LIVE AFTER DEATH

4.5 stars.This was recorded during the concerts in Long Beach, California during the "Powerslave" tour. Martin Birch was the man responsible for doing the recording, this is the same guy who recorded the "Made In Japan" live album for DEEP PURPLE back in the seventies. Of the 17 tracks the five come from their break through album "The Number Of The Beast", with "Powerslave" and "Piece Of Mind" close behind with four each. I really enjoyed the 4 tracks taken from the first two albums when Paul Di'Anno was the vocalist. In fact it seems like Bruce alters his voice when he sings those tunes. Dickinson who is a very funny guy does a lot of bantering with the crowd on this release. I think the only negative thing about this record is where he gets the crowd to compete against each other during the "Running Free" tune. That would be cool to be part of, but to listen to it is fun maybe once. Oh well, a minor complaint.

The album starts off with that famour Churchill speach before we get "Aces High" which is followed as usual by "2 Minutes To Midnight" which I like better. From here on out it's hit after hit. I think the most impressive song is the over 13 minute "Rime Of The Ancient Mariner". They even play the sample of the ship creaking in the water and the man speaking. The biggest surprise for me was the final track "Phantom Of The Opera" with the absolutely amazing guitar on it. Possibly the best track on here for me. "Wrathchild" from "Killers" is also outstanding, but then I could really say that about every track being the fanboy that I am.

A must for IRON MAIDEN fans.