ROCK IN RIO

There must be something about Rio............... I would like to go there myself. Maybe even my carcass get's a revival. Just like Iron Maiden did. Or to be more precise, their previous studio album Brave New World heralded the return of Dickinson and Smith. I had already written the band off after some very dubious outputs just before and during the Blaze Bailey era. That's why I totally ignored Brave New World. Big, big mistake ! My interest in Iron Maiden only got rekindled when a work mate lent me this double album. I was not interested, but my curiosity got the better of me. The result ? I was blown of my feet and both Rock In Rio & Brave New World was promptly purchased during the following day's lunch break. The second coming of Iron Maiden in my life was a fact. I do not think I am the only one with that experience because Iron Maiden was very much dead and buried before this live album was released. Then suddenly, they got a new audience and their old fans returned in their millions. I am one of those returnees. There must be something about Rio...........

What blew me off my feet ? The strength of the material and the energy of the band. The whole band is working the scene like their life depends on it.......... which it more or less did during the reconstruction of the damaged goods called Iron Maiden. Their new material is really, really good. Even a Blaze Bailey era song (The Clansman) gets a new life on this live album. Their old classics gets a new lease of life here too. That include one of the best versions of Hallowed Be Thy Name they have ever done. I do not understand why they need three guitars in Iron Maiden, but it does not seems to harm them. I even starts to tolerate the presence of Janick Gers now. Nurse, bring me the syringe and a towel ! I am becoming a danger to the general public !

The result is one of the best Iron Maiden live albums ever. It is only bettered by Live After Death. In it's own right; Rock In Rio is an awesome live album. Nuff said.

4 stars !