The Chemical Wedding is considered by many to be Bruce Dickinson’s best solo album. In this 1998 release he once again joins up with Roy Z and the Tribe of Gypsies, as well as fellow Iron Maiden mate Adrian Smith to make one of the greatest overlooked heavy metal albums. If you have heard any of Bruce’s earlier albums, including 1997’s Accident Of Birth, you will find this album to be much heavier. Many of the songs on the album are based on the poetry of William Blake. You will hear parts of his work spoken by Bruce’s hero, Arthur Brown, in between songs. Now since this is my first review, I’ll try and give you all a song by song analysis the best that I can.
King In Crimson- This opener is great. Full of heavy guitar riffs and that are sure to get you on your feet and headbanging. Bruce’s voice in the verses sounds sort of low like he is trying to tell you an evil story, but quickly soars into the chorus and it is here that you will realize why he has been dubbed the “Air Raid Siren.” 4.5/5
Chemical Wedding- The title track begins with heavy guitars that you find throughout the whole album. The verses seem more relaxed though and you find yourself paying attention to every word that Bruce is singing. The chorus is somewhat slow, but very powerful, and you are sure to find yourself singing along. Top it off with a great guitar solo and you have yourself the perfect title track to an album. 5/5
The Tower- Definitely a song with a “commercial” vibe to it, but don’t let that discourage you. The groovy bass intro catches your attention right away and the lyrics are nothing less than brilliant. Bruce’s singing is mesmerizing in this song and I can play it over and over again without get tired of it. 5/5
Killing Floor- Very similar to King In Crimson in that it is full of heavy riffs and deals with Satan once again. The verses sound very dark and the chorus even darker. Great little “whoooaaaa”-type interlude in the middle. 4.5/5
Book Of Thel- The epic song of the album. The bass intro is very dark and eerie with some great lead guitar playing that leaves you looking over your shoulder to make sure nothing is behind you. Just when you start to feel comfortable BAM!!!! The bone crunching guitar riff starts that will leave your entire body aching throughout the song. The lyrics to this song are very evil-like and simply amazing. Bruce’s voice in the chorus is spectacular and will leave you wanting more. Definitely the best song on the album. 5/5
Gates Of Urizen- A song with an almost ballad-like feel to it. The verses are slow followed by a heavy and powerful chorus where Bruce seems to try and split your eardrums. Wonderful lead guitar playing that leaves you wishing you were Mr. Roy Z himself. 5/5
Jerusalem- A shorter epic song that deals with William Blake’s poem “Jerusalem.” The lyrics make you feel that you are actually walking in England’s green pastures long ago. The music builds and builds with some great guitar work and ends with what sounds like a mandolin. 5/5
Trumpets Of Jericho- Probably the weakest song on the album, but still a good one. Good lyrics and a fadeout at the end that leaves you cranking up the volume so that you can catch every last note. Nothing too spectacular compared to the other songs but still worth listening to. 4/5
Machine Men- Another weaker song, but also a good one. The lyrics and Bruce’s voice have an evil-like twist throughout the whole song. Kind of a slower tempo to it but very powerful. 4/5
The Alchemist- In my opinion, Bruce’s greatest vocal performance on the album. You will instantly recognize a climactic feel to the song. The guitars have a cool distortion sound to them. Definitely a great song to end an album, and you will see why when you hear it. 5/5
If you like any of Bruce’s other work or his Iron Maiden work then you will probably fall in love with this album. The ratings for each song may seem kind of high, but they are spectacular. This is the type of album that you can play from start to finish without feeling the need to skip over a song. Give it a try, you won’t be disappointed. This is my first review so I’m new to doing this, but I rate this album a 5 and firmly stand by it.
