(Rated this album with 10 out of 10) Reviewed by
scharfrichter
from Minneapolis, MN
This was the first Maiden record I really got into. I had gotten the double-record set of Live After Death, but this one...I got it for Christmas in sixth grade. Yep, my mom bought me Iron Maiden, albeit grudgingly. I don't how many hundreds of times I listened to that tape when I was that age. As an adult, and having re-explored Maiden's entire catalog (after having seen the New Lineup on their small "greatest hits" tour last year--in a club!! When will THAT be possible again?!), this record still kicks all A@# combined. Yeah, it had a very produced/processed sound, but that's what they were going for; it sounds like they started to incorporate technology into their recording. The production works with the futuristic imagery to create an overall atmosphere. That's what I've always loved about Maiden: they create a mood. And Derek Riggs' cover art...man, words can't describe my awe. The reviewer who commented on Adrian's performance--RIGHT ON. This is his record; even if he only wrote three songs, they're three Smith songs nonetheless. And I don't think I need to say more about his solos, especially in Alexander, for a long time one of my favorite Maiden songs. Whoever said Alexander the Great "bites"...well, it's a shame you didn't "get" it. I hadn't thought it possible that this record could be topped, then Seventh Son came out...UP THE IRONS!!
