Review Summary: ...When it comes to the time
Are we partners in crime?...
Most certainly, there is some power in numbers, and most certainly, it applies here more than on any other Iron Maiden album. 'cause quite simply, it as an average album, but since it contains twelve songs, with roughly half of them good or excellent, it is more than enough to put this release in top half of Maiden's discography. Their previous release, "No Prayer for the Dying", was by far and wide worst ever by Iron Maiden by then. Plus, the atmosphere was far from perfect, with Adrian already gone due to the creative differences, and with Bruce one leg into his own solo plans.
"No Prayer for the Dying" was recorded in a barn (literally, although in mobile studio), and due to negative critics, Harris knew they had to come up with something better. So they had the barn converted to a full-size studio. They also had the assistance of Martin Birch as a co-producer, and the result was an improvement in sound, even if it still sounded sub-par compared to their 80's deeds, which even Bruce admitted.
This was Bruce's last album before his departure from the band, and it shows here, as he is just a shell of his former Air-Siren self. He repeated raspy voice from previous album, one that can hardly be appreciated, especially since we all know too well how good can he really be using his operatic one. The differences between him and Harris were obvious, thus there is no song that is their collaboration. Still, Dickinson's songwriting was intact. In all the honesty, this is one of Bruce's better albums as a songwriter.
Style-wise, this album is very similar to "No Prayer", with a couple of repetitions too much here and there, and generic songwriting from time to time. Sound itself is a little bit darker than usual (therefore, the title is as proper as they get), that being a trend that would be fully grasped on "X Factor". Nevertheless, this one offers so much more.
Indeed, it becomes quite clear from the very beginning, since "Be Quick or Be Dead" is one of their better openers, with raw, hard 'n' heavy sound and an easy-to-remember chorus. It was also No.2 in the UK as a single, but that doesn't say much, because, for instance, silly "Bring Your Daughter...To the Slaughter" was No.1. Still, this one is pretty solid and concrete. "From Here to Eternity" is mediocre song, not bad by any means, but too many repetitions for its short duration. It's not a filler, those will come later. It's just that, well, it sounds like something that remained from "No Prayer" and they decided to put it here. Its chorus is catchy, no doubt about that, and a great opportunity to sing along with Bruce at the concert. "Afraid to Shoot Strangers" is first of a few stand-outs, live favorite, with softer intro and one the best solos ever that comes after. A song that is oh so obvious Harris' work. Soft intro has memorable lyrics, great drumming by Nicko, and normal Bruce's voice is always nice to hear. It just goes to show that, with different Bruce's voice and with abandoning the sound from "No Prayer", this could easily have been a masterpiece.
"Fear Is the Key" is the first in line of aforementioned generic songs, due to the fact that, after hearing the whole album, you probably won't even remember this one's on it. Singing parts are forgettable, and although main riff is fine, the chorus is there to ruin the experience completely. It most certainly has a message, as it was written around the time Freddy Mercury died, dealing with the fact that only through the deaths of famous people we learn about maladies like AIDS. "Childhood's End" is yet another Harris' success, with unorthodox chorus and great and powerful solo parts. The lyrics are simplistic, yet meaningful. Once again, Nicko's work here is amazing, especially during the chorus. "Wasting Love" is only power ballad by Maiden to date, and although it's not very likable among fans, I find it very peaceful and enjoyable. Acoustic intro is effective, with Bruce voice that sounds mesmerizing. The chorus is powerful, and sticks with you long after hearing it. It is kind of dark, but there's some uncommon beauty in it:
Spend your days full of emptiness
Spend your years full of loneliness
Wasting love, in a desperate caress
Rolling shadows of nights
Next three-piece here is a filler after a filler, and one of the worst sections ever by Maiden. "The Fugitive" has uninspired intro, that slowly brings you to one the most distinctive chorus. It's just that, it's distinctively bad and discordant. This section, however, does get worse, and although "Chains of Misery" at least has the chorus one might vaguely remember, its intro and singing parts are dull and boring. At least it's shorter than previous one. "The Apparition" isn't even a filler. It's a disgrace. It's arguably the worst song ever sung by Bruce Dickinson, and once again it proves that singing along with the guitar is never a good idea. Once the solo starts, one loses all hopes for this song.
Things do get better near the end, as "Judas Be My Guide" may well be the most underrated Maiden song, with unforgettable riffs and powerful, yet tender chorus, not to mention the clear and precise solo. It's rightfully short, which again shows us that longer is not always better. A small dose of heavy metal heaven. Also, it shows that Murray is oh so underappreciated as a songwriter. "Weekend Warrior" is weak, but at least it's not over-the-top, simply dull and uninteresting. It's needlessly fulfilled desire of Steve Harris to express his obsession with football. Some really awkward heavy metal moments in this one, especially the solo (except for one part, you'll know when you hear it). "Fear of the Dark" is probably best-known Iron Maiden song, it's the one even no-HM lovers recognize. It's one of the anthems. Is it that good? Well, yes and no. Still, some things are certain: it's the best song on the album, and easily live favorite NO.1, the song where crowd goes "oooohoooow" even when Bruce doesn't. Its solo is astonishing, and the headbanging riff is as good as they get.
After the tour that followed, Bruce left Iron Maiden to pursue a solo career, and the band's ship sailed into dark(er) waters.
High Point: Hearing "Fear of the Dark" live was one of the most chilling experiences in my life. Three times.
Interesting Point: "Afraid to Shoot Strangers" is probably a masterpiece of guitar sound, and also a song with a message.
Low Point: Anything I could say about "The Apparition" is already a waste of words.
I agree with 4 great tunes.
