Heavy Maytal- Iron Maiden's "Piece of Mind"

The band's fourth album and first with drummer Nicko McBrain, finds the band getting into even more melodic and progressive territory. It also features some of the most popular anthems from the band, "The Trooper" being the most obvious. On "Number of the Beast," it was conceivable that Paul DiAnno could have at least attempted to sing them; on this album, Bruce's soaring tenor belts them out with operatic power, further widening the divide. The first song, "Where Eagles Dare," is the only one I can imagine Paul even attempting. There is great guitar phrashing and harmony on the song. 

"Revelations" is one of the few songs that is not about a movie or book, but more of a lyrical tapestry teasing some of Bruce's spiritual beliefs, with Thelema being the most glaring.  Musically listening to it now, it brings to mind early Rush. "Flight of Icarus" is one of the album's more anthemic tracks, with a big hooky chorus. The verses give Bruce a great deal of room to sing and just enough gallop to remind you who this is. Bruce hits a rare falsetto when he lets his voice break on the climactic b flat 5,  but belts out a5's on the chorus. 

It has always felt to me like "Die With Your Boots On" belonged on "Powerslave," but no, it was just foreshadowing that album. As previously mentioned, "The Trooper" is their calling card. If you don't know this song why are you even reading this review? It's the anthem of anthems for this band. Their gallop might be best epitomized here. "Still Life" is likely my favorite song on this album, as it's the darkest and most melodic. Compared to the other high-energy songs on this album, it's almost a power ballad. 

"Quest For Fire" is early power metal; there is some cool interplay with the drums, but it's pretty much a straightforward Maiden song, not filler. The chorus to "Sun & Steel" is hookier than the chorus to the previous song, making it more memorable. For the sake of this review, I am just reviewing the album songs and not the bonus tracks. Despite there being a great Jethro Tull cover out there, they should jsut release all the B-sides that are not album tracks on an album. The Dune tribute 'To Tame a Land" was originally supposed to be called "Dune," but when they asked for permission, Herbert sent them a letter to them saying he did not like heavy rock bands like Iron Maiden. Weird way to come out of the closet, dude, but ok. Anyways, the song's pretty damn good, besides being nerdy prog metal. It's safe for me to go ahead and round this one up to a rare 11 as well. 

 

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