X Factor
Blaze's first album with the band, released after a gap of some 3 years since the previous cd, "Fear Of The Dark" came as quite a surprise to many fans: not only was there the issue of the new voice to come to terms with, and the fact that Blaze sounded SO different to Bruce, but also the style of the album was quite a shift away from the previous two.
While both Fear Of The Dark and No Prayer For The Dying were both relatively lightweight offerings, this was altogether different: very dark in subject matter, dealing with such matters as the aftermath & futility of war (Fortunes Of War, The Aftermath), and in particular the mental state of one of its victims, seen through the eyes of that victim, a soldier, to the cold fear that strikes in the wee small hours (2 A.M.), through to insanity and mental fears (Lord Of the Flies, Man On the Edge).
Musically, it is extremely powerful, with some blistering guitar solos, such as on The Aftermath, yet still retaining the dark and brooding atmosphere. Also of note is the impact Blaze had on the songwriting, contributing to 3 tracks, and in particular, the trio of Steve Harris, Blaze Bayley and Janick Gers established themselves as a formidable songwriting powerhouse with no less than 4 of the songs written by the trio. While many felt that Blaze was not suited to the job of Iron Maiden vocalist, I felt that he and the band had created a masterpiece. The best Maiden release since Seventh Son, imo.
Eddie rating:9�/10
Track listing
SIGN OF THE CROSS
(Harris)
LORD OF THE FLIES
(Harris/Gers)
MAN ON THE EDGE
(Bayley/Gers)
FORTUNES OF WAR
(Harris)
LOOK FOR THE TRUTH
(Bayley/Gers/Harris)
THE AFTERMATH
(Harris/Bayley/Gers)
JUDGEMENT OF HEAVEN
(Harris)
BLOOD ON THE WORLD'S HANDS
(Harris)
THE EDGE OF DARKNESS
(Harris/Bayley/Gers)
2 A.M.
(Bayley/Gers/Harris)
THE UNBELIEVER
(Harris/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