Ran across this today: http://thephoenix.com/Boston/music/125778-why-there-wont-ever-be-another-big-four-and-w/

Other than the fact that the author thinks Judas Priest were part of the NWOBHM and that Holy Grail is a thrash band, I thought it was an interesting article.

Thoughts?

I think the author is DEAD wrong. He really has no clue. Music sales does no longer relfect actual sales, as purchased downloads is the only measured sale. Forget CD's and vinyl. And the metal fans buy physical albums, not downloads!

I think metal is stronger than in 20 years or so! It's featured way more in f.ex. movies, and as cultural references in general. There are more tours, bigger tours and more people going to concerts. More new bands, more albums released.

Sure, it will never be the '80's again, but who cares? As long as it is still a vital genre, speweing out great new music all the time, than It's all good.

Well, the title is at least right. There will never be another Big 4.

The author seems to have a superficial knowledge of the genre because he gets all sorts of basic things wrong. I agree with him about Metal having fractured into thousands of sub-genres with bands packed into each niche and I also agree that there are more high quality releases than even a decade ago. Truly we are living in a golden age for Metal. I just don't think that album sales, chart positions or touring are very relevant any more.

This internet is to blame for this..... People think that just because they can read about something automaticily means they know something about it.

I don't bother reading those articles...

I always see a packed house when I go to Atlanta for shows. No clue what makes them say the things they say.