NationStates Jolt Archive

Yes. Vote. My vote is for Led Zeppelin.

Black Sabbath and Ozzy? Honestly, I think you could put someone else in Ozzy's place as A) he's not a "band", and B) he crated history with Sabbath, and doesn't really need a separate entry.

Personally, I'd vote for Blue Oyster Cult or Deep Purple, but I like bands that reference Michael Moorcock in their songs, heh.

That'd be 'Black Blade' and 'Stormbringer' respectively, referencing Moorcock's Elric Saga...

Led Zeppelin followed by ACDC then Black Sabbath, and then Deep Purple.

Sabbath

stryper followed closely by mayhem

It's actually bands and artists, I just couldn't fit "artists" in the subject. Also, Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath are two different groups with different members and different sounds. Ozzy Osbourne in this poll means Ozzy during his solo career.

AC/DC all the way. Led Zeppelin is in a category other than straight hard rock, they're in an echelon not quite to the Beatle's level, but as close as you can get. Black Sabbath was the groundbreaking group, and were great, but if you're talking straight hard rock, it's gotta be AC/DC. They lose Bon Scott, and instead of calling it quits, bring in Brian Johnson and release Back in Black, best selling metal album ever. Angus Young took the most simple riffs and made himself a god with them...it's AC/DC hands down.

For those about to write, I salute you.

Come on Ozzy Osbourne( it is just pitifull about how baddly he is messed up these days from drugs in his past) he isn't a band he is front man for Black Sabbit. ou could have replaced him with the Beetles or Rolling Stones.

Led Zepplin was a great band rivaled by ACDC but I only had one vote between them.

None of the above. It's Lawnmower Deth, without question.

Why isn't Van Halen on the list? They're obviously the best. EDDIE ROCKS!

I went with Deep Purple, because Richie Blackmore was the man back in the late-60's, early-70's IMO (although Jimmy Page, Jimi Hendrix, Tony Iommi, and Jeff Beck certainly left their marks as well). He did more for fusing metal/rock and the technical vituosity of classical than anyone in the era (with the exception of Ulirch Roth).

Slayer. No question about it.

Why isn't Van Halen on the list? They're obviously the best. EDDIE ROCKS!

I'm seeing Van Halen this August!

Aside from bragging, its a tie between Ozzy (although I like Sabbath, Randy Rhodes (best work: "Diary of a Madman"-1981) and Zakk Wylde (best work: "Fire in the Sky"-1988 or "No More Tears"-1991) are slightly better guitarists then Tony Iommi, in my humble opinion) and Guns N' Roses pre-1992. Serriously, how can someone say "You Could Be Mine", "Paradise City" or "Knocking of Heaven's Door" does not sound good?

Iron Maiden!!!

Why is Maiden not on the list?

Iron Maiden!!!

Why is Maiden not on the list?

Because it is a very small list, and therefore a lot of people got left out? Heck I could rattle off a whole butt-load more that should be mentioned, from Dream Theater to Megadeth to Death to Van Halen (David Lee Roth era) to Rainbow to Dio to Merciful Fate, et cetera, et alia, ad nausem...

Marc Anthony, of course. :lol:

Slayer. No question about it.

Except they aren't as good as Lawnmower Deth.

Slayer and Iron Maiden and Lawnmower Death ( :lol: ) didn't make the list because they suck...compare their success/sound/public appeal to AC/DC and you won't come close. To say those bands outrank any of the bands given is...well...unforgivable. Van Halen can have a decent case made for them, in that Sammy made some awesome music after Diamond Dave left...lots of extended success. But, AC/DC is still touring with most of its original members and they all get along with each other and hate everything else. Now THAT'S rock and roll.

Slayer and Iron Maiden and Lawnmower Death ( :lol: ) didn't make the list because they suck...compare their success/sound/public appeal to AC/DC and you won't come close. To say those bands outrank any of the bands given is...well...unforgivable. Van Halen can have a decent case made for them, in that Sammy made some awesome music after Diamond Dave left...lots of extended success. But, AC/DC is still touring with most of its original members and they all get along with each other and hate everything else. Now THAT'S rock and roll.

I don't consider the fact that a band has had a long running history of commercial success as any indicator of their musical worth. It mearly means that they have and continue to sell albums, again no real indication of their musical merit. While it is true the two do coincide on occasion (Deep Purple, Zepplin, AC/DC to a lesser extent, and several others), but I tend to judge a band's worth on the technical and overall merit of their songs and songwritting. In which case bands like AC/DC and other simpler bands don't rank as high as say Dream Theater or Rising Force in my estimations. The music may still be enjoyable (which AC/DC's certainly is), but if just doesn't measure up to others.

Slayer and Iron Maiden and Lawnmower Death ( :lol: ) didn't make the list because they suck...compare their success/sound/public appeal to AC/DC and you won't come close. To say those bands outrank any of the bands given is...well...unforgivable. Van Halen can have a decent case made for them, in that Sammy made some awesome music after Diamond Dave left...lots of extended success. But, AC/DC is still touring with most of its original members and they all get along with each other and hate everything else. Now THAT'S rock and roll.

I hate to tell you this dude, but Maiden played in front of over 250,000 people at Rock in Rio in 2001. They were one of the most influencial bands in the NWoBHM. They also show a little something called diversity once in a while. AC/DC (by the admission of Angus Young) have basically remade the same album over and over.

Aside from that I would've liked to see Judas Priest in there. Uriah Heep would have been cool to see there too, but they were never a very big band.

Aside from that I would've liked to see Judas Priest in there. Uriah Heep would have been cool to see there too, but they were never a very big band.

Priest would have been nice as well (the question would be to use either the Halford or Ripper eras, both have their merits). As for Uriah Heep, Kai Hansen did a cover of one of their songs on Gamma Ray's debut album, if they're good enough for Kai, they're good enough for me.

In which case bands like AC/DC and other simpler bands don't rank as high as say Dream Theater or Rising Force in my estimations. The music may still be enjoyable (which AC/DC's certainly is), but if just doesn't measure up to others.

Damn straight. I've seen Dream Theater three times, and they've kicked ass each time.

But there are so many lesser known bands that have die-hard followings of insanely faithful fans (like Theater, or, say, Iced Earth), but don't have the comercial success.

On that list, I vote Deep Purple, but I can think of several bands that I think are better than the ones listed.

Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, and Judas Priest are at the top of my list.

If you're going to argue that a band is better than AC/DC, pick a tactic and stick to it collectively. One of you says "monetary success doesn't matter!!!1" and then the next person says "Hey dewd, 250,000 peeple saw my fave band!!1" Let's pretend those 250,000 people mattered...AC/DC has packed Central Park nearly a dozen times.
AC/DC = ownage, money or following. Then, Angus says they make the same album over and over. First of all, if they continue to reproduce the same album, even infinitely just for argument's sake, it'd still be better than Slayer doing something new each time, not that they do. Secondly, I was just humoring you all. AC/DC has accomplished so much, I would expect Angus to be modest. But listen to the Bon Scott era, then Brian Johnson. It went from garage band to refined metal group. Sure, "Dream Theater" may have its creepy little cult following, but the masses will support me in saying this: AC/DC is a better band than most, (Dream Theater included) if not any. In fact, ask ten random people if they've even heard of Dream Theater in comparison to AC/DC. Pwned.

If you're going to argue that a band is better than AC/DC, pick a tactic and stick to it collectively. One of you says "monetary success doesn't matter!!!1" and then the next person says "Hey dewd, 250,000 peeple saw my fave band!!1" Let's pretend those 250,000 people mattered...AC/DC has packed Central Park nearly a dozen times.
AC/DC = ownage. Then, Angus says they make the same album over and over. First of all, if they continue to reproduce the same album, even infinitely just for argument's sake, it'd still be better than Slayer doing something new each time, not that they do. Secondly, I was just humoring you all. AC/DC has accomplished so much, I would expect Angus to be modest. But listen to the Bon Scott era, then Brian Johnson. It went from garage band to refined metal group. Sure, "Dream Theater" may have its creepy little cult following, but the masses will support me in saying this: AC/DC is a better band than most, (Dream Theater included) if not any. In fact, ask ten random people if they've even heard of Dream Theater in comparison to AC/DC. Pwned.

I said that monetary success doesn't matter, and it doesn't when one is talking about (like I was) the musical and technical merit/integrity of a group. AC/DC is based around simple 3-4 power chord progression with few if any time changes or mood shifts between songs. That's not to say the music is bad, but for me I like to see a little more creativity and skill involved (I know I'm biased in this reguard, but that is what you get for studying classical guitar). For my money a band like Dream Theater (which features four members with a Masters degree or better in musical composition and performance) has more value (to me at least) than AC/DC (doesn't mean I don't like, just means I like other stuff more).

You said it didn't, but someone thought a swell counterexample would be to use a band with more success. And sure, the band has a master's or better...read up on your history of AC/DC. Something tells me slum kids aren't precisely prime candidates for post-grad training, if any college at all. And as for no mood shifts? Please. The tones to their songs vary greatly. Hells Bells and You Shook Me are the same mood? Pardon me, but you overlook what depth the band has if you just cast it aside as a novelty group based on 3-4 power chords. And for that matter, to discard a band because of a use of power chords is to disqualify from the running for best metal band Black Sabbath, Van Halen, and several others including groups like Collective Soul (Ed Roland studied composition for years but sticks with power chords :D ). So, if you're ready to eliminate Black Sabbath or Van Halen as a choice for best metal band, by all means, do so. But, for any rational debate, instead of one based on personal preference (You know the college career of the band members...I just connect the dots) look at not only monetary success but innovation and public appeal. AC/DC wins on all three counts, like it or not. Pwned.

The problem with any musical debate though is that it truly is the most subjective of all the arts. Everybody has a different view of what music should entail, and therefore what bands, artists, genres, etc... people enjoy. I personally listen to and enjoy music that is more techincal in nature than the standard fare, that's just the way my ear has developed, as my dad was a classical and jazz trumpet player and I'm a classical guitar player. My musical upbringing has instilled in my a love and appreciation for the shear skill and artistry needed to play more complex and technical types of music, it is a part of who I am. That's not to say I dont' enjoy simpler music (I'm a huge classic rock fan, AC/DC included (note: my choice of the word mood was a bit wrong, I admit. A better choice would be timbre or tonal colour)), but I don't enjoy it or respond to it as I do people like Sonata Arctica, Symphony X, Yngwie Malmsteen, et alia.

I personally listen to and enjoy music that is more techincal in nature than the standard fare, that's just the way my ear has developed, as my dad was a classical and jazz trumpet player and I'm a classical guitar player. My musical upbringing has instilled in my a love and appreciation for the shear skill and artistry needed to play more complex and technical types of music, it is a part of who I am. That's not to say I dont' enjoy simpler music (I'm a huge classic rock fan, AC/DC included (note: my choice of the word mood was a bit wrong, I admit. A better choice would be timbre or tonal colour)), but I don't enjoy it or respond to it as I do people like Sonata Arctica, Symphony X, Yngwie Malmsteen, et alia.

Geeze... what are you? A clone of my musical tastes?

Why was Mozart brilliant? Shortly after finishing conducting an opera, it was pointed out that his composition had "too many notes." When it was suggested he remove some, he asked, "Which do you suggest?" The way music is supposed to be is as simple or complex as the artist wants it to be...AC/DC must save the complexity for blistering solos. In any case, I can respect the musical upbringing, but having the ear that goes along with it doesn't denote a more complex taste in music. I've been playing drums, bass, guitar, and clarinet (want to learn piano) for years now, but I can still groove to AC/DC just as well as Salieri. I'm all about complexity, but, subjective as music is to debate, metal isn't meant to be complex. It's meant to be loud and in your face. By all means, if we were talking about sonatas, and there were three chords in one, I'd concede that it was sub par at best. But, this is rock and roll. Bye all.

Ah, nice to see someone's watched Amadeus at least a couple of times. I've never been that big a fan of Salieri's, not that his music was simplistic or crappy (although for the time it was rather bare-bones), but his music always seemed too rigid to me, it had no real flow from one melody to the next, he almost never used "rocket" themes or crecendos in an interesting way, it just kinda had a feeling of blah. Man all this talk about AC/DC has given quite an urge to put on Shocker or Dirty Deeds right about now.

But back to the original intent of the thread, like I posted earlier out of the bands listed I'd put Deep Purple as the best, IMO.

I personally listen to and enjoy music that is more techincal in nature than the standard fare, that's just the way my ear has developed, as my dad was a classical and jazz trumpet player and I'm a classical guitar player. My musical upbringing has instilled in my a love and appreciation for the shear skill and artistry needed to play more complex and technical types of music, it is a part of who I am. That's not to say I dont' enjoy simpler music (I'm a huge classic rock fan, AC/DC included (note: my choice of the word mood was a bit wrong, I admit. A better choice would be timbre or tonal colour)), but I don't enjoy it or respond to it as I do people like Sonata Arctica, Symphony X, Yngwie Malmsteen, et alia.

Geeze... what are you? A clone of my musical tastes?

And mine! Though I'd add Nightwish and Therion.

Slayer and Iron Maiden and Lawnmower Death ( :lol: ) didn't make the list because they suck...compare their success/sound/public appeal to AC/DC and you won't come close. To say those bands outrank any of the bands given is...well...unforgivable. Van Halen can have a decent case made for them, in that Sammy made some awesome music after Diamond Dave left...lots of extended success. But, AC/DC is still touring with most of its original members and they all get along with each other and hate everything else. Now THAT'S rock and roll.

Reasons Lawnmower Deth own all other bands (including AC/DC):
1. Fish dancing
2. Satan's Trampoline
3. They inspired a religion (Seventh Church of the Apocalyptic Lawnmower). Kiss possibly did something similar.
4. They recorded a split album with Metal Duck
5. They weren't afraid of hardcore bands or Metal Forces (F.A.T., Dodo Doe, A Is For Asshole)
6. They wrote a song about Ray Reardon being a vampire.
7. Because no matter how hard other bands try, they won't be as funny as Lawnmower Deth.

You said it didn't, but someone thought a swell counterexample would be to use a band with more success. And sure, the band has a master's or better...read up on your history of AC/DC. Something tells me slum kids aren't precisely prime candidates for post-grad training, if any college at all. And as for no mood shifts? Please. The tones to their songs vary greatly. Hells Bells and You Shook Me are the same mood? Pardon me, but you overlook what depth the band has if you just cast it aside as a novelty group based on 3-4 power chords. And for that matter, to discard a band because of a use of power chords is to disqualify from the running for best metal band Black Sabbath, Van Halen, and several others including groups like Collective Soul (Ed Roland studied composition for years but sticks with power chords :D ). So, if you're ready to eliminate Black Sabbath or Van Halen as a choice for best metal band, by all means, do so. But, for any rational debate, instead of one based on personal preference (You know the college career of the band members...I just connect the dots) look at not only monetary success but innovation and public appeal. AC/DC wins on all three counts, like it or not. Pwned.
I agree with some things you said in other posts, however.
AC/DC(love'em)
Plays blues, hard rocking blues.
It is obvious, plain, and completely blues.
Shallow blues, untextured blues, basic blues.
Like most rock.
I picked Sabbath because i believe the had more influence over rock music and also aswell, I prefer the 'color' of their particular style.
Their style being 'blues'.
I know there is at least one other blues player on here that knows exactly what I am talking about.
Most of these bands merely differ in the texture and 'feel' of their particular variation of beefed up blues basics.
AC/DC is nothing special as far as depth of talent goes, none of these bands are, one member or two might be an excellent musician, but you will note it is most often displayed when they exit the arena of rock and venture into a more complex intllectual or emotional genre.
Just my take on it, I have been play cello, and guitar for 14 years.
And yes I prefer blues over any other kind of music so I am aware of my own bias.

Liking blues is just fine...but of course you also realize that all rock music stemmed from rhythm and blues musicians. Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis, all to be ripped off by Elvis, to inspire the Beatles, to inspire Ozzy, etc. Remember, this thread is about hard rock. If you want to use similarities to blues music to decide favorite hard rock band, be my guest. I can't believe, if even for parallels to old blues groups, that A Perfect Circle hasn't been mentioned. As for skill, you won't find a finer group...it's a super group to end all super groups. Elements of Marilyn Manson's band (band...totally different from Manson himself), Guns N Roses and the Vandals, Screaming Trees, Smashing Pumpkins, and TOOL. How do you get better than that? Josh Freese is perhaps one of the finest drummers around today, both technically and innovatively. Maynard James Keenan writes many of his songs in iambic pentameter, the same style William Shakespeare used. James Iha is a truly original guitarist, and Billy Howerdel is the finest composer for rock music today. Though I really disagree with Douchebaggia about AC/DC, I will agree that it's barely fair to include Led Zeppelin on this list, they're in a league above metal.

led zeppelin gets 110% of my vote.

its true... they own

Seriously, people. Will you all stop whining? I can only include five poll items. If I could have more, I would have put Jimi Hendrix, Rush, Van Halen (saw 'em on June Seventeenth in Philly!), Pink Floyd, Motorhead, Metallica, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, and even Cream. And Ozzy Osbourne is a band. Sort of. It's Ozzy's solo career. Led Zeppelin is straight Hard Rock. AC/DC is Metal. I would also include Slayer, Pantera, Uriah Heep, The Yardbirds, Sammy Hagar, David Lee Roth, Guns' N' Roses, and Nirvana.

Ok, so one guy LOVES AC/DC, and one guy HATES them. I'm going to go with the guy who hates them...This is why:

When I was younger, I bought Highway To Hell (the Album). I listened to it, and my first reaction was: Every song starts with the drummer, followed by the rhythm guitarist, and then the rest of the band. In fact, all the songs sound basically, the same...Then I put in a Queen album, and noted that Queen varied their music. I noticed all this when I was about 10 years old!!!

I will admit, I have grown some, and listen to AC/DC a bit. But I like other bands a lot more...Led Zepplin, Ozzy, Iron Maiden, Whitesnake, Guns 'n' Roses, and so on...

Now, as to my vote, I said Ozzy's solo career for one reason only: Randy Rhoads! Randy is my all time favorite guitarist. Seriously, just listen to Blizzard of Ozz, or Dairy of a Madman...this guy is a GENIUS!!! I also have his tribute (pure gold), and an ecclectic CD of a whole bunch of Japan only releases and previously unreleased stuff!!! That is TOTALLY AWESOME!!! So, go and listen to this dude...he's good...

And back to the topic, my vote for Ozzy is really a vote for Randy!

I am very disappointed that Spinal Tap is not an option.

Slayer and Iron Maiden and Lawnmower Death ( :lol: ) didn't make the list because they suck...compare their success/sound/public appeal to AC/DC and you won't come close. To say those bands outrank any of the bands given is...well...unforgivable. Van Halen can have a decent case made for them, in that Sammy made some awesome music after Diamond Dave left...lots of extended success. But, AC/DC is still touring with most of its original members and they all get along with each other and hate everything else. Now THAT'S rock and roll.

Reasons Lawnmower Deth own all other bands (including AC/DC):
1. Fish dancing
2. Satan's Trampoline
3. They inspired a religion (Seventh Church of the Apocalyptic Lawnmower). Kiss possibly did something similar.
4. They recorded a split album with Metal Duck
5. They weren't afraid of hardcore bands or Metal Forces (F.A.T., Dodo Doe, A Is For Asshole)
6. They wrote a song about Ray Reardon being a vampire.
7. Because no matter how hard other bands try, they won't be as funny as Lawnmower Deth.

The man speaks truth. Douchebaggia, you would do well to listen, or the M.L.F. may pay a nighttime visit to your shed...............

Since there don't seem to be enough options, I've decided to make this a tournament-style thing. Led Zeppelin wins this one.

slayer, ministry, white zombie, ac/dc

My favourite metal band is Opeth, I love metal!

It is probably Queen, closely followed by Led Zeppelin for hard rock, but I'm not a big fan of the genre in general.

Though I'd add Nightwish and Therion.
They're great bands. Nightwish are very cheesy but I enjoy listening to them and they surprise me sometimes. I have a Oceanborn and Wishmaster.