IRON MAIDEN - Dance Of Death

This assiduous sextet is now a British institution. Sticking to their guns, the music and their fans worldwide. Essentially what you get here is a collection of fine hard rock sounds, the metal almost falling away - its retention guaranteed by the trademark
Iron Maiden sound. From Harris's bass and the guitars of Murray, Smith & Gers to McBrain's drums - lest we forget the essential ingredient of the Dickinson vocal chords. Magic. Produced, recorded and mixed by SA born Kevin Shirley, his production may be pulling back a little (compared to their previous Brave New World release), while adding something gritty. That consistent beat, melodic guitars & vocals with its old school flavour are irresistible, giving the nu-metal kids something to go think about. This is pure Maiden with historic, battle and metaphysical subjects in tact. The closest they get to deviate is an AC/DC hammer-on sound that can be heard on the opening of Gates Of Tomorrow. The title track and Paschedale clocks in at over 8-minutes a piece. Eddie is in Grim Reaper mode for the cover art with ghost-like half-naked Eyes Wide Shut reminiscent masked ladies also included. Gunning since the 70's, the boys still pack a punch. Where this album does not stand out as an explosively triumphant classic like Powerslave, it does fit in well with the band's overall repertoire. Anyone who believes Iron Maiden's popularity is on a decline needs to wake up and smell the formaldehyde - their recent 26 live dates saw them playing to close on million fans.

4 / B
- PB

 


6 - Volcanic
5 - Blistering
4 - Hot
3 - Smolder
2 - Room Temp.
1 - Fizzled
0 - Extinguished

A
- Multiple Listening
Potential
B
- Deserves Another Spin
C
- Once Should Suffice