SEVENTH SON OF A SEVENTH SON

As one of the most fervent militants of Iron Maiden's inclusion in PA (along with Ghost Rider), I feel that, now that justice is done, I must review Iron Maiden's brilliant career. It is no coincidence that I choose 7th Son as my first Iron Maiden review, as it was the first IM album I bought upon it's release and also my favorite, the most prog album they recorded (along with A Matter of Life and Death) and the only true concept album they have recorded.

In a time when it was unthinkable to add synths into metal, Iron Maiden have to be given the credit to have been the first metal band to do so with Somewhere in Time, and it paid off. With 7th Son, they pushed the daring even further, opening the album on acoustic guitar and vocals in the introduction to Moonchild. A hard-hitting opener, dark, heavy and fast-paced, with Bruce Dickinson delivering one of his most theatrical performance. 'Infinite Dreams' is truly a prog-metal (master)piece, from it's mellow introduction to it's heavy and complex instrumental section. The build up is just phenomenal. The way this song is built never fails to amaze me. 'Can I play with Madness' is the album's top single, and, even though it probably is my least favorite track on this album, I have to recognize that it is catchy and has wonderful melodies. There's something about this song that instantly grabs you, and first thing you notice is you are tapping your foot along the infectious groove. 'The Evil that Men Do' is a more standard metal track, not unlike Moonchild. Very great tune.

Next comes the masterpiece of the album, and one of Iron Maiden's best songs (in my humble opinion), the title track Seventh Son of a Seventh Son. A prog metal fan's delight. The atmosphere in this song is very ethereal in a dark way. Dickinson's performance in this song is top notch. The middle section makes you want to hold your breath as it is so eerie, building into a climactic ending. 'The Prophecy' is the only song Dave Murray penned on this album, and it stands out. A mid-tempo rocker with an amazing acoustic guitar finale. 'The Clairvoyant' has that typical Maiden flavor, instantly recognizable upon the first seconds, driven by Harris' soaring bass line with his unique tone. Undoubtedly a classic. Album closer 'Only the Good Die Young' ends the album perfectly, as if it was written for the purpose of ending the album (which probably was the case). 'The demon in your mind will rape you in your bed at night...' ... I get chills when I hear that line. Harris has a moment where he particularly shines, delivering and interesting and fast melody in E while Murray and Smith hold the rythm for him. The song ends in an explosing finale, before returning to the intro of Moonchild 'Seven Deadly sins, seven ways to win, seven holy paths to hell...'. The perfect end to a perfect album.

Unfortunately, 7th Son would be Adrian Smith's last album before returning on Brave New World.

Fans of prog not really into Iron Maiden should waste no time in discovering this amazing album, as it would demonstrate to them just how prog the Mighty Iron Maiden can be.

A masterpiece of the genre, deserving an undisputable five stars.