SEVENTH SON OF A SEVENTH SON

I don't remember exactly if "Seventh Son of a Seventh Son" or "Powerslave" was the third CD I purchased from Iron Maiden albums. But for sure this is another excellent music produced by Iron Maiden. From its powerful opening track "Moonchild" to "Only the Good Die Young" this album delivers a well balanced music of good melody and harmony. "Moonchild" has very strong composition in relatively fast tempo and powerful vocal line and melody. It's hard to deny that this is an excellent hard rock music with some prog elements in it. "Infinite Dreams" starts with soft guitar work that reminds me to classic rock music followed with medium tempo style accompanying vocal. It moves in crescendo into heavier music with high register notes voice line. Again the multi guitar players work collaboratively to deliver excellent harmony. The song moves in relatively varied style. It's a great song. I like how bass guitar played by Steve Harris move along with the music and providing definitive and tight bass lines. Bravo Steve Harris! Structurally, you might consider this as a prog music.

"Can I Play With Madness" is somewhat remembering me to Kansas' "Carry On Wayward Son" because the opening choir line is similar in nature. It's one of accessible songs that many people can enjoy. "The Evil That Men Do" brings melodic part at the opening through soft guitar work followed with straight hard rock music. It's hard to deny that the album title track is completely a prog music in nature. Look at the non-linear structure and sound textures with symphonic style. "Seventh Son of a Seventh Son" is a beautifully crafted song combining excellent melody, textures, harmony and powerful singing style. It's also the case with "The Prophecy" and "The Clairvoyant" - both tracks are excellent and have become the band's legendary tracks. The album concludes brilliantly with "Only The Good Die Young" (Is it to say that to Die Old you have to be cruel and nasty?) in relatively straight hard rock music.

Overall, this is a masterpiece of rock. Some people who love Iron Maiden said that this is the proggiest album of Iron Maiden. Is it? It's up to you to decide. One thing for sure, if you are a rocker you would definitely say that this is a masterpiece! Keep on proggin' ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW