| The Iron Maiden Commentary | Other Great Bands |

OTHER GREAT BANDS

Iron Maiden is a brilliant band, but is not the only great one on the Metal scene. These are a few examples of other bands worth listening to, although the list is far from being exhaustive. The ones listed here are bands I personally like and that I am familiar with. If you notice that a band you like is missing from the list, it may be that I don't know them well enough to put them there yet, or simply that I feel that they don't deserve to appear here. The album ratings are given by me and equally subjective. The great bands I selected are the following:

Angra
Astral Doors
Ayreon
Black Sabbath
Blaze
Blind Guardian
Brainstorm
Bruce Dickinson
Children Of Bodom
Cradle Of Filth

Dark Tranquillity
Dio
Dream Theater
Helloween
Iced Earth
Judas Priest
Manigance
Megadeth
Metallica
Motörhead

Queensrÿche
Rage
Savatage
Spiritual Beggars
Symphony X
Tad Morose
Therion
Tierra Santa
Vanden Plas
Voivod

Want to know something about a Metal band? Check out the link below!

Bæleron's Introduction

Iron Maiden fans often ask me if I know of any other bands that sound like Maiden. I completely understand this desire for more great music, because even the best albums eventually get stale and the need for fresh new music becomes strong. Unfortunately, Iron Maiden is completely unique – I've never heard any other band that produces original material who sounds like Iron Maiden, with maybe the exception of Tierra Santa. However, there are some excellent bands who incorporate some of the elements that make Iron Maiden great, while retaining their own sound and style. Some of these important elements are:

MUSICIANSHIP	This is an extremely important aspect of any type of music. I love a good guitar solo or a ripping metal riff, and although music need not be overly complex to be powerful I prefer musicians who are experts at what they do. (This pretty much automatically disqualifies all alternative/grunge music).

MUSICAL DEPTH	This one is harder to define since much of it relies on somewhat intangible qualities. But in some sense it's music that has some stylistic variation and non-standard song structure. I especially like songs containing long instrumental sections, and I also tend to prefer music that takes awhile to sink in and fully appreciate. If music is too quickly accessible, it also tends to grow old and boring quickly.

INTELLIGENT LYRICS	This is the downfall of many bands that otherwise would be quite good. If the lyrics are stupid or boring then the greatest musicianship in the world won't be enough to save the music. I particularly detest mindless "party" lyrics, and most romantic music is lame as well. Also, I will not listen to music that is racist, sexist, or otherwise offends my philosophical views.

Needless to say, these elements are not easy to achieve and there are not many bands that can measure up. Searching for such music can be a frustrating and expensive experience. So in the hope maybe helping a few Iron Maiden fans to find other excellent music, I'll list a few of my favourite bands here. The list isn't complete because I am also continuing to search and explore new bands. But these represent my currently favourite non-Maiden music which might best appeal to Iron Maiden fans.

Bæleron

This Brazilian band is probably the best known worldwide, along with their compatriots from Sepultura. Led by guitarists Kiko Loureiro and Rafael Bittencourt, their fame was acquired in the 1990s with brilliant vocalist Andre Matos, who sadly left the band to form Shaman, leading many to believe that the band was dead. However, with the equally brilliant singer Eduardo Falaschi and a fantastic new rhythm section composed of Felipe Andreoli and Aquiles Priester – respectively on the bass and drums – the band got a second lease of life and performed magnificently both on their studio albums and live on stage. Their Power/Melodic Metal orientation should please many Iron Maiden fans.

Discography:

1993	–	*Angels Cry*
1994	–	Evil Warning E.P.
1996	–	*Holy Land*
1996	–	Freedom Call E.P.
1997	–	Holy Live E.P.
1998	–	*Fireworks*
2001	–	*Rebirth*
2002	–	Hunters And Prey E.P.
2002	–	*Rebirth World Tour – Live In Sao Paulo*
2004	–	*Temple Of Shadows*

For those who are into Black Sabbath of the post-Ozzy period, this band will be a treat. Not only do those Swedes write songs that are as brilliant as any Sabbath classics, but the singer, namely Mr. Nils Patrik Johansson, has probably one of the best voices that ever were in the Heavy Metal genre. They are great to listen to on your hifi, formidable on stage, and very nice people to meet after the concert. Their musical talent is only equalled by the humility they show when you chat with them. No Rock Star attitude there, but the really down-to-earth behaviour of those who do a great job and who know that, regardless of the talent deployed, life is also about having as much fun as you can.

Discography:

2003	–	*Of The Son And The Father*
2005	–	*Evil Is Forever*

Ayreon is a series of rock operas featuring many international guest-musicians – including Bruce Dickinson on one of the albums! It is Arjen Lucassen's main project, although he also works on various side-projects, such as Star One to name but this one.

Although this is not strictly-speaking Metal, but more Progressive Rock, most metallers – and indeed Iron Maiden fans! – appreciate this music. Many of the singers who participated to the project in fact come from Metal bands, and the music itself has sometimes a hard metallic edge that cannot be found in other "Prog" bands. All albums are very good, although I'd recommend to start with either Universal Migrator Parts 1 & 2 (2004 re-release) or Into The Electric Castle (also the 2004 re-issue).

Discography:

1995	–	*The Final Experiment*
1996	–	*Actual Fantasy*
1998	–	*Into The Electric Castle*
2000	–	*The Dream Sequencer*
2000	–	*Flight of the Migrator*
2000	–	*Ayreonauts Only*
2001	–	*Fate of a Dreamer* (Ambeon)
2002	–	*Space Metal* (Star One)
2003	–	*Live on Earth* (Star One)
2004	–	*The Human Equation*
2004	–	*Into the Electric Castle* (re-issue)
2004	–	*Universal Migrator pt. 1 & 2* (re-issue)
2004	–	*Actual Fantasy: Revisited*

It is impossible to ignore these grand-daddies of Metal, as they have influenced virtually every band that went into the genre. Whether you're a fan of the early days with Ozzy or an afficionado of the later years, with fantastic singers like Ronnie James Dio or Tony Martin, every Sabbath album has got something for you. When Metal didn't exist, Sabbath invented it.

Discography:

1970	–	*Black Sabbath*
1970	–	*Paranoid*
1971	–	*Master Of Reality*
1972	–	*Vol. 4*
1973	–	*Sabbath Bloody Sabbath*
1975	–	*Sabotage*
1975	–	*We Sold Our Souls For Rock'n'Roll*
1977	–	*Technical Ecstasy*
1978	–	*Never Say Die*
1980	–	*Heaven And Hell*
1981	–	*Mob Rules*
1983	–	*Live Evil*
1983	–	*Born Again*
1986	–	*Seventh Star*
1987	–	*The Eternal Idol*
1989	–	*Headless Cross*
1990	–	*Tyr*
1992	–	*Dehumanizer*
1994	–	*Cross Purposes*
1995	–	*Cross Purposes Live*
1995	–	*Forbidden*
1996	–	*The Sabbath Stones*
1998	–	*Reunion*

Are there any Maiden fans who don't know who Blaze is? Former Wolfsbane frontman Blaze Bayley – real name Bayley Cook – joined Iron Maiden after Bruce Dickinson left, back in 1993. His tenure within 'Arry's band gave birth to two albums they should all be proud of: the magnificent X Factor and the "not-so-good-but-still-pretty-decent" Virtual XI. During his time with Maiden, from 1995 to 1998, Blaze was quite unjustly reviled by some so-called "real" fans and his courage has to be acknowledged for putting up with some pr**ks who were bashing him during the concerts. This particular period of his life is now over and done with, and the singer has moved on to pastures new where he can present effectively his talent to the world.

His new band, B L A Z E, is nowadays one of the best bands of the Metal scene. Musically, they are all talented artists who deliver an efficient and sophisticated Metal, and the lyrical content of the songs has a depth that has rarely been seen. Whoever likes Metal will love any of the releases they have made. The live album is strongly recommended to start with, as it gives a good sample of the songs as well as a very good impression of the energy the band deploys on stage. The live rendition of 'Sign Of The Cross' is particularly impressive and even buries the one that can be found on Maiden's Rock In Rio album!

Blaze himself is very close to his fans and does not hesitate to go for a drink or two with them after his gigs. His stage presence is only equalled by the kindness he demonstrates when you talk to him. Don't miss any gig near you, talent and kindness are such a rare combination these days that they really need to be appreciated!

Discography:

2000	–	*Silicon Messiah*
2002	–	*Tenth Dimension*
2003	–	*As Live As It Gets*
2004	–	*Blood & Belief*

Blind Guardian is a German band that's been around since the mid-80s and who released their first album, Battalions Of Fear in 1988. Their unique combination of speed-metal rhythm, harmonic lead and choruses, and intelligent lyrics creates the perfect mood for their fantasy-based themes. Blind Guardian's greatest album, Nightfall In Middle Earth, is a brilliantly crafted concept album based on J.R.R. Tolkien's masterpiece novel The Silmarillion. It is a little less speed-metal oriented than their earlier albums, and I recommend it as a first album for Iron Maiden fans who haven't heard Blind Guardian before.

Discography:

1988	–	*Battalions Of Fear*
1989	–	*Follow The Blind*
1990	–	*Tales From The Twilight World*
1992	–	*Somewhere Far Beyond*
1993	–	*Tokyo Tales*
1995	–	*Imaginations From The Other Side*
1996	–	*The Forgotten Tales*
1998	–	*Nightfall In Middle-Earth*
2002	–	*A Night At The Opera*
2003	–	*Live*

Brainstorm is yet another German Power Metal band like the country produces thirteen a dozen every year. However, this band really stands out in comparison to the others and their music – inspired by various other similar bands – is improving with every new release. It shouldn't therefore be considered just another copycat, but an independent band that produces its own style of music while taking its roots in the "traditional" Teutonic Power Metal.

Discography:

1997	–	*Hungry*
1998	–	*Unholy*
2000	–	*Ambiguity*
2001	–	*Metus Mortis*
2003	–	*Soul Temptation*

It is difficult to imagine any Maiden fan not knowing who Bruce Dickinson is, but there are probably quite a few who haven't yet tried his solo albums. Some of the earlier albums are a mixed bag, especially Skunkworks. which is more like what is called nowadays "Nu-Metal", and therefore less appreciated by the purists for Metal. But Accident Of Birth and The Chemical Wedding are two of the most brilliant and impressive albums of the Metal realm, and there is also a fantastic live recording available called Scream For Me Brazil. Not coincidentally, all of these feature none other than Adrian Smith and Roy Z on guitar, and the sound is probably as close to Iron Maiden as you'll ever find. Bruce's exceptionally deep subject matter is matched by the music's complexity of emotion and power, making these albums a necessity for every Maiden fan. If you haven't heard these two albums, Accident Of Birth and The Chemical Wedding, do not eat or sleep until you own them!

Discography:

1990	–	*Tatooed Millionaire*
1994	–	*Balls To Picasso*
1995	–	*Alive In Studio A*
1996	–	*Skunkworks*
1997	–	*Accident Of Birth*
1998	–	*The Chemical Wedding*
1999	–	*Scream For Me Brazil*
2001	–	*Best Of...*
2005	–	*Tyranny Of Souls*

To many fans of Iron Maiden, the music of Children of Bodom might seem slightly unpalatable. The harsh black metal style vocals are not everyone’s cup of tea, but mixed with the fast instrumentation reminiscent of power metal and an aggressive dose of heaviness, the result is a very energetic and powerful sound, which keeps an excellent ear for melody throughout. Superb guitar and keyboard riffs really hold the sound together, and add a unique quality to this brilliant Finnish band. Whether the vocals are to everyone’s tastes, they complement the music perfectly, and this band creates music which is not only extreme and uplifting but also irresistibly catchy. Definitely worth exploring, whatever your tastes!

Discography:

1997	–	*Something Wild*
1999	–	*Hatebreeder*
1999	–	*Tokyo Warhearts*
2000	–	*Follow The Reaper*
2003	–	*Hatecrew Deathroll*

The use of keyboards and female vocals, on top of the more mainstream status of Cradle of Filth has caused many black metal purists to condemn them, but these elitist views aside, Cradle of Filth are a very talented and interesting band. The subject matter of their music includes vampires and erotica, and this is well conveyed by the band’s sound. A mix of atmospheric elements and energetic musicianship creates an epic and haunting sound on which the versatile vocals of Dani Filth are able to add a lot to the band – much improved by the quality of the lyrics, which are poetic and very impressively written. While the musical style is perhaps unfavourable among many Maiden fans, Cradle of Filth are undoubtedly a skilled and original band, and well deserving of recognition!

Here is a brief example of their lyrics:

Raped of faith, She now embraced
The narcissistic unrest frozen on the mirror's face
With this disdain, inside these veins
(Highborn wanton that She was) she sought to keep what age would claim
Her soul was sold and for this toll
Reeking pyres ever smouldered on the whims of one so in control
Elizabeth, mysterious.
Cruelty brought thee orchids from the bowels of the abyss
– From 'Cruelty Brought Thee Orchids', 1998

It is recommended to start with Cruelty And The Beast or Nymphetamine and then work your way backwards through the earlier albums.

Discography:

1994	–	*The Principle Of Evil Made Flesh*
1996	–	*V Empire*
1996	–	*Dusk... And Her Embrace*
1998	–	*Cruelty And The Beast*
1999	–	*From The Cradle To Enslave*
2000	–	*Midian*
2001	–	*Bitter Suites To Succubi*
2002	–	*Lovecraft & Witch Hearts*
2002	–	*Live Bait For The Dead*
2003	–	*Damnation and a Day*
2004	–	*Nymphetamine*

This band has defined the Gothenburg Melodic/Death Metal sound. Many have compared them to their compatriots of In Flames or to the Danes of Withering Surface, but their style is fairly unique. Like them or loathe them, they are still at the edge of the Metal evolution they started to define. The best album to start with is probably Damage Done, or maybe Projector if you're into music that's both melancholic and powerful.

Discography:

1993	–	*Skydancer*
1995	–	*The Gallery*
1997	–	*The Mind's I*
1999	–	*Projector*
2000	–	*Haven*
2002	–	*Damage Done*
2005	–	*Character*

Ronnie James Dio cannot be described as anything other than a heavy metal legend, with a career spanning three decades. He first came to prominence as the vocalist for Rainbow, and then joined Black Sabbath and helped them create possibly the most inspired albums of their careers, Heaven And Hell and Mob Rules. Then Dio went solo and, in the early 80s, produced some of the most classic heavy metal albums of all time. Holy Diver, The Last In Line, Sacred Heart, and Dream Evil – these are the legendary albums of Dio's solo career. It's not speed metal at all, but instead tends to be quite slow, heavy, and full of emotion. Dio's instantly recognisable voice and fantasy-based songs make him a metal icon who will always have a place in Metal's hall of fame.

1972	–	*Elf*	Elf
1974	–	*L.A./59*	Elf
1974	–	*Carolina County Ball*	Elf
1975	–	*Trying To Burn The Sun*	Elf
1975	–	*Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow*	Rainbow
1976	–	*Rainbow Rising*	Rainbow
1977	–	*Rainbow On Stage*	Rainbow
1978	–	*Long Live Rock'n'Roll*	Rainbow
1980	–	*Heaven And Hell*	Black Sabbath
1981	–	*Mob Rules*	Black Sabbath
1981	–	*Chase The Rainbow*	Rainbow
1981	–	*The Best Of Rainbow*	Rainbow
1983	–	*Live Evil*	Black Sabbath
1983	–	*Holy Diver*	Dio
1984	–	*The Last In Line*	Dio
1985	–	*Sacred Heart*	Dio
1986	–	*Finyl Vinyl*	Rainbow
1986	–	*Intermission*	Dio
1987	–	*Dream Evil*	Dio
1990	–	*Lock Up The Wolves*	Dio
1992	–	*Dehumanizer*	Black Sabbath
1994	–	*Strange Highways*	Dio
1996	–	*Angry Machines*	Dio
1998	–	*Inferno / Last In Live*	Dio
2000	–	*Magica*	Dio
2002	–	*Killing The Dragon*	Dio
2004	–	*Master Of The Moon*	Dio

When people talk about "Prog Metal", the first name that comes to mind is that of Dream Theater. The amazing technical skills of the musicians have defined the style itself – sometimes to boredom, some may add! However, this band is incredibly relaxing to listen to, from their more aggressive beginnings to their rather intricate later productions. They are also Iron Maiden fans and proved it by covering The Number Of The Beast album on stage in its entirety.

Discography:

1989	–	*When Dream And Day Unite*
1992	–	*Images And Words*
1993	–	*Live At The Marquee*
1994	–	*Awake*
1995	–	*A Change Of Seasons*
1997	–	*Falling Into Infinity*
1998	–	*Once In A LiveTime*
1999	–	*Scenes From A Memory*
2001	–	*Live Scenes From New York*
2002	–	*Six Degrees Of Inner Turbulence*
2003	–	*Train Of Thought*

Helloween is a German band that tends to be very popular with Iron Maiden fans. Although they are often said to sound similar to Maiden, I haven't been able to agree. They have a unique combination of speed-metal rhythm, melodic leads, and harmonic choruses that is quite unlike Iron Maiden's sound, yet somehow similar in power and energy. The albums Keeper Of The Seven Keys Part I and Keeper Of The Seven Keys Part II are arguably their best, and on these albums the powerful vocal range of Michael Kiske is in the same league with Bruce Dickinson and Geoff Tate. Although Helloween can be considered somewhat more upbeat than many other metal bands, but they are definitely worth exploring if you're into fast melodic power-metal.

Discography:

1985	–	*Walls Of Jericho*
1987	–	*Keeper Of The Seven Keys, Part I*
1988	–	*Keeper Of The Seven Keys, Part II*
1989	–	*Live In The UK*
1989	–	*Pumpkin Tracks*
1991	–	*Pink Bubbles Go Ape*
1991	–	*The Best – The Rest – The Rare*
1993	–	*Chameleon*
1994	–	*Master Of The Rings*
1996	–	*The Time Of The Oath*
1996	–	*High Live*
1998	–	*Better Than Raw*
1999	–	*Metal Jukebox*
2000	–	*The Dark Ride*
2002	–	*Treasure Chest*
2003	–	*Rabbit Don't Come Easy*

Iced Earth have been called the saviors of American metal, and they probably deserve it. They originate in the speed-metal explosion of the late 1980s and have proven to be one of the most talented and versatile metal bands of the 1990s. The creative force of Iced Earth is rhythm guitarist and composer Jon Schaffer, who can be compared with Steve Harris in songwriting skill and pure creativity. Iced Earth's earlier albums tend to be faster and more speed-oriented, while their most recent albums, The Dark Saga, Something Wicked This Way Comes and Horror Show, are somewhat slower with more harmonies. But all of Iced Earth's albums are powerful, intelligent, spellbinding, and heartily recommended! For Iron Maiden fans, I would recommend starting with the live album Alive In Athens. This is truly one of the best live albums ever recorded, completely on par with Maiden's Live After Death, and it gives a great sampling of materal from each of Iced Earth's albums.

Discography:

1991	–	*Iced Earth*
1992	–	*Night of the Stormrider*
1995	–	*Burnt Offerings*
1996	–	*The Dark Saga*
1997	–	*Days of Purgatory*
1998	–	*Something Wicked This Way Comes*
1999	–	*Melancholy E.P.* (Limited edition)
1999	–	*Alive In Athens*
2001	–	*Melancholy E.P.* (Re-edition)
2001	–	*Horror Show*
2003	–	*The Reckoning E.P.*
2004	–	*The Glorious Burden*
2004	–	*The Blessed and the Damned*

These dinosaurs of Metal are one of the most influencial bands of the genre – actually, 80s Metal sound owes a lot to them and many riffs of that era have this recognisable "Priest" touch to them. The history of Judas Priest and that of Iron Maiden are also intertwined, and the "Great Old Ones" gave a then brand new little band a chance to open for them in the early 80s. Without Priest, Maiden would have had to wait a bit longer before achieving the fame that we all know. Although their discography has its ups and downs, this band still deserves to appear in an "other great bands" listing.

Discography:

1974	–	*Rocka Rolla*
1976	–	*Sad Wings Of Destiny*
1977	–	*Sin After Sin*
1978	–	*Stained Class*
1978	–	*Hell Bent For Leather*
1979	–	*Unleashed In The East*
1980	–	*British Steel*
1981	–	*Point Of Entry*
1982	–	*Screaming For Vengeance*
1984	–	*Defenders Of The Faith*
1986	–	*Turbo*
1987	–	*Priest ... Live!*
1988	–	*Ram It Down*
1990	–	*Painkiller*
1993	–	*Metal Works 73–93* (Compilation)
1997	–	*Jugulator*
1998	–	*98 Live Meltdown*
2001	–	*Demolition*
2003	–	*Live In London*
2005	–	*Angel Of Retribution*

Like many other great bands that could (should?) have made it really big, the fact that the songs are in their mother-tongue – French as is happens – prevented this band to reach an international audience. Nevertheless, their music is extremely powerful and showcases Heavy Metal at its best. The lyrics are deep and intelligent, but non-French-speakers may fail to recognise it. Just let the music carry you, as Manigance plays the best Heavy Metal that was ever engineered in France since Trust.

Discography:

1997	–	*Signe De Vie*
2002	–	*Ange Ou Démon*
2004	–	*D'un Autre Sang*
2005	–	*Mémoires... live*

Founded by former Metallica guitarist Dave Mustaine, Megadeth has gone through many line-up changes and has evolved from sheer Thrash aggression to more intricate Metal throughout their career. Mustaine never hid his admiration for Iron Maiden (he even appears in the Number Of The Beast "Making Of" video) and, although very different from Harris's band, some influence from Maiden can be felt here or there. The quality of the albums is fairly uneven, but tribute must be paid to this band – this man? – who had a vision and did their best to make it real.

Discography:

1985	–	*Killing Is My Business*
1986	–	*Peace Sells, But Who's Buying?*
1988	–	*So Far, So Good, So What*
1990	–	*Rust In Peace*
1992	–	*Countdown To Extinction*
1994	–	*Youthanasia*
1995	–	*Hidden Treasures*
1997	–	*Cryptic Writings*
1999	–	*Risk*
2000	–	*Capitol Punishment* (Compilation)
2001	–	*The World Needs A Hero*
2002	–	*Rude Awakening*
2002	–	*Still Alive... And Well?*
2004	–	*The System Has Failed*

Surely every rock fan in the world has heard of Metallica and knows what they currently sound like. But it's possible that some younger fans might not be familiar with Metallica's classic earlier material. During the 1980s, Metallica produced some of the most powerful and creative albums of the metal genre – Kill'em All, Ride The Lightning, Master Of Puppets, and ...And Justice For All. These albums contain strong speed-metal elements (Metallica helped pioneer the genre), and the sound is quite different from that of Iron Maiden, yet similar in the depth and breadth of material. It's also very different from Metallica's current sound. If you haven't yet explored Metallica's 80s albums, then you're in for a treat.

Discography:

1983	–	*Kill'em All*
1984	–	*Ride The Lightning*
1986	–	*Master Of Puppets*
1987	–	*Garage Days Re-Revisited*
1988	–	*...And Justice For All*
1991	–	*Metallica* (also known as The Black Album)
1996	–	*Load*
1997	–	*ReLoad*
1998	–	*Garage Inc.*
1999	–	*S & M*
2003	–	*St. Anger*

This is probably the "meanest, dirtiest, fastest and loudest band in the world". If you're into fast and greasy down-to-earth Heavy Rock, Lemmy's crew is the very best there is. They are Motörhead. Need I say more?

Discography:

1976	–	*On Parole*
1977	–	*Motörhead*
1979	–	*Overkill*
1979	–	*Bomber*
1980	–	*Ace Of Spades*
1981	–	*No Sleep 'Til Hammersmith*
1982	–	*Iron Fist*
1983	–	*Another Perfect Day*
1984	–	*No Remorse*
1985	–	*The Birthday Party*
1986	–	*Orgasmatron*
1987	–	*Rock 'n' Roll*
1990	–	*No Sleep At All*
1991	–	*1916*
1992	–	*March Or Die*
1993	–	*Bastards*
1995	–	*Sacrifice*
1996	–	*Overnight Sensation*
1998	–	*Snake Bite Love*
1999	–	*Everything Louder Than Everyone Else*
2000	–	*We Are Motörhead*
2000	–	*The Best Of Motörhead*
2002	–	*Hammered*
2003	–	*Live At Brixton Academy – The Complete Concert*
2004	–	*Inferno*

Before they started to change their style, Queensrÿche created some of the most creative and brilliant albums of the 1980s. Geoff Tate's voice was one of the most powerful and dynamic in rock, equalled perhaps only by Bruce Dickinson and Michael Kiske. Superb songwriting and musicianship coupled with deep and intelligent lyrics make 80s Queensrÿche unforgettable. Although they nowadays sound quite different, they still have produced good records.in the 90s. They only became disappointing with Hear In The Now Frontier and their subsequent studio releases.

Anyway, especially notable are their 1988 masterpiece, Operation: Mindcrime, and the great 1994 album (in a different syle), Promised Land, these two being in my opinion among the best concept-albums ever made.

Discography:

1983	–	*Queensrÿche E.P.*
1984	–	*The Warning*
1986	–	*Rage For Order*
1988	–	*Operation: Mindcrime*
1990	–	*Empire*
1992	–	*Operation: Livecrime*
1994	–	*Promised Land*
1997	–	*Hear In The Now Frontier*
1999	–	*Q2k*
2000	–	*Greatest Hits*
2001	–	*Operation: Livecrime* (Re-release)
2001	–	*Live Evolution*
2001	–	*Classic Masters*
2003	–	*Tribe*
2004	–	*The Art Of Live*
2006	–	*Operation: Mindcrime II*

Releasing their first album and E.P. under the moniker of Avenger in the mid-eighties, Rage only acquired their distinctive sound and style a few years later. Their association with an orchestra on the albums Lingua Mortis and XIII was particularly well done and successful, but their later albums returned to their raw Power Metal origins – also very successfully! To discover the band, I would recommend either of their "orchestral" albums, or those with the current line-up (Wagner/Smolski/Terrana), like Unity or Soundchaser.

Discography:

1985	–	*Prayer Of Steel*
1985	–	Depraved To Black (E.P.)
1986	–	*Reign Of Fear*
1987	–	*Execution Guaranteed*
1988	–	*Perfect Man*
1989	–	*Invisible Horizons* (E.P.)
1989	–	*Secrets In A Weird World*
1990	–	*Reflections Of A Shadow*
1991	–	*Extended Power* (E.P.)
1992	–	*Trapped!*
1992	–	*Beyond The Wall* (E.P.)
1993	–	*The Missing Link*
1994	–	*Refuge* (E.P.)
1994	–	*Power Of Metal*
1994	–	*Ten Years In Rage* (Compilation)
1995	–	*Black In Mind*
1996	–	*Lingua Mortis*
1997	–	*End Of All Days*
1997	–	*Higher Than The Sky* (E.P.)
1997	–	*Live From The Vault*
1998	–	*XIII*
1998	–	*The Best From The Noise Years* (Compilation)
1998	–	*In Vain "Rage In Acoustic"*
1998	–	*In Vain I – III*
1999	–	*Ghosts*
2001	–	*Welcome To The Other Side*
2001	–	*Best Of – All G.U.N. Years* (Compilation)
2002	–	*Unity*
2003	–	*Soundchaser*

This band has been one of the best in its genre for the past 20 years or so. Their sound evolved from excellent rough Metal to something more intricate and almost progressive. Despite many line-up changes (and the sad loss of brilliant guitarist Criss Oliva in a car crash in 1993), they have managed to produce the finest music in Metal, and many of their musicians have also been involved in solos projects, either while still in the band or after they left, and all of them are great. If you get into Savatage, don't forget to check out Chris Caffery's solo works, Zak Stevens's Circle II Circle and mostly Jon Oliva's Pain.

Discography:

1983	–	*Sirens*
1985	–	*Power Of The Night*
1985	–	*The Dungeons Are Calling* (E.P.)
1986	–	*Fight For The Rock*
1987	–	*In The Hall Of The Mountain King*
1989	–	*Gutter Ballet*
1991	–	*Streets: A Rock Opera*
1993	–	*Edge Of Thorns*
1994	–	*Handful Of Rain*
1995	–	*Dead Winter Dead*
1996	–	*Final Bell*
1996	–	*From The Gutter To The Stage* (Compilation)
1997	–	*The Wake Of Magellan*
2001	–	*Poets And Madmen*

A mix of 70s music reminiscent of a speeded-up version of Black Sabbath, Spiritual Beggars are without doubt the leaders of what is called "Stoner Metal". Those who saw them opening for Iron Maiden back in 2000 will understand what I mean. If you have to own but one album, start with Ad Astra. Quite brilliant!

Discography:

1994	–	*Spiritual Beggars*
1996	–	*Another Way To Shine*
1998	–	*Mantra III*
2000	–	*Ad Astra*
2002	–	*On Fire*
2005	–	*Demons*

Although there are many bands playing Progressive Metal, Symphony X, along with Dream Theater, stands out as the most creative and enjoyable. The fantastic voice of Russel Allen – who also appears on the live Star One album of Arjen Lucassen – contributes greatly to the band and complements perfectly the other musicians' talent and professionalism.

Discography:

1994	–	*Symphony X*
1995	–	*The Damnation Game*
1996	–	*The Divine Wings Of Tragedy*
1998	–	*Twilight In Olympus*
1999	–	*Prelude To The Millennium* (Compilation)
2000	–	V
2001	–	*Live On The Edge Of Forever*
2002	–	*The Odyssey*

Leaving their progressive style of the 1990s behind, Tad Morose started the new century with more traditional Melodic Metal and a more aggressive edge to their music. With brilliant vocals and complex melodies, this is one of the best bands around. Start with Modus Vivendi and work your way backwards, you won't regret it!

Discography:

1993	–	*Leaving The Past Behind*
1994	–	*Sender Of Thoughts*
1995	–	*Paradigma*
1996	–	*A Mended Rhyme*
2000	–	*Reflections* (Compilation)
2000	–	*Undead*
2002	–	*Matters Of The Dark*
2003	–	*Modus Vivendi*

From their beginning as a rather average Death Metal outfit, Therion have evolved into a fantastic Operatic Metal band. This is the best example of "Classical meets Metal" if you consider their work from the mid-nineties onward. If you're into great classical stuff, you'll love what Therion do, their double album Sirius B/Lemuria being a real masterpiece.

Discography:

1991	–	*Of Darkness...*
1992	–	*Beyond Sanctorum*
1993	–	*Symphony Masses: Ho Drakon Ho Megas*
1995	–	*The Beauty In Black* (E.P.)
1995	–	*Lepaca Kliffoth*
1996	–	*Theli*
1997	–	*A'Arab Zaraq – Lucid Dreaming*
1998	–	*Vovin*
1999	–	*The Crowning Of Atlantis*
2000	–	*Deggial*
2001	–	*Secret Of The Runes*
2002	–	*Live In Midgard*
2004	–	*Sirius B / Lemuria*

Have you ever heard Iron Maiden with Spanish lyrics? If not, I suggest that you give this band a listen. The music is obviously very inspired by the East End gang and is very enjoyable to listen to, even if you don't necessarily understand what they sing about (Rhapsody-like themes of fantasy, apparently). Every Maiden fan should enjoy this excellent Spanish band that has kept alive the tradition of 80s Metal.

Discography:

1997	–	*Medieval*
1999	–	*Legendario*
2001	–	*Tierras De Leyenda*
2002	–	*Sangre De Reyes*
2003	–	*Indomable*

Often accused of being a Dream Theater copycat, Vanden Plas have shown that their own talent and creativity went far beyond the status of a mere clone. These Germans make one of the best Progressive Metal music, and their singer's solo project, Abydos, provides one of the finest music in the genre.

Discography:

1994	–	*Colour Temple*
1996	–	*AcCult* (E.P.)
1997	–	*The God Thing*
1999	–	*Far Off Grace*
2000	–	*Spirit Of Live*
2002	–	*Beyond Daylight*

This is a good example of a Thrash Metal band that turned to something more progressive while retaining their aggressive roots. While the first albums can be ignored if you're not into absolute chaotic pandemonium, their later works have a definite unique sound that is most enjoyable. The latest addition to the line-up is none other than ex-Metallica Jason Newsted, providing an excellent rhythmic to an already excellent band.

Discography:

1984	–	*War And Pain*
1986	–	*Rrroooaaarrr*
1987	–	*Killing Technology*
1988	–	*Dimension Hatross*
1989	–	*Nothingface*
1991	–	*Angel Rat*
1993	–	*The Outer Limits*
1995	–	*Negatron*
1997	–	*Phobos*
1998	–	*Kronik*
2000	–	*Voivod Lives*
2003	–	*Voivod*

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