It is the ability to control that Blaze has by the arena load. He dominates the charged up audience, projecting his undeniable stage presence not only to the back of the venue but out into the street, down through the town, and up over the hills.
More tracks from last years album also appear. These include, “Crack In The System” and “Voices From The Past.” In fact the entire encore of “While You Were Gone,” “Samurai,” and “Robot” is drawn from The Man Who Would Not Die.
There is plenty from the past too with a large wedge of it coming from 2000’s Silicon Messiah album. “The Ghost In The Machine,” “Identity,” “The Launch,” a stunning “Stare At The Sun,” and “Born As A Stranger” are all from that first Blaze offering.
2002’s concept album Tenth Dimension supplies both “Kill & Destroy” and “Leap Of Faith.” Blood And Belief makes an appearance with “Alive” and an excellent version of the Maiden-esque “Ten Seconds.” In fact, his time with Maiden is further marked by the inclusion of “Lord Of The Flies” which appeared on his first album with them, 1995’s The X Factor.
The triumphant encore underlines the fact that even if you have that last album you really to need to add this highlight-heavy double to your metal collection. Complete with excellent sound and a set list that will surely satisfy most fans it captures him at the very height of his powers.
Blaze Bayley can be found on his official website (You can purchase the album while you're there) or by dropping in on his MySpace page. I'm off to book my Paris ticket. If this is anything to go by it will be some night.
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