SEVENTH SON OF A SEVENTH SON

The first thing that strikes me about this album is how different it FEELS from previous Iron Maiden releases. I think that is a lot to do with the production and the mix, and also the more prominent use of synths. IN my opinion the production on this album beats any Maiden that came before it.

The albumkicks off with 'Moonchild' which, while being a good song, only goves a small taster of what this album has to offer. 'Infinite Dreams' is a somewhat traditional heavy metal track, and still the true greatness of this album is not yet revealed until... 'Can I Play With Madness'. Yes I know this a cheesy 80s rock hit, but boy does it rock! And its catchy as anything the band has ever released. Brilliant stuff. 'The Evil That Men Do' may be the first really really good song, after two good songs and one really good song. This track, like the three previous is full of synths and catchy hooks, a formula that they began to explore on SIT but is fully realised here. And it works. Well. Now prepare for the album's true highlight, and one of Iron Maiden's best ever songs: 'Seventh Son of a Seventh Son'. The first half of this song is in the vein of a true heavy metal epic, with one of the best choruses ever. WHo would have thought that repeating one phrase ad nauseum could be so effective? The song then progresses into an atmospheric instrumental section, that, while sprinkled generously with killer solos, is more about mood than musicianship. Perfect song maybe? Or maybe not quite, but still absolutely amazing. 'The Prophecy' is another good song, but is slightly overshadowed by the previous track. 'The Clairvoyant' is another amazing song, with another brilliant chorus, and an interesting ending. 'Only the Good Die Young' is another good one, witha very similar mood to the opening 'moonchild'. This effect of bringing the album full circle is strengthened by a repitition of the sung intro to the opener: 'seven deadly sins....' etc.

This album is somewhat odd in Iron Maiden's catologue, and I've yet to hear an album quite like this one. It almost gets the full 5 stars, but it isn't quite a masterpiece. 4.5 stars.