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Rating: By now, we have plenty of tribute albums (official and unofficial) about Iron Maiden. I decided to review this one because it inspires the most confidence in me and makes me think it was executed purely as a "tribute" and not as a commercial operation by famous (and not) bands like Children Of Bodom, Opeth, Cradle Of Filth, or Grave Digger. But let's go in order and analyze all 16 songs, which of course are all classics from Maiden's discography.
"Ides Of March/Purgatory": It starts off strong with two great songs from the early Maiden (the "Killers" ones), and Steel Prophet are shining, especially the singer, who seems to be a cross between Di'Anno and Dickinson... it starts well, in short.
"Aces High": One of the best bands to emerge in the last 20 years, Children Of Bodom amaze with their reinterpretation of one of Maiden's excellent tracks, this "Aces High" is full of power despite being a bit changed, because the pace is faster than the original, great, especially the singer who had the courage to use his typical growl in a song where Dickinson had sung melodically.
"The Trooper": The cover of "The Trooper" by Rage is well executed, but it's a bit surprising to hear it with a female voice.
"Hallowed Be Thy Name": The first cracks in the collection begin, Cradle Of Filth, despite having good intentions, fail to cover this Maiden classic well, although the use of keyboards for the intro is good.
"Running Free": It returns to excellent levels with "Running Free" by Grave Digger, who really impress, the voice is very different from the version with Di'Anno but is truly well done and updated to the best.
"Prowler": The worst track of the album, if Paul Di'Anno had done wonders on this speed rock, here Burden Of Grief manage to ruin the song with a growl sung terribly despite it being played fairly well.
"Die With Boots On": One of the best episodes of the entire compilation, Sonata Arctica perform their assignment excellently, the track in question, though with the power nuance (genre of Sonata Arctica), holds almost the same power as the Maiden version.
"Children Of The Damned": This reinterpretation by Therion tells me nothing... the voice takes away the excellent impact that this song has with Dickinson on vocals, indifferent, whether it's there or not, it's the same.
"Transylvania": No one doubts the technicality of Iced Heart but they've done a really poor job here... if Harris heard them.
"Remember Tomorrow": The best cover of the entire batch, Opeth show their more progressive side in this song which the more I listen to it, the more I like it...
"The Number Of The Beast": It's well played, and the voice is very suited to the song, good (the cover is by Sinergy)!
"Stranger In A Strange Land": same discussion as "Prowler", the growl is the least suitable for a tribute album to Maiden, and also regarding the music, it's not even on par (the cover is by Disbelief).
"Flight Of Icarus": Yet on their records, Tierra Santa does well, here slowing down "Flight Of Icarus" and completely changing the rhythm was a big mistake.
"22 Acacia Avenue": here the growl was suitable and indeed it's been played by Dark Tranquillity, well done!
"Wratchild": Six Feet Under is the scandal of the album alongside Burden Of Grief, the funny part is that it's not played badly, but the Cannibal Corpse-like voice on "Wratchild" is too much!
"Powerslave": it concludes quite well, Darkane do a good job on "Powerslave", decent!
In conclusion, it's not too bad, but the already described versions of "Wratchild", "Prowler", "Stranger In A Strange Land", and "Flight of Icarus" could have been avoided. It's not an absolute must-have, but if you like tribute albums, you will appreciate it.
Tracklist
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