Iron Maiden is the best band. Period.

[Nine Toes]

I hope this isn't too insulting but IMO Iron Maiden isn't a metal band.

Whatever genre a certain band falls into can be completely open to opinon from person to person (I personally think labeling is dumb).  But for the most part, I think Medical Waste was correct.  Power Metal, as I understand it, is characterized by the inclusion of keyboards, high-pitched (somewhat opera-like) vocals, and the focus on the "epic" sound.

Unless, you mean to say that Power Metal isn't a real form of metal.  I could almost agree with that, because I think it sounds like a heavier version of Queen.

Wikipedia: Power Metal

[Sam.]

I don't like iron maiden, and I certainly don't think that they are the best band ever. Is it possible for ONE band to be the best band ever? I mean, any band that is formed, it is going to have a lot of people who don't like it.

I much prefer the music i listen to to not make me angry, in the way that metal does, I'm not saying that metal is crap, I just don't like it.

[Erenan]

I'm pretty sure the best band ever is the Mamas and the Papas.

Seriously, folks. BEST BAND EVER is total hyperbole. The point of this thread is for people simply to talk about Iron Maiden.

As for me, I've never really had occasion to listen to them. One of these days, I will, and then maybe I'll know what all the hubbub is about.

[LimpingFish]

Helm makes a good point. I think the consistency of Maiden at their peak (Piece of Mind thru Seventh Son) is a feat that few metal bands have equaled. Certainly few current metal bands.

And I still really like The Rhyme of The Ancient Mariner. To me it sums up what all epic metal songs are meant to sound like.

[ManicMatt]

Now look here fussy labelling people!

Consider this!

You have Metal, Dance, Rock and pop. (etc)

Then you have genres within those genres.

This keeps things nice and tidy, without confusing people who aren't into that genre themselves.

I personally will consider music that is too heavy to be rock, to be metal. Usually. Unless it's too heavy to be metal...

Mr Hyde is right, labelling is dumb. It's only really useful if you want to describe the overall sound of a particular band. Distinguishing it between dance and metal. Do you expect me to tell you band X is a 180bpm-ish on average band with cheery lyrics and guitars that play within mostly the c range? Or just call it punk pop? (Or admit my lack of ability to describe that perhaps)

[LimpingFish]

Now look here fussy labelling people!

Consider this!

You have Metal, Dance, Rock and pop. (etc)

Then you have genres within those genres.

This keeps things nice and tidy, without confusing people who aren't into that genre themselves.

I personally will consider music that is too heavy to be rock, to be metal. Usually. Unless it's too heavy to be metal...

Mr Hyde is right, labelling is dumb. It's only really useful if you want to describe the overall sound of a particular band. Distinguishing it between dance and metal. Do you expect me to tell you band X is a 180bpm-ish on average band with cheery lyrics and guitars that play within mostly the c range? Or just call it punk pop? (Or admit my lack of ability to describe that perhaps)

I just read the sign I'm standing under in Tower Records. I find that works.

[Tuomas]

I was under the impression that Iron Maiden was Trash Metal of some kind. But arguments about the genre are completely useless. You either like it or not. I could say I personally like Progressive rock, the Eastern European Cantenbury Scene or Rio -kind, if that makes it clearer, but I doubt that it does, so ignore it.

[Medical Waste]

No, Maiden isn't trash, and I think you meant thrash  which they aren't either.