It's been an interesting week. Two more record companies added me to “digital download” method of review material distribution. This has meant the music cupboard has got quite a bit more full that it has been in the past at this time of year. Fortunately, much of it was rather fun stuff.
DVD review
Iron Maiden: Flight 666
I was never near anywhere that played this in the theater, so I was forced to wait until the band released it on DVD. The great thing about Iron Maiden is they always try to give value for money (and most of the time hit the mark). The DVD is much more than just the film. Included is the entire set from their world tour, recorded in various venues. So you get a total of 215 minutes of Iron Maiden goodness.
It's not terribly hard to realize the movie would be good considering it got a award at SWSX. It’s a great insight into the world of Iron Maiden as they tour the world in their own jet under the tutelage of Rod Smallwood, their manager; their pilot/frontman Bruce Dickinson; and of course, Steve Harris, leader of the band and master bassist. As you would expect, much mirth is created by their inimitable drummer Nicko McBrain. I suspect the film-makers were blessed with many hours of great footage of Nicko, the most gregarious of the lot.
Now, fair or not, Iron Maiden fans will compare the live album portion of the CD with their inimitable and classic release Live after Death ironically recorded on the tour that this trek aped in its content and show. If you buy only one Iron Maiden live CD then it should be LaD, but if you have that classic album and want a new one then this DVD/live CD is worth it. It’s a great release from a great band that is extraordinary and amazing. Recommended, of course, for even the most ardent Maiden fan. Flight 666 is the best the tour movie I have ever seen, probably the best one ever made.
CD Reviews
Delain: April Rain
This is a great band that does a similar brand of gothic, symphonic, female-led metal band to Within Temptation. Then again the keyboardist is a former member of WT. Delain have realised that the market for this sort of music has a pretty high standard and managed to up their game. This is quite an outstanding CD for this genre and Delain have managed to produce an album without a duff track, including the bonus “Come Closer”.
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