Iron Maiden
Piece of Mind

THE REVIEW

Anyone who listens to, or simply knows, Iron Maiden cannot absolutely separate this album from the category of the timeless. Released back in May '83, "Piece of Mind" remains a milestone of metal in general, as well as one of the most beautiful records in the entire Maiden discography. The band of Steve Harris underwent, in the period preceding the album's release, as per "tradition", yet another lineup change. This time the one who paid the price was drummer Clive Burr, removed due to frequent and heavy use of rather harmful drugs, both for his health and for the band's career.

His successor goes by the name of Michael Henry McBrain, better known as "Nicko" (in honor of his favorite teddy bear) McBrain. The eccentric drummer (I have his drumstick, a trophy from the Heineken Jammin Festival!! :.-) brought a more square and solid rhythmic sense to the band, along with greater versatility compared to his predecessor. The arrival of the drummer, along with vocals from Dickinson among the most beautiful ever heard and the substantial number of original and ingenious riffs invented by the Murray-Smith duo, are the true aces up the sleeve wielded by a somewhat "crazy" Eddie.

"Piece of Mind" sees the progressive continuation of the small changes made compared to the earlier, faster albums. In the fourth official album of the English group, speed is certainly not lacking, but there is a noticeable favoring of a heavier sound compared to the earlier, more speed-oriented one. The highly epic and heroic content enriches this masterpiece, a container of historical Iron Maiden tracks. The patriotic "The Trooper" that rides through plains where bloody battles take place; the mythological "Flight of Icarus"; the Shakespearian "Where Eagles Dare" or the resilient "Die with your boots on", not forgetting the other wonderful songs. Another legendary page in the history of heavy metal written by the Iron Maidens.