Judas Priest is considered one of the pioneers of the heavy metal genre and has a longer and more established career. They have been active since the early 1970s and have released numerous influential albums, such as "British Steel" (1980) and "Screaming for Vengeance" (1982). Judas Priest has a dedicated fan base and is widely recognized as one of the most important bands in heavy metal history.
On the other hand, Pantera emerged in the late 1980s and gained significant popularity in the 1990s. They are known for their aggressive and groove-oriented style of heavy metal, which helped define the New Wave of American Heavy Metal (NWOAHM) movement. Pantera's albums, such as "Vulgar Display of Power" (1992) and "Far Beyond Driven" (1994), were highly successful and influential.
In terms of mainstream popularity and commercial success, Judas Priest has a broader reach and is more widely known, especially among older generations of metal fans. They have sold over 50 million albums worldwide and have a strong presence in the music industry, with their songs frequently featured in movies, TV shows, and video games.
While Pantera achieved significant success and recognition, particularly within the heavy metal community, their popularity may be more niche compared to Judas Priest. However, they are still considered an influential force in the genre and are highly respected for their contributions.
In conclusion, Judas Priest is generally regarded as the more popular band due to their longer career, broader reach, and mainstream success. However, both Judas Priest and Pantera are important and influential bands in the heavy metal genre, with their own dedicated fan bases and distinct musical styles.