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THE REVIEW
Together with "Somewhere In Time," "Virtual XI" constitutes the most experimental chapter of the Iron Maiden saga, unfortunately unjustly snubbed, if not outright trashed by most "fans."
The album opens with the fast and direct Futureal, which deals with a theme very dear to the singer (he has spoken about the man-technology relationship also in Wolfsbane with Cathode Ray Clinic and in B L A Z E with Silicon Messiah). It is followed by one of the album’s signature tracks: a devastating keyboard intro, Blaze's usual assertive and energetic interpretation, a far from obvious lyric (it talks about gambling) and a catchy chorus repeated like a mantra. This is The Angel And The Gambler, a little-known masterpiece that testifies to Steve Harris and company’s desire to experiment and propose new sounds that detach from the dark and monumental ones of "The X Factor." The third track, Lighting Strikes Twice, however, leaves something to be desired; let’s say that if there weren’t a consistently fierce and decisive singer like Blaze behind the microphone, it would be a total failure. Closing this parenthesis, the stunning The Clansman begins, with Celtic-like atmospheres and stadium energy for this masterpiece that talks about the struggle of the Scottish highlanders against British rule: listen to it and you’ll fall in love, guaranteed!
When Two Worlds Collide is the piece that comes closest to the sounds of "The X Factor": slow and rarefied intro, blazing acceleration with a divine performance by Blaze, who really seems like a steamroller in this piece. The Educated Fool is one of my favorite songs: beautiful lyrics and also the track itself: full of anger, pathos, and intensity like few others. Don’t Look To The Eyes Of A Stranger is the other half misstep: the atmospheric intro is very beautiful, but the further it goes, the more the song becomes anonymous and repetitive. This beautiful record (and unfortunately also the Blaze era) closes with Como Estais Amigo, a stunning and melancholy ballad enriched by a spine-chilling solo.
In conclusion, "Virtual XI" is an airy album, flowing and never predictable, showcasing a band that has never lost the desire to create new masterpieces by continuously renewing themes, sounds, and atmospheres. An absolute must-have. UP THE IRONS!
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Summary by Bot
Virtual XI is one of Iron Maiden's most experimental albums, often overlooked by fans. The review highlights standout tracks with unique sounds and powerful performances by Blaze Bayley. Despite some weaker moments, the album flows dynamically with Celtic and stadium energy, culminating in an emotionally charged ballad. Virtual XI shows the band's continuous desire to innovate and is considered a must-have for fans.
Iron Maiden
British heavy metal band formed in 1975, led by bassist and principal songwriter Steve Harris. Famous for epic studio albums, theatrical live shows featuring vocalist Bruce Dickinson, and the mascot Eddie.180 Reviews
Other reviews
By Damned Soul
Ultimately, especially instrumentally, it’s one of Maiden’s finest tracks of all time.
Personally, in overall beauty, I place it alongside Seventh Son Of a Seventh Son and highly recommend it to anyone who has never listened to Maiden.
By poison.mind
"An album that the more you listen to it, the more you understand... and appreciate it!"
"Undoubtedly a strange album, but precisely because of its strangeness and diversity, it is fascinating."
By tuisampa
I consider myself a diehard fan of the Maiden, which is why I refuse to think that the Maiden are the authors of this atrocity.
The chasm left by Dickinson’s absence is unbridgeable, and with his return, the sun will rise again... during this phase of the Maiden, it is DEAD OF NIGHT.
By thetrooper
"These are the Maiden! A classic, very simple but effective riff and a driving rhythm."
"The Clansman practically makes the whole album fortunate... a beautiful song marked by a catchy chorus and splendid solos."
