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THE REVIEW
"VIRTUAL XI," a highly underrated Maiden album, produced by an astounding Steve Harris (bass) and the remaining members: Nicko McBrain (drums), Dave Murray and Janick Gers (guitars), and Bruce Dickinson's "replacement" (who at that time left the band for a pause for reflection) Blaze Bayley (a competent vocalist with a singing style very similar to that of Paul Di'Anno, the first singer of Iron Maiden).
"VIRTUAL XI" is the band's eleventh studio album (the successor to "The X Factor"), and despite the risk of being repetitive, it creates in "VIRTUAL XI" new atmospheres and sounds, appealing to new fans and leaving the old ones stunned, most of whom didn't like it precisely because it sounded different and appeared "rushed and confused" (as a note in an English magazine described it). Undoubtedly a strange album, but precisely because of its strangeness and diversity, it is fascinating; the beautiful atmospheres created in "The Educated Fool," "The Angel and the Gambler," "When Two Worlds Collide," the legendary and magnificent "The Clansman," as well as the simpler, calmer, and catchier "Don't Look to the Eyes of a Stranger."
"Como Estais Amigo" stands out as the only sad and melancholic track on the entire album, while "Futureal," "Lightning Strikes Twice" are energetic and determined, supported by the good Bayley, who does his job well as a "good substitute." An album that the more you listen to it, the more you understand... and appreciate it!
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Summary by Bot
Virtual XI is often underrated due to its different sound and new vocalist Blaze Bayley. Despite mixed reactions, the album presents fascinating atmospheres, energetic tracks, and a compelling mix of calm and powerful moments. Key songs like 'The Clansman' and 'The Educated Fool' stand out, revealing the album’s growing appeal upon repeated listens.
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 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."
By Starblazer
"Virtual XI constitutes the most experimental chapter of the Iron Maiden saga, unfortunately unjustly snubbed."
"The Clansman... talks about the struggle of the Scottish highlanders against British rule: listen to it and you’ll fall in love, guaranteed!"
