(Rated this album with 10 out of 10) Reviewed by
bigsteve2197
from Norristown, PA USA
I get extremely P.O.'d whenever people badmouth Janick Gers. He is one of my favorite guitarists, and has been since the early '80's when he played in Ian Gillan's band. He is creative, and very spontaneous. Nobody (incuding him sometimes)knows what he is going to play next. His solo on "Hallowed" is, in my opinion, one of the highlights of the CD. All 3 guitarists are in top form. Although I don't think Adrian was featured enough in the setlist selection. But every time I heard a jaw-droppingly good solo, it seemed that Janick was the one playing it. He was incredible in the Philly show at the E-Centre also. Now on to Bruce. I've never heard him sing better in a live setting. He sounds even better than he did on "Live After Death", believe it or not. I can't say enough how good he sounds. It would be a waste of time to list all of his highlights on this CD. Because he simply soars beginning to end. I have not heard the drums so high in the mix on any previous Maiden recordings. They are very powerful, but without drowning out the rest of the band. Nicko's fills, and little 'in between' rhythms are simply outstanding. He is clearly having a lot of fun. Again, just to emphasize my point. QUIT BADMOUTHING JANICK. He has been in the band for 12 years now. He isn't going anywhere. Get over it!!!! Don't get me wrong, I love Mr. Smith. The band is better for having him in it. His distinctive sound was definitely missing. Janick doesn't play anything like Adrian. Never did. Never will. BUT THAT DOES NOT MEAN THAT HE ISN'T AN OUTSTANDING GUITARIST. He also has a very unique sound( as does Adrian, and Dave) that adds another dimension to this band. I truly believe that the people who don't like him, simply don't like him because he isn't Adrian Smith. Again, GET OVER IT!!! The 3 part harmony on "Brave New World" could not have been done without all 3 of them. My one and only complaint. It is so small that I didn't even deduct any stars, is that they didn't incorporate more 3 part harmonies into some of their older material. But that is trivial. It sounds great. Get it.
