DVD
Iron Maiden: Live After Death
I am not sure of the demographics of the readership of this column, but I would suspect that many of you have this on at least one other format if not more. It is one of the best live albums ever recorded, from one of the best live tours any metal band has ever put together and it records a moment in time when at least one genre of metal was born. Oodles of power metallers all over the world list the "Powerslave" tour as the moment they knew what kind of music they played. It was the tour that made the band huge in the U.S. and it set the stage for the stage shows that followed.
This DVD; plus a continuation of "History of Iron Maiden," "Behind the Iron Curtain documentary," "Rock in Rio 85' live gig" and "Ello Texas," is a live testament to the amazing tour that it was. Even if you were in the audience that epic night in LA you will be sucked into the majesty that is Iron Maiden. I saw them in Hollywood, Florida on this tour and was left stunned. You know the songs on the album from the Churchill intro to "Aces High" to the dieing notes of "Sanctuary".
Is this worth owning? Damn straight it is... but can you resist buying tickets to the upcoming full "Powerslave set" tour?
And finally I am sneaking in a DVD that is not music but that my readers might enjoy. It's certainly better than the pile of dinosaur dung that is the latest Turok game
Turok: Son of Stone
A new movie based on the legendary franchise of Turok that has spawned comics and computer games is what you get here. I see this animated feature not only interesting fans of the Turok of old but appealing to those who like a bit of proper anime and animation.
This is nothing like the Cartoon Network or Japanimation that you see on cable during the day. There is no fluffy big-eyed cheap animation on show here. This is far closer in scope, feel, and violence to some of the great anime from Japan. While having a very "Western" feel to the animation, it takes the influence of free flowing anime epics and runs with it.
Article comments
1 - Marty Dodge
Crowning Glory have a tinge of Diamond Head about them as well. I just noticed that as I listened to them during my chemo today.
2 - Chris Beaumont
I am really digging the Bushwhack disk! Good stuff!
I got Maiden's Live After Death but have not yet watched it.
I also have tickets to the Maiden stop in Jersey on 3/14!!
3 - Brian aka Guppusmaximus
Sorry to be a spoiler again...
I just can't believe how many people throw that term "Progressive" around about stuff that sounds so mediocre. I don't believe too many people on BC remember just how much DT did with I&W. I mean that album was so pioneering! No one had ever done stuff like that in the metal genre.
Bushwack is very generic & just because they throw in some keyboards doesn't make them progressive!!
I suggest:
Three - The End is Begun
Sieges Even - Paramount
Thought Chamber - Angular Perceptions (Very Reminiscent of DT)
Arcturus - Sideshow Symphonies (Unfortunately, it was their last album)
(And if you haven't heard it yet)
Spiral Architect - A Sceptic's Universe
Cynic - Focus
4 - Chris Beaumont
Haven't heard that Arcturua album, though I have liked what little I've heard from them.
I have that Spiral Architect album, I can't say it ever did a lot for me. Some cool stuff for sure, but it never truly grabbed me.
I really like the Bushwhack disk, regardless of your lower estimation ( :) ). They are only teens and have a long way to go before they reach their potential peak.
5 - Brian aka Guppusmaximus
Sure, Chris... I can understand that you may not be hooked on Spiral Architect but they are a benchmark for the Progressive Metal scene. A Skeptic's Universe was (& is) an amazing,timeless piece of work that is the essence of what Progressive Metal is all about.
If the writers on this board are going to use the term "Progressive" to catagorize a band's release then they should be very familiar with that genre.
Spiral Architect's CD is not only a "must have" but a "much Listened to" part of your collection.
Other crucial CDs to own
Watchtower - Control & Resistance
Cynic - Focus
Atheist - Unquestionable Presence & Elements
Dream Theater - I&W & Metropolis Pt.2:Scenes...
Opeth - Still Life & Blackwater Park
Fates Warning - Perfect Symmetry
Spastic Ink - Ink Compatible
Michael Manring - Thonk
Ironchrist -Getting the most out of your extinction (Though they were considered "cross-over", their music incorporated ideas at the time that weren't popular)