Iron Maiden - Piece of Mind
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Free Music Notes for Piece of Mind
Free Music Review: "WORLD PIECE" - Maiden Soar Where Only Eagles Dare
Hit: 5 Stars
An album which is both revered and looked upon fondly by long-time fans (myself included), 1983's PIECE OF MIND found U.K. heavyweights IRON MAIDEN at the very cusp of international superstardom. Years of groundwork and three studio LP's (including 1982's genre-defining THE NUMBER OF THE BEAST), had set the stage for the Maiden Metal Machine to rampage their way to the leading-edge of the metal-tsunami which was consuming the music landscape of the era.
In early Jaunary of '83, MAIDEN reassembled in the Bahamas and quickly ensconced themsleves into Nassau's Compass Point Studios with producer Martin Birch to begin the writing, rehearsal and tracking sessions for an album which would become a masterpiece of early-eighties metal: PIECE OF MIND.
The thundering barrage of drums which ignite LP-opener "Where Eagles Dare" make it abundantly apparent that MAIDEN '83 is brimming with worldly-confidence and newfound swagger. A devastating set-piece, "Dare" finds MAIDEN in battle-mode; guitarists Adrian Smith and Dave Murray introduce a wicked machine-gun-like riff which quickly establishes the absolute EPICNESSS of the track. Their playing is flawless here and features some devil-ish Thin Lizzy-inspired twin-lead guitar. The pummeling rhythm section of bassist Steve Harris and kit-basher Nicko McBrain (taking over for the departing Clive Burr) threaten to plow over anything that might foolishly stray into their line of fire whilst Bruce "Air-Raid Siren" Dickinson belts it all for all it's worth with lyrical tales of the "snow outside" and "engines roaring in the night." Mammoth and heroic, "Where Eagles Dare" is an absolute barnstormer of an opener.
"Revelations" ascends next from menacing seas and paints a morose scene of impending doom. Bruce is able to flex his vocal abilities here as he effortlessly moves from gentle, swaying melodies to urgent and foreboding stylings with equal aplomb. Anchored by an oppressive, ominous riff, "Revelations" is a veritable tour-de-force of hypnotic guitars, spirlaling solos, stellar musicianship and is a major accomplishment on an album overflowing with standout cuts.
Released as a single preceding the album, "Flight of Icarus" continues the themes set-forth by the preceding tracks and furthers the influence that both literature and film had assumed in affecting the motifs and ideas that founding-member and main-songwriter Steve Harris had adapted when writing. "Icarus" is Maiden's loose-spin on the ancient Greek myth of Icarus; whom was imprisoned inside of a labyrinth and planned an escape using fabricated wings. "Icarus" is an inspired choice as a lead-off single and features some fiery soloing from Smith and Murray.
Where "Icarus" was steady and methodical, "Die With Your Boots On" draws a line in the sand with authority and proceeds to EVISCERATE all that has come before with an absolute MONSTER of a riff. An innovative arrangement, provocative end-of-days storytelling and some spellbinding lead-work make "Boots" a hidden gem and one that deserves to be dusted-off and inserted into the band's current set-list.
Which brings us to what is perhaps one of MAIDEN'S most well-known and beloved songs EVER: "The Trooper." Based upon the Battle of Balaclava in 1854 and partially upon a poem by Alfred Lord Tennyson entitled "The Charge of The Light Brigade," "The Trooper" has attained it's iconic status due to the song's unmistakable harmonized leads, galloping rhythms and Bruce's soaring vocals which depict the battle as seen through the eyes of an already deceased soldier. An undeniable classic, "The Trooper" explodes with absolute command of it's destiny and ends triumphantly amidst a burning pile of embers atop a metallic battlefield.
"Still Life" (an enigmatic rocker), "Quest For Fire" and the melodic "Sun and Steel" are all fine efforts and contribute greatly to the record's legacy. Album-closer "To Tame A Land" is a crystal ball into the future and a portent of the ambitious, mega-sized MAIDEN compositions yet to come. Chugging riffs and middle-eastern-tinged licks highlight this tale which was originally to be called "Dune" after the classic sci-fi novel by Frank Herbert. "Land" is vintage MAIDEN and fades into the sunset on the back of a mysterious coda.
Expertly sequenced and possessed of a bright production with guitars and drums high in the mix, PIECE OF MIND was a blueprint for the heavy metal foundation on which IRON MAIDEN were forging their musical edifice. Even though their crazed mascot Eddie was depicted confined to a padded cell on the cover, he was destined to escape and assist in helping the band to achieve a creative zenith with their next album and to attain new heights in popularity that not even they could have possibly imagined. - Ronnie Jimenez
Free Music Review: How can a metalhead not like this album???
Hit: 5 Stars
For awhile actually I really didnt see the big deal of this album for some reason and whenever I heard people rave about it I would just be like, "meh it's pretty good". However, I'm very happy to say that took my head outta my rear, seen the light and now love this album!!! (for some time too)
Even though this album is sandwiched between Maiden's two legendary albums (do I even have to mention them?) for the most part it is just as good and can even see why some think it's their greatest achievement as there are some uber-classic Maiden songs on here. Ok now to review this.
Where Eagles Dare 10/10 Superb opener here. I hope you like 'Aces High' from Powerslave since this has the same theme of WWII fighter plane action. Has killer riffs and even cool machine gun firing sound effects!
Revelations 10/10 A slower more melodic song but not quite a ballad, Bruce shows the softer, mellower side of his voice and sounds great. Some of the lyrics were apparently inspired by famous occultist Aleister Crowley (very interesting guy I might add).
Flight of Icarus 15/10 Maiden's spin on the classic myth of a boy who didn't listen to his dad and died because of it. This is arguably the band's biggest hit along with 'Run To the Hills". It's no wonder it was a hit, it has an anthemic chorus, Bruce's crazy operatic vocals, and catchy riffs to the point where I think I can fly!
Die With Your Boots On 10/10 Once again the band brings in all their energy to create another classic, very uplifting anthem. Basically if you're gonna go down, go out with a bang. The song brilliantly captures the feelings of imminent death with it's excellent chorus complete with background vocals and solid riffage.
The Trooper 12/10 ANOTHER essential Maiden classic! This song has arguably even more spirit and energy than the previous two tracks and that's saying something. A great song to keep your spirits up during a terrible war or the like.
Still Life 10/10 Ok we're done with the mega-hits but sure as hell not done with the good songs. Song opens up with This is another slower, melodic song kind of like Revelations. I heard the odd opening of the song is one of the band members voices played backwards to make fun of the whole "Satanic" imagery accusations brought on by Number of the Beast.
Quest for Fire 9/10 Yeah, I'm gonna have to give this song a 9, because musically it rocks, especially towards the end. The lyrics are kind of silly but I still think they're cool, it's like Bruce is telling another myth of some kind. Hey it could be worse, at least he's not talking about getting hoes or his prom date dumping him and how he feels sorrow for himself like bands today. Give this one another chance!
Sun and Steel 9/10 Another action packed historical rocker based on the life of a samurai. I personally think that's very cool, I mean how many songs do you know about samurais? This song has the same feel as later Maiden tunes like "Flash of the Blade" and "The Duelists".
To Tame A Land 8.5/10 The closer is a 7 and a half minute epic based on the novel "Dune". This is also another slower-paced song like Revelations and Still Life. As you can see from my ratings this is my least favorite song on the album, however, it has some killer bass from my favorite bassist Steve Harris.
So there you have it. Actually I like this album so much now it's in my personal top 10 metal albums! (at number 10)
All band members brought their A-game here- Nicko was a great replacement for Clive (who I think is better), Bruce has some of his best vocals, Dave and Adrian have those killer twin guitar riffs, and of course Harris has insane bass that you can ALWAYS hear!
I've also always loved how Maiden includes interesting historical/mythical references to their songs, it adds an extra intelligent flavor to it. Maiden is always the first band I bring up to argue against the metal nay-sayers who give me flak for being a metalhead (and I get a lot) by saying I'm Satanic and evil, have no taste in music, and blah blah blah. Sorry I just don't like Jessica Simpson, I personally like being an individual but hey, that's just me.
If you liked this, be sure to buy Maiden's first 7 albums, most Priest albums like Defenders, Vengeance, Painkiller. While you're at it just check out all of the Big 4 of thrash too for REAL METAL! Bye.
Free Music Review: Can Maiden Just Keep Getting Better and Better? Probably not, But Piece Is Sheer Metal!
Hit: 5 Stars
As Bruce Dickinson and the Maiden boys got acquainted after The Number Of The Beast, things began to change a little at a time. First off, Clive Burr exits the band and Nicko McBrain takes over on drums. Then they head to the studio for the follow up to the great album that had transpired before. Now, Bruce Dickinson starts to get into the business of writing the material. Where it was mostly Steve Harris penning the tunes before, now there is outside help from their frontman. Does Piece Of Mind suffer because of this? Perhaps it does, but we don't notice that much because it's filled with Maiden classics. After Killers and Number Of The Beast, the Maiden sound was cemented, and after a while it's gonna start to wear us down, but not quite yet. Let's look at the songs:
Where Eagles Dare - Good opener along the lines of Invaders or Aces High. This is a rocking tune, just not one of their absolute best efforts. Bruce's voice is a little whiny here. Still, better than filler. Solid, just not exceptional.
Revelations - This song is excellent. The lyrics are tight and literate and Dickinson proves that he's no slouch when it comes to writing. Sounds very reminiscent of Children Of The Damned. A true rocker.
Flight Of Icarus - Greek mythology, Maiden, metal! This is definitely a Maiden classic. One of those songs that you can't help but singing along with. Perfect.
Die With Your Boots On - Anthem. Got a little nod to Nostradamus in the lyrics. Very cool. Churning, powerful metal filled with energy. One of my favorites.
The Trooper - One of Maiden's best songs hands down. The opening riff is killer and the lyrics are awesome. Dickinson absolutely f*cking wails here! This is a personal favorite from way back when me and my friends used to perform this live at band practice on Friday nights with me singing it. Tight!
Still Life - Weird little tune with backward burps and backward German in the intro. An often overlooked gem, this is another favorite of mine. When Maiden take it down a notch and give us a slower tune, it works. Kinda eerie, very cool. Great song.
Quest For Fire - Towards the end of Piece Of Mind we start to run into the lesser tunes. Quest For Fire is a good song, but it's Maiden's version of filler. Nothing awful, but have you ever ran into an Iron Maiden fan who said "Quest For Fire is my absolute favorite Maiden tune ever!" Have you? Didn't think so. Musically it works, the lyric are ok. Just doesn't grab me like most of the first five or six songs.
Sun And Steel - This is a good song. Probably better than the previous, it rocks out loud. Again, though, not gonna be your favorite Maiden song of all time. Middle of the road Maiden.
To Tame A Land - Maiden (probably mostly Steve Harris) was a big fan of sci-fi legend Frank Herbert's book Dune. They wnated to write a song about it and contacted Herbert for permission to use the title Dune. Apparently Herbert was not a big fan of heavy metal, or of Iron Maiden, for that matter, and absolutely refused to give them the go ahead to use the title. To Tame A Land is a song written about Dune, for better or worse. I loved the book Dune, it's a classic, but boo on Herbert for being such a prick. Many a metalhead probably had no idea what To Tame A Land was about, but if you have read the book it makes perfect sense. Still, not going to be your favorite Maiden song. It's a cool tune, but it's very fast and the lyrics are very quick, that it mostly passes you by before you've had a chance to digest it.
Overall, Iron Maiden followed up their phenomenal Number Of The Beast album with another classic. After this Maiden would start to slip. Still there will be flashes of excellence in the following albums, but nothing on the level of this. This album fits together very well. Soon filler will start to infiltrate the upcoming efforts more and more. Sad but true. Enjoy this one, it's one of Iron Maiden's best efforts. Sheer metal.
Dig it!
Free Music Review: Nurture The Mind
Hit: 5 Stars
Following their breakthrough performance with "The Number of The Beast", Iron Maiden ventured forth their massive success by releasing their fourth studio album "Piece of Mind". It would eventually be one of many classic albums from Maiden, forever earning them the pinnacle of respect from the metal community. "Piece of Mind" would be the first record featuring Nicko McBrain on drums. Alas, "Life in Maiden was never the same again!" This change in the band's roster will result in what eventually will be known as the famous "Classic Maiden Lineup".
The members in Maiden still acknowledge this album as one the best in their vast repertoire after all these years. Interestingly enough, they only play "The Trooper" in their present live-set. However, "Piece of Mind" was an important turning point for Maiden as it leads straight into their musical climax, "Powerslave".
Where Eagles Dare - 10/10 The first track of "Piece of Mind" is a song about the Clint Eastwood movie of the same name. McBrain's drumming skills are immediately conveyed in this intro, as he precisely drums his way through the 6 minute song. One of Maiden's best openers, it also acts as foreshadowing to "Aces High" on their next disc.
Revelations - 8/10 One of the slowest tracks on this disc. This is where Dickinson exemplifies his amazing vocal range and capabilities. It won't be immediately appealing, but this is a song that takes some time and patience to indulge and sink into.
Flight of Icarus - 7/10 Much like "Run To The Hills", this is one of Maiden's most overrated songs due to the fact that it's a single. An ode to Greek Mythology, it does have a great sing-a-long chorus. However, the conclusion of this song is unquestionably the highlight with awesome guitars contrasted with Bruce's amazing vocals.
Die With Your Boots On - 7/10 This track is probably the weakest lyrically on the album. Fortunately, it's saved by the band's fantastic instrumental skills.
The Trooper - 10/10 This is the gem of "Piece of Mind". Undisputedly, a Maiden classic even 20 years later. As mentioned earlier, it is the only song from this record that the band still keeps in their playlist. Mesmerizing guitar harmonies juxtaposed with Steve Harris's brilliant base to magically weave everything together, when combined with Bruce's memorable vocals, this is Maiden at its best!
Still Life - 6/10 This song is a disappointment because it had an extremely beautiful intro, and potentially could have been a classic as well. However, the rest of the song starts to drag. It is not bad by any means, just not as refined as others. An average effort here.
Quest For Fire - 7/10 Many critics seem to nail this song as "filler", especially the lyrics. However, what they don't seem to understand is that Iron Maiden has always been a band that wrote about subjects which were incredibly original. It takes balls to start a song with "In a time where dinosaurs ruled the earth" and still have it be a credible piece of music. This is traditional Maiden songwriting and also contains a very good solo.
Sun And Steel - 6/10 This is perhaps the weakest song on the album. Lacks overall structure but it has a few moments.
To Tame A Land - 10/10 Arguably the best track on "Piece of Mind" along with "The Trooper", this is another one of Maiden's closing epics. It is about a book named Dune, which was actually the original name for this song. 7 minutes of intense guitar adeptness with aggressive base work, always changing, and evolving, Maiden is shown once again as a cohesive unit.
Although there are no fillers, not all the songs are perfect with some being average at best. "Piece of Mind" is not a perfect album, but it deserves no less than 5 stars. It will forever hold a special place among the other metal masterpieces of all time.
Nurture your mind with metal goodness.
- ToS.
Free Music Review: "Possibly Maiden's Finest Effort"
Hit: 5 Stars
After firing Paul Di'Anno for his abusive drug habbits that would affect his vocals,Iron Maiden recruited Bruce Dickinson,recorded and released the masterpiece that was "The Number Of The Beast".With a new signer and a great album,Bruce reinvented Maiden(or at least changed the band a lot)and they grew more famous by the day as Bruce Dickinson proved to be a better vocalist than Paul Di'Anno and a great frontman as well.For 1983's "Piece Of Mind",Iron Maiden had gotten togheter what is considered the band's classic and best lineup,with newbie drummer Nicko McBrain.This album is arguably the best Iron Maiden album,either this or TNOTB.I would say Number Of The Beast is probably more classic than this one but Piece Of Mind is simply better in terms of sound,lyrics and proves to be much more complete overral.
This album generated quite a few classics and some of the best songs of Iron Maiden."The Trooper" is certainly a metal classic,its the most famous song of this album and one of Maiden's most recognized songs,I heard this song a lot already but its still an amazing song,that sounds very complex."Flight Of Icarus" is my favourite here,it was the single of this album and has a catchy chorus that just begs for you to sing along."Where Eagles Dare" has a great drum intro from Nicko McBrain and at over 6 minutes long proves to be quite an epic,the playing mostly is great as Bruce altought good doesn't sing a lot on that song."Revelations" is one of the band's only ballads,its the closest to a ballad and its pretty good with the tempo changes and Bruce's vocal transitions adds to this incredible song,Bruce seems to describe a beautiful moment and in fact this might be the best track of the album."Die With Your Boots On" is probably underrated,i don't know why as its such a great song about a captain dying with his ship and its a killer."Quest For Fire" is not a song i liked a lot but i don't hate it,its an okay one."Sun And Steel" is really good despite overshadowed by many other songs on the album,the chorus is ceratinly catchy and pretty solid overral."Still Life" is the filler track to me here,its just what i think each other songs are better than this one."To Tame A Land" is an epic,being quite long and good.
The lineup for this album consisting of Steve Harris on Bass,Bruce Dickinson on vocals,Nicko McBrain at the drums,Dave Murray(guitar) and Adrian Smith(guitar) generated four classic albums,wich are "Piece Of Mind"(1983),"Powerslave"(1984),"Somewhere In Time"(1986)and last but not least "Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son"(1988).Those are the best of Maiden and are terrfic albums for a newbie to the band.The production on this one is very good,it sounds impecabble no lousy parts at all,its perfection,HEAVY METAL perfection!Anotherb good point is that this classic sounds as good as it did over 25 years ago and to say that is quite a compliment.This remaster,tought is not as good as it should have been i mean there is only a video as an extra i think there shoud have been some unreleased tracks or something to make this worth it as unless you have it either on Vinyl or Tape,then its worth upgrading.
Someone who never listened to Iron Maiden before could say,its just another band with typical songs,but it isn't.The songwritting is often inspired by some novels and in fact the band in the acknowledgements section of the booklet,thanks Alistair MacLean and Frank Herbert for the inspiration their novels gave to them.Piece Of Mind already became an instant classic and its still a classic today.If you are a fan of metal then this album is highly recommended to you.Starting listening Iron Maiedn with this album is a good way to get into the band as this is definatly a masterpiece.What's left to say?Piece Of Mind is one of my favourite albums ever and it gets older like a fine wine,it only gets better