Iron Maiden: Piece of Mind (1983)
This is Iron Maiden's fourth studio album, and their first with current drummer Nicko McBrain. In fact, every band member on this album can still be seen with the band today, so if you've ever wanted to see them on tour, this is five-sixths of the band you'll be getting:
Bruce Dickinson- Vocals (Amazing vocalist with a unique voice)
Steve Harris- Bass (Arguably the best heavy metal bassist around)
Adrian Smith- Lead/Rhythm Guitars (Great melodic, bluesy solos)
Dave Murray- Lead/Rhythm Guitars (Great shredding solos)
Nicko McBrain- Drums (Awesome drummer)
Here's the actual review:
1. Where Eagles Dare (6:10) This is a pretty good song, but for an Iron Maiden opener, it's not really that great. It's far too long, and the instrumental passage drones on without a solo for long enough to make me fear I was listening to St. Anger. But don't worry, the awesome vocals of Bruce and Steve's descriptive lyrics carry this song pretty far. 3.5/5
2. Revelations (6:48) This song starts out with a hymnal passage of some sort, but then the 'real' opening riff comes on and it is one hell of an awesome riff. Especially for how few notes it contains. But that riff is even better when it appears toward the song's end and Bruce yells "Go!" Then we get some nice solos and a quieter close to the song. 4.5/5
3. Flight of Icarus (3:50) The album's first single has a killer opening riff, then a great verse. The pre-chorus/chorus kind of runs together in an awesome display of underlying bass, and Bruce's overlapping vocals really bring this song together. The solos from who I assume is Adrian are equally impressive, especially when Bruce is singing over them. 5/5
4. Die With Your Boots On (5:25) A great opening riff doesn't really follow through in the rest of the song, in my opinion. The chorus is too long, but it's still a really great song. One of the best song titles anyway. My favorite part of the song is the rockin-out ending, especially when it leads into a classic song. 3.5/5
5. The Trooper (4:11) This is one of my favorite Iron Maiden songs ever, and also one of their most popular. The call-to-arms opening riff and the galloping bass lines fit so well with the lyrics of a soldier's futile battle that it brings shivers to my spine almost every time. Bruce's singing of Steve's lyrics and the wordless chorus really bring this song together, and it's fun to play for all you bassists out there! 5/5
6. Still Life (4:55) A bit of backwards talk brings us to the unofficial title track of the album (since it mentions the album title somewhere in the song) I like this song, especially as I listened to it in Mexico, where sacrificial religious wells abound in the Yucatan. The chorus is a bit poppy, but don't deny the power this song holds over your ears! 4.5/5
7. Quest For Fire (3:41) Some people describe this as Maiden's worst song ever. I don't know about that, but it's certainly the most anachronistic song since "Rock Me Amadeus." Dinosaurs and cavemen did not live in the same time period, you silly Brits! Other than that, I'd call this song skippable. 2/5
8. Sun and Steel (3:26) Another poppier song, but I like this one. I guess because it still manages to incorporate some galloping rhythms into it, which is always a plus for me. The chorus is sing-along quality, which isn't bad if you're not afraid to sing in the shower or something. Rambling, sorry. 3.5/5
9. To Tame a Land (7:25) In the grand tradition of epic closers, this one's another great Maiden classic. It's based off of the book "Dune," which I haven't read. But the theme is evident in that Egyptian scale also found in the band's title track to "Powerslave," so you'll get a feeling for it. The last three minutes or so of the song is instrumental, but it's a great instrumental section! Especially at the beginning, where the guitars and bass play this insanely fast riff over and over again. Definitely a challenge, just like the whole song. It closes with riff similar to the opening, with a slightly complex guitar melody. 5/5
Overall, this is another great early period Maiden album. Now you know why metal ruled the world back in the 80s; because the non-glam stuff was too awesome to ignore. 4.5/5 Overall
