Virtual XI

Performer: Iron Maiden
Engineer: Nigel Green
Producer: Steve Harris; Nigel Green
Distributor: Ryko Distribution

Notes: Iron Maiden: Blaze Bayley (vocals); Dave Murray, Janick Gers (guitar); Steve Harris (keyboards, bass); Nicko McBrain (drums). Additional personnel: Michael Kenney (keyboards). Recorded at Barnyard Studios, Essex, England. This is an Enhanced CD, which contains both regular audio tracks and multimedia computer files. Iron Maiden's eleventh record, aptly titled VIRTUAL XI, is a wonderful addition to the band's legacy. Refusing to sell out and go "alternative" or "electronic," the group sticks to what it knows; heavy metal epics focusing on world peace, paranoia and technology. This is the second release with vocalist Blaze Bayley who adds his own powerful element to the Maiden mix. His voice is deeper and more brooding than his predecessor Bruce Dickinson, but just as effective. The technical virtuosity and the unfettered production (by bassist Steve Harris and Nigel Green) of classic Maiden are still solidly in place. Some keyboards are used for ambience, but this is mostly speed and power ala vintage Maiden. The songs are on the long side, with "The Angel And The Gambler" clocking in at over 9 minutes. All in all, fans of the band, or of heavy rock in general, will be satisfied, as all the traditional ingredients that make this a great band are evident in VIRTUAL XI.

Iron Maiden were one of the leaders of the early-1980s New Wave of British Heavy Metal movement energized by the spirit of punk. Maiden built upon their initial cult success, eventually leading to global domination by the mid '80s. The band's singer for the first couple of albums was Paul Di'Anno, but the arrival of vocalist Bruce Dickinson marked the vintage Iron Maiden era. In the '90s, Dickinson was replaced briefly by Blaze Bayley before the classic lineup reunited at that decade's end. Besides the music, Maiden received extra publicity for their undead mascot, "Eddie," who graced numerous album covers, posters, and t-shirts.

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