SEVENTH SON OF A SEVENTH SON

This is where IRON MAIDEN goes all proggy on us,making a concept album and using synths. Oh my ! The concept is apparently about a young man who prophesies the destruction of his village, only to be ridiculed to the point where he goes insane(been there) and eventually commits suicide. I really do believe these guys were at the top of their game at this point in their careers. Confident, feeling they could do no wrong. Thankfully they had the guts to go out on a limb and do some progressive things. And it's great to hear a concept album that actually is full of fantastic songs.

"Moonchild" opens with some spoken words and acoustic guitar before we get some power. Crank it up ! It's full speed ahead 1 1/2 minutes in as the human siren begins to sing. The best bass player i've ever heard lays down some extraordinary lines. A sinister laugh signals the end of this one. "Infinite Dreams" is one of my favs. It opens with a tasteful guitar melody as reserved vocals follow. The song starts to build. I love the sound after 3 minutes as it kicks into a higher gear. Check out the guitar solo before 5 minutes ! "Can I Play With Madness" is a fun,uptempo track with a sing-a-long chorus. This would have fit well on "Somewhere In Time". Some incredible instrumental work when Bruce stops singing before 3 minutes. A very uplifting song. "The Evil That Men Do" leaves us with IRON MAIDEN's calling card 30 seconds in. That would be their famous galloping rhythm.

"Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son" might be my favourite track. Such a heavy rhythm to it. The vocal melodies are fantastic that come and go. Head banging time. The quiet interlude after 4 1/2 minutes is outstanding. This is one of the best passages on the album. It ends abruptly when a violent guitar solo comes in from nowhere. A shred fest follows. "The Prophesy" opens with tasteful guitar and the vocal style reminds me of "Piece Of Mind". The lead guitar breaks away from the pack 2 1/2 minutes in with some scorching solos. "The Clairvoyant" is another killer track. Check out the bass intro ! This is classic MAIDEN right here. The tempo picks up on the chorus. I get goosebumps when Bruce sings about 4:15 in. "Only The Good Die Young" is a Billy Joel cover. NOT !! This is an uptempo closer that gives me chills. Ripping guitar as the rhythm gallops along. Great chorus.This would have been a good concert closer. The spoken words from the intro are reprised to end it.

This isn't even in my top 3 favourite IRON MAIDEN albums, but it's essential in my opinion.