I've met many metalheads that have been around for a while like myself that claim that new waive of metal bands (post 2000) cant hold a candle to the glory days of Sabbath/Priest/Maiden and later Megadeth/Slayer/Metallica and "insert 4th horseman" band. I used to think so as well...

The question is - which do you prefer? Below are 3 groups that more or less showcase the viable metal music for the time. I could list many bands but I will try to stay as general as possible so people that maybe don't know who Dying Fetus are can pick the group they like.

Group 1 - the pioneers

Black sabath, Ozzy, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, Anthrax...etc

Group 2 - transition period

Pantera, Machine head, Static X, Korn, Death, Fear Factory, In Flames...etc

Group 3 - post 2000 bands

Chimaira, Childern of bodom, Slipknot, Lamb of God, Shadows fall, Devildriver, Daath...etc

While I have the biggest respect for the poineers of metal that started the genre, lately I've actually started realizing that new metal bands today that were once considered unwanted newcomers to the genre have become equals to the great bands that influenced them.

So if I had to chose my favourite era it would be Group 3 - post 2000.

What about you?

the pioneers are still the best, but bands like rhapsody of fire and cradle fo filth come once in a while to show metal is not dead. for post 2000 bands i seem to hate every band you mentioned, specially slipknot(i don't even consider that music) i prefer the new symphonic and goth metal, with some finish black to have an equal balance.

Just list my favorite bands why don't you. I'ma going ot have to say group 1, even though all groups have something good about them.

There are good bands from every era, but group one does it for me (although I really don't like metallica)

I enjoy all groups. They each have something innovative to offer to the metal genre and I have my walkman filled with a good mix of them all.

I'm surprised Metal even survived after that squeeky voiced lead singer of MegaDeath tried to kill it.

Dave Mustaine is a god

 Dave Mustaine for President!

Just take the best from all era's. Stupid new vs old is just limiting imo.

Haha...dave mustaine is a god.

@emilie autumn
I used to consider slipknot garbage too. But last few albums they made have been very interesting with lots of variety. I saw them live few weeks ago too...one of the best metal shows I've ever seen. Openers 3 inches of blood and Trivium were totally blown away.

Another story...I saw Lamb of God open for Megadeth in 2007. Lamb totally outclassed Deth in every way...musically, sound wise, stage presence...you name it. I love Megadeth, but its obvious that they can't really go toe to toe with most of these new metal bands.

It really depends what kind of a metal fan you are. If you like to sit back and enjoy the harmony and solos, new bands could dissapoint. But to me metal has always been about tearing it down, and provoking anger and aggression...this new group of metal bands does that much better than any era of metal before.