Think if you will, that if Paul Di’anno hadn’t been asked to leave Iron Maiden and he was still in the band today, what would they sound like? Interesting thought eh? Well, I think they would have probably killed him as he isn’t the easiest of guys to be around apparently, but musically I often wonder if they would be different.
I actually love the first two albums, and I don’t care too much for modern Maiden. I know probably not many people agree with this, but for me this is the last great Maiden album. I love the energy, attitude, and the raw sound of this album. Not a bad moment on the album, and this is a bonafide classic in every sense.
The Ides Of March intro that bursts into the awesome Wrathchild. I remember buying the single as well. We are lulled into a false sense of security with the delicate intro to Murders In The Rue Morgue, before that superb riff and groove kick in. I love how the guitar and bass follow the vocal in the chorus. A killer busy intro to Another Life, and it’s hard to believe it, but no one else was playing like this at the time. I love the time and groove change in the middle – it’s very punky. The superb instrumental, Genghis Khan, is up next and what metal band was doing that at the time? The side closes out with Innocent Exile which is my favourite Maiden track ever! I love the riff, key changes, Paul’s vocals, and the epic middle section. They have forgotten how to write grooves like this.
The epic title track opens up Side 2, and we are off to the trademark Maiden gallop. Twilight Zone is up next and was another single – it was quite a straight forward riff and groove for Maiden compared to everything else they were writing at the time. Prodigal Son follows, and I’m guessing this was a big influence on Dream Theater, and also Steve Harris’ is a big Prog fan. The super busy riff of Prodigal Son is classic old school Maiden, and I love the middle section. The awesomeness that is Drifter closes out the album, and with the end of old Maiden.
A sure fire 10/10 from The Grooveman.
