SEVENTH SON OF A SEVENTH SON

After Iron Maiden's addition of synthesizers in the last great album 'Somewhere in Time', Iron Maiden was able to release the album that is often labeled as the godfather album of progressive metal. Even though I feel like since 'The Number of the Beast' Iron Maiden had been releasing five star after five star effort, like 'Powerslave', this album just seems to stand out among the rest.

The album begins with one of my favorite songs on the album, 'Moonchild', and it really sets the standard for the album. The fast-paced 'Moonchild' flows very nicely into perhaps my favorite from the album 'Infinite Dreams', which in contrast begins slowly and builds up. The bridge is pure classic Maiden, and there is a lot of tempo-changing. The shorter song 'Can I Play With Madness' can't be forgotten, and is a nice catchy break. 'The Prophesy' is another one of my favorite songs on the album, and wouldn't sound out of place on the last album. 'The Clairvoyant' is another Maiden classic, and is a great example of how well Maiden uses the synth. Of course the ten-minute title track cannot be forgotten, which is yet another classic. The chorus is easy to sing- a-long to, because of how well Dickinson's vocals flow. The bridge is slow and peaceful, yet also menacing and suspenseful with great use of choir.

Like in 'Somewhere In Time', the synth enhances the music instead of dominating. Again, Maiden proves they use the synth very well. In fact, it helps even more. It creates the perfect mood for the album, and fits the style of music as well.

'Seventh Son of a Seventh Son' is also a concept album. Similar to the lyrics to Powerslave's epic 'Rime of the Ancient Mariner', the concept of 'Seventh Son' is based around literature, specifically Orson Scott Card's 'Seventh Son'.

Overall, from 'The Number of the Beast' to 'Seventh Son' Maiden knew how to make flawless albums. It wouldn't be until 'Brave New World', however, till Maiden got back on track with making flawless albums.

Hope you found this review helpful.

(Originally written for www.MetalMusicArchives.com)

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