Iron Maiden, ‘The Wicker Man’ vs. Dream Theater, ‘On the Backs of Angels’ – Metal Madness 2016, Round 1

Iron Maiden and Dream Theater toured together in 2010, but the two will duke it out in the Headbanger region of Round 1 in March Metal Madness to determine the Best Metal Song of the 21st Century. Both bands have contributed some of the best albums and song of the new millennium, and in this battle Iron Maiden's "The Wicker Man" takes on Dream Theater's "On the Backs of Angels."

Iron Maiden came roaring back when Bruce Dickinson and Adrian Smith rejoined the group in 1999. Brave New World, released in 2000, marked the band's first album to feature both musicians since Seventh Son of a Seventh Son and things got off to an impressive start with album opener "The Wicker Man." Boasting a simple yet powerful riff, the typical Maiden bravado is in full effect and the song contains a participatory chorus that never fails to move the crowd.

Dream Theater unleashed their first album with Mike Mangini behind the drums in 2011. A Dramatic Turn of Events opens with "On the Backs of Angels," a nearly nine minute track complete with majestic melodies and a driving rhythm that signaled Dream Theater had tapped a more than suitable stickman to uphold their reputation of unparalleled musicianship. The song takes twists and turns and is a journey from start to finish and may have enough to knock the mighty Iron Maiden off their perch in Round 1.

So which song will move on to Round 2 of March Metal Madness 2016? Listen to both tracks and vote for either Iron Maiden's "The Wicker Man" or Dream Theater's "On the Backs of Angels" as the Best Metal Song of the 21st Century in the poll below!

(This poll will end on Tuesday, March 8, at 9AM ET. Fans are able to vote once per hour, so keep coming back to make sure your favorite song wins!)

Iron Maiden, "The Wicker Man"

Dream Theater, "On the Backs of Angels"

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