We asked the metal cognoscenti whether they thought some older acts are churning out bad music and trading on a name created by former glories.

“Many heritage acts are simply cashing-in on having been a great band and actually have nothing new to say musically. Record sales have simply slowed down and they are forced to keep producing and – in most cases – hit the road. Many older acts release bad facsimilies of previous glories for the sake of it, while only a few, release anything that says anything a) good, and b) different. Discuss:”

Of course it would be nice if every band thought about their legacy and didn’t release garbage just so they’d have an excuse to tour. It would also be nice to sleep with Christina Scabbia. Unfortunately, these aren’t realistic expectations; every band in the world is reuniting to make a buck, and clonking Scabbia over the head and dragging her back to my cave is generally frowned upon in polite society. So why fault any band you used to love a paycheck? All the new songs mean is that the show has a built in bathroom break.
Axl, www.metalsucks.net

Even though people often say that a band may never recapture their glory days (ie. Slayer will never top ‘Reign In Blood’ nor will Megadeth top ‘Rust In Peace’) that doesn’t mean these bands don’t have anything meaningful left to contribute. Slayer’s ‘Christ Illusion’ for example was the band’s best album in years and is still much better than anything the metalcore youth of today have plagiarized from the great ones. While some of these bands might have less record sales, I’ve read in interviews – that in at least Iron Maiden’s case - bands are apparently doing even better now than they did in the so-called glory years when their creativity peaked. So for as long as there are fans who will show up and shed a tear when their heroes play ‘The Trooper’, ‘Neon Knights’, or  ‘Black Magic’ then who are we critics to condemn them when we too are the same fans buying the re-releases, DVDs, concert tickets, and hoping that our favourite bands continue to hold the banners high!
www.Metal-Rules.com

Like any business model, what is your product differentiator? The Crue can cash in on a massive LiveNation deal that secures them millions of dollars by touring with younger more “in” acts. AC/DC will always put on a 100% live performance. Iron Maiden simply create a sense of awe and raw power…you realize they aren’t washed up musicians. New music from these “heritage acts” might be rubbish, but the touring is what counts and what matters to both fan and band. Not all of us were born in time to go enjoy the likes of these industry stalwarts in their heyday, just don’t end up on the scrapheap like Ozzy…
AG, www.SMNnews.com

I never understood the term ‘heritage act’. What is it supposed to insinuate? That bands we grew up listening to are supposed to take their historical significance and die off gracefully? Furthermore, when do we as fans determine when a supposed good stopping point is for bands? Granted some rock acts that come and go probably have an agenda (i.e. KISS and Motley Crue), but which metal bands does this apply to? Judas Priest, Megadeth, Saxon, Iron Maiden, and Motorhead? All of these bands have been steadily releasing records for over 20 years, how does this make them any different than any modern band, because they are over the age of 50? Get Real.
Cody Plucker, www.AllMetalResource.com

I can only imagine what it must be like living in a successful – or once-succesful – music act and your popularity has either dwindled or past crown jewels you’ve recorded have been held to such a high standard you’re going to be scrutinized by attrition for wanting to continue. The Scorpions are still danged fine album last go-round and though Exodus is pared down to two original members, they are still brutal. The sad reality of being in a band is the fans and we press folk dictate their value, whether their intentions be noble or for the fast buck.
Ray Van Horn, Jr. The Metal Minute

No band wants to be seen as a ‘nostalgia act’ (even though everybody else may see them as one), so for their own artistic needs they are determined to keep writing new material. Some bands like Metallica are able to sustain commercial success for more than two decades, but that’s extremely rare. But if bands from the eighties are still drawing fans to concerts who want to hear the classic stuff, what’s the problem with that? Everything doesn’t have to be new and different, sometimes the tried and true can be very enjoyable.
Chad Bowar, About.com Heavy Metal