Yea, I think there are better writers out there, and some manage to uncover more depth from their characters, but I think Gemmell has few equals when it comes to pure, entertaining, heroic fiction.
Not heroic fantasy per se, but if you want gritty, entertainment from your fantasy, check out Scott Lynch's debut Lies of Locke Lamora and also Matthew Stover's brilliant Heroes Die and its sequel, The Blade of Tyshalle... featuring one of the best characters in my humble opinion, Caine.
I'd echo those who mentioned Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire for great writing full of heroes and villains.
I also really enjoyed Robin Hobb's Liveship Traders... and whilst I haven't read the Fitz novels, many say the Assassin's Apprentice series is even better than Liveship!