Description

2017 re-issue on black vinyls with gatefold cover.

With the release of Virtual XI, Iron Maiden started writing songs that suited Blaze Bayley’s vocal style much better than those on The X Factor. As Bruce Dickinson himself once said, this had to be a necessary step for the new Maiden to succeed. This has resulted in Bayley’s vocals staying in the lower ranges without any hint of the operatic stuff Dickinson used to do. Dave Murray and Janick Gers are finally coming together with the rhythm and lead guitar parts, and the guitar work here is some of the best since Seventh Son of a Seventh Son. Each song changes dynamically and are strongly riff-intensive, backed by Steve Harris’ solid bass work, and Nicko McBrain’s tight drumming. Maiden also aren’t scared to experiment with long songs (three are above 8 minutes). The lyrical work has its moments as well. I thought that the last Maiden album, The X Factor, was a fine album, and that it showed a great deal of promise. The vastly improved chemistry between Murray and Gers is why you should get this album. The adaptation of the songs to Bayley’s vocals also makes everything come together smoothly. This is refreshing because while giving us new music, Maiden also provide a great deal of familiarity.

Track list:
1. Futureal
2. The Angel And The Gambler
3. Lightning Strikes Twice
4. The Clansman
5. When Two Worlds Collide
6. The Educated Fool
7. Don’t Look To The Eyes Of A Stranger
8. Como Estais Amigos