KILLERS

Another early Iron Maiden effort that deserves a higher rating than that given here. It's really a 4.5 effort but I gave it a 5 to help the disc's overall score.

From beginning to end one of the best, most consistent metal efforts to emerge from the NWOHM. From the instrumental opener to the signature twin guitar fury of Another Life to the menacing title track to the infectious Drifter Killers offered metal fans all the elements needed to bang your head and scare your parents.

Killers, along with The Number of the Beast, demonstrate the amazing drum skills of Clive Burr, who I consider a superior drummer to Nicko McBain (blasphemy, I know). Throughout the disc he provides a propulsive rhythm that should have listeners tapping their toes (or banging their heads).

Prodigal Son, like Strange World from their debut disc, finds IM successfully traversing uncharted territory with an almost all acoustic effort. It's one of their very best songs and wish the band had not abandoned such forays in future efforts.

Though void of the "epic" efforts highlighted on later discs, these songs have many proggy elements, with extreme musicianship, quick time changes and interesting arrangements. Is the band's most musically innovative effort ever. Deserves a higher ranking.