Virtual XI
1998's follow up to X Factor was, imho, the best the band has achieved to date. Despite a certain amount of repetitiveness in the lyrics, principally on The Angel And The Gambler, and Don't Look Into the Eyes Of A Stranger, which spoil it a little. Nonetheless, this album saw Blaze really settled in as the vocalist, and the overall feeling on the album is of a band moving up to higher ground.
The mood of the album is not as dark as was X Factor, which, although the moodiness was one of XF's strongest points, is nonetheless a relief: however, the subject matters remained pretty deep and gloom laden, with matters of the apocalypse (Futureal, When Two Worlds Collide), and fate (Don't Look Into The Eyes Of A Stranger, The Angel And The Gambler) high on the agenda.
Obviously not a favourite on the Bayley detractors, Virtual XI is nevertheless a true masterpiece.
Eddie rating:10/10
Track listing
FUTUREAL
(Harris/Bayley)
THE ANGEL AND THE GAMBLER
(Harris)
LIGHTNING STRIKES TWICE
(Murray/Harris)
THE CLANSMAN
(Harris)
WHEN TWO WORLDS COLLIDE
(Murray/Bayley/Harris)
THE EDUCATED FOOL
(Harris)
DON'T LOOK INTO THE EYES OF A
STRANGER
(Harris)
COMO ESTAIS AMIGO
(Bayley/Gers)
Produced by Steve Harris & Nigel Green
Vocals: Blaze Bayley
Guitars: Dave Murray, Janick Gers
Bass: Steve Harris
Drums: Nicko McBrain
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Last updated on 26/07/99