Lat in Line and Holy Diver). Early albums by Savatage (Sirens, Hall of the Mountain King) are also highly recommended, along with early Fates Warning (The Spectre Within is essential), Crimson Glory (S/T and Transcendence). Later Savatage and Fates are more progressive but equally excellent. No Life Til Metal is an excellent stop for reviews and links to similar bands.

Savatage is a good choice too - I have always considered them the American version of Iron Maiden because of similar theatrics and epic sounding songs. I think Savatage is better than most if not all of Fates Warning's catalog. It's not so much the music, as both bands share some great songs but Savatage has always had far superior vocals to Fates Warning's albums.

If you were to check out Savatage I'd go with the albums right before A Handful of Rain.

RAVEN

Besides the bands that have already been mentioned, I'd recommend Ostrogoth, Sacred Oath, Oz, Griffin, Witchfinder General, Tokyo Blade, Metal Inquisitor, Dark Forest (UK), Jaguar, Anvil, Crossfire, Witchkiller, Tank, Ignitor, etc.

This is not an old band but new from The Netherlands and they are called Vanderbuyst!

Wargod52

Twisted Tower Dire
Widow
Hellrazor
October 31

}{Iron~Maiden~}{ wrote:

Oh Yeah! A band i hadn't heard of that actually kicks some serious a**! When was that Omen album released? Sounds like mid to late 80's to me, but I could be wrong. Well, all I know is that "The Axeman" is now on my favorites list on Youtube.

it was released in 84. I believe the vocalist died in 03

Check out Divlje Jagode from Bosnia and Osmi Putnik from Croatia while you're at it.

Check out Aska from Dallas, TX. Some of their stuff is extremely rare but three of their albums are easy to find. Especially the last one, Absolute Power which I have a used copy for sale. $5 if anyone is interested .

The first ones that came to mind:

Dio
Anvil
Raven
Exciter
Sword
Cerebus
Omen
Saint
Armored Saint
Barren Cross
early Savatage
early Fates Warning
Loudness
Accept
U.D.O.
Running Wild
Rage
Racer X
Cacaphony
The Rods
TT Quick

Mercyful Fate/King Diamond

Celtic Frost
Cirith Ungol

Thanks a lot for these, most of the ones Ult posted I have heard of and listen to regularly, like Armored Saint, and Cirith Ungol. I haven't really gotten into Celtic Frost any, but I've heard a song or two. And I really dig early Savatage and Fates Warning. The Apparition is actually one of my favorite metal songs of any genre. I love early Queensryche through Empire, and Dio is great.