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
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