Maiden England
The definition of heavy metal encapsulated in these two words, aside from being a grotesque torture device, Iron Maiden have traversed every corner of this globe to bring their epic brand to the masses. Complete with mascot Eddie, they have entertained us minions forever, unrelentless and boundless in their art and in their projection. After an eye-watering forty albums – including live, compilations and EP’s they still attract legions of fans. Last year they found themselves in Mexico, and here is the live album of that show. You would be forgiven for thinking that your favourite song has been left off the setlist, but when you analyse the tracks, you’ll see they tell the band’s journey over the years pretty accurately. My own personal favourite ‘Judas My Guide’ is missing but I’m not complaining, because when you listen to this in its entirety, the pieces fit, there is nothing that flags up as surplus to requirements or out of place. Iron Maiden are connoisseurs, they have grappled with the beast that is the music industry and forged their way despite the usual ‘Satan’s music’ description.
Using influences from literature, cinema and historical events, they hone their craft, they are an incredibly intelligent and diligent outfit. Bruce Dickinson’s operatic vocals are expressive and a treat for the lugholes, always engaging with the audience, passionate about their work and hellbent on giving the crowd an impeccable show.
We open with Churchill’s speech and then straight into ‘Aces High’ it is , my friends, a non-stop adventure, taking us soaring into the atmosphere, hurtling back down to earth at a perilous speed, yet we have no fear. Except for when we ‘reckon the number of the beast’ yes that is a creepy moment, but a classic nonetheless. Each song is memorable, instantly recognisable and a joy to sing along to. The riffage on display here is gargantuan, if you don’t know the words then chant the riff, pleasure you can’t measure. This is testament to their existence, their courage and longevity, a band of brothers working towards a common goal and revelling in the attention and fandom that is well-deserved. Listen to the audience going loco, although not quite in Acapulco, truly an inspiring roar of the greasepaint, smell of the crowd moment.
Be a slave to their power, they will give you piece of mind, dial up the number of the beast for it is a matter of life and death. The arrival of the seventh son will lead us into a brave new world, where you will vanquish your fear of the dark. Your nyctophobic tendencies will diminish allowing for the emergence of a new you, a nyctophile.
Remember ladies and gents, Iron Maiden’s gonna get ya!
Iron Maiden- Nights Of The Dead, Legacy Of the Beast – Live In Mexico City 2019