ROCK IN RIO

It was one of the most awaited album for me in 2002. It was because when I had heard Brave New World I couldn`t wait to hear these songs played live. When it happened at last, I wasn`t dissappointed. It just blew my mind. Just when I heard the intro I knew that It would be something great. To my mind, the beginning of the concert is even better then in Live After Death(which I consider the best Maiden Live album), I mean Intro+The Wicker Man. The emotions don`t fall untill 2 Minutes to Midnight. When Janick joined the band this song is played awfully IMO, it is slightly better then in Live in Donnigton but it doesn`t change my mind. If you are dissapointed with this song the next will surely put it into rights. Blood Brothers is definitly better then in the studio. Then... One of the highlights of the album... Sign Of The Cross... Sang by Bruce it is just amazeing. This song is very progressive in comparison to other songs of Iron Maiden. This song would very well suit to A Matter of Live and Death. Forget about the version from The X-Factor. If we are talking about The X-Factor and Virtual XI period I think that Iron Maiden should play more songs from this albums now because there are hidden gems that only Bruce can dig up. Sing of the Cross and The Clansman are the best examples. The other song that makes this album a must have is Fear of the Dark. It`s simply the heaviest and the best version ever.

so... the highlights for me: Intro+The Wicker, Ghost of the Navigator, Blood Brothers, Sign Of The Cross, Dream of Mirrors, Fear of The Dark.

Serious flaws: lack of NOMAD, bad version of 2 Minutes to Midnight, lack songs like Seventh son of a seventh son, The Rime of the Acient Mariner, The Phantom of the Opera... I would also like to hear No Prayer For the Dying live...

Anyway, this live album is a must have for any who likes Iron Maiden.

UP THE IRONS!!!