This is the latest live labum by Iron Maiden, and by my counts, their 7th live album! The album was recorded on their recent 'Death On The Road' tour, at Westenfalenhalle, in Dortmund, Germany. It features the usual classic tracks, plus the best songs from Dance Of Death. Rather than reviewing every track, I'll review certain tracks, then give a summary.
Disc 1 - Wildest Dreams. An excellent opener. Starts off with a creepy opener to give atmosphere, then explodes. A much better intro than The Wicker Man was, and sounds better than on Dance Of Death.
Can I Play With Madness - I view this as a missed opportunity. Everyone knows this is a classic track, and could be briliant, but for some reason the energy just doesnt seem to be there. Compare this to the Live At Donington version and it really isnt good. A let down.
Dance Of Death - Normally a great song, now unbelievable. Any of you who saw any gigs on this tour will like this one, cant wait for the DVD to see it.
Paschendale - Again this is very good, but like Can I Play... its a let down. This is not to take away from the song, as it is superb, but when listening to the studio version you cant help but think that this song has the potential to be on of the best Maiden songs ever. Sadly, and I cant quite put my finger on it, its just lacking that spark to make this the song Maiden would be remembered for.
Disc 2
No More Lies - Now this has that spark I was talking about. This shows Iron Maiden nearly at their best, full of energy, with the crowd lapping up every bit of it. This should be good on DVD as well.
Fear Of The Dark - This is like Can I Play..., in that there is a better version out there (Rock In Rio). Still good, but if you've got Rock In Rio you will be a bit disappointed.
Journeyman - Best song on the album by far. I remember reading a review of the show I saw on this tour, and the reviewer saying that when this song came on you could hear the audience deflate. Not here. Every single person singing along and chanting. At the last chorus when Bruce asks them to sing for him you feel goosebumps all the way up you. Deserves to be played at every show Maiden ever do again on this form.
Run To The Hills - Considering this ends the show, its merely alright. When Bruce first starts singing its terrible. He mumbles the words, instead of sohuting at the top of his lungs like we know he can. Ends the album on a slight low note.
Despite the fact that I have made a few negative points I would recommend this album to most people, but not consider it essential. For beginners I would get another album first. Waiting for the DVD may be a good idea as well. Its not Rock In Rio or Live After Death, but its better than the others. Bruces voice has its weak moments, and every once in a while even the instruments are a bit weak (NOTB solo), which is very rare in Maidens case. I would have to say the album is a let down, as looking at the set list you could quite reasonably say that this could beat any album Maiden have done, but sadly its not what it could have been.
