Iron Maiden is one of those bands that seem to put out as many live albums as studio albums. For some reason, though, I don't seem to mind. The live shows are such incredible spectacles, and the music is so powerful, and they just pull it off so well that I have let go of my annoyance at an overabundance of live material. This DVD is a fine example of a band that can still tear it up live, even past the quarter century mark of their career, while still putting out albums of quality new material.
Before going any further, there are some technical issues with the set. First, the two concert disks were mislabeled, The 5.1 disk has the PCM stereo mix and vice versa. Secondly, the concert skips back to the song select menu after two songs—"Rainmaker" and "Brave New World". It's been noted on Iron Maiden's website forums that the release has been recalled for these defects.
I reviewed the CD release back in October. As much as I liked the CD, the DVD sounds even better. They must have done extensive remixing, because it exceeds the sound quality on the CD. Adrian Smith, Dave Murray, and Janick Gers create this massive wall of sound, yet can flip it around and be as smooth and soft as silk for the mellower moments, such as the opening of "Dance of Death" and the acoustic "Journeyman". Steve Harris' bass is always standout, filling in the low end like no one else can. Nicko McBrain's drums are phenomenal, precise and driving. And what would Iron Maiden be without one of the greatest metal voices of all time in Bruce Dickinson? Together they put on a great show of pure metal. Bruce may not be able to hit the high notes like he once could, but you cannot deny the fact that he still has a powerful voice.
This disk provides a different experience than Rock in Rio did a few years back. In many ways, I find this show to be superior to that one. For one thing, the stage setup is great, the rotating Eddie backdrops, the giant Grim Reapers, and the gothic castle styled art all give it this old school epic metal look. I would be remiss if I failed to mention the additional stage dressing used during "Paschendale". I also think the performance may be a touch better, and I also like the set list to be stronger here.
There is one thing that the two shows have in common, and it is not a positive. That commonality is the editing of Steve Harris. Harris is a great bass player and and excellent songwriter, but he has no place in the editing bay. It is almost as if he makes cuts as quickly as possible to include it all. I would have preferred to have longer takes. Perhaps using a couple of wide shots as beds and moving in on specific sections, like Bruce for the chorus, or Adrian for a solo, or Nicko for a particularly nice fill. Having so many cuts in such a rapid succession takes away from the overall power of the show. Death on the Road does get a bit better as the show goes on, but I would have preferred the whole show if the visual material had been slowed down a bit.
Article comments
1 - Triniman
Just picked up mine yesterday...fell asleep watching it simply because I was drained, but I look forward to watching it soon. I did notice the video editing issue with the scenes changing rapidly, sometimes too much so for my taste. I thought with DVD technology, then can allow you to have custom views. They should have done that here.
What little I did see and hear, however, made me quite happy. Maiden are really something special.
Excellent review, by the way.
2 - Paul Roy
I can't wait to pick this one up. I loved the Rock In Rio DVD. These old guys are still rockin like they are in their prime. I think I actually like most of their newer stuff better than the old classic stuff. Not too many bands I can say that about.
3 - Saqib
Nice review. Not the richest setlist for a Maiden fan who are equally familier with both old and new stuff but I can see the reason behind that.
Dont agree with Chris' Bruce hitting high notes bit. In my opinion the highest note ever hit by Bruce was in the song 'dance of death'. You may argue 'Where eagles dare'. This is a vaild point but in DOD his vocal is equally soaring but with more power and less squeaky. Only you cant do this in a concert where you have to sing 12/13 song non stop. And thats precisely why Bruce avoid hitting those high notes. But what he does still is a dream of most of any singer.