PIECE OF MIND

In the liner notes the band says "No synthesisers or ulterior motives". And they also say "To all the headbangers, earthdogs, hell rats and rivetheads everywhere-THANKS". This record is one of my desert island discs. And I agree with greenback that the big difference between this one and "Powerslave" is the variety found on "Piece Of Mind".

"Where Eagles Dare" is truly an amazing song with Nicko's drumming really standing out. And of course Bruce's vocals are incredible throughout. I still remember driving along side the Niagara River approaching the Falls on our honeymoon on a hot and humid afternoon with this song absolutely blasting out of car. Ah, the good old days. "Revelations" has a lot of tempo changes. Starting out slowly but powerfully things accelerate quickly when Bruce yells "go". There are such beautiful guitar melodies in this song as well as the galloping rythym that IRON MAIDEN is famous for. There is a scathing guitar solo after 4 minutes. Excellent !

"Flight Of Icarus" has a thunderous intro of bass and drums that is ground shaking. There is a screaming guitar solo and the song ends with "the human siren" belting it out. "Die With Your Boots On" is a straight ahead rocker with vocal harmonies from the rest of the band. Great guitar solo 3 minutes in.This song gets better as it goes. "The Trooper" starts off running, and the guitar melodies are some of the best these ears have ever heard. The melody is galloping now and Bruce's vocals are powerful, this can't be played too loud. "Still Life" opens with a change of pace, even Bruce's vocals are reserved. But this all changes rather quickly as pounding drums introduce an uptempo melody the rest of the way. "Quest For Fire" is a good song about the cave man days, with an atmospheric guitar solo. "Sun And Steel" is a straight forward rock tune with a galloping rhythm. "To Tame A Land" is an amazing song ! It's really a journey with great lyrics. There is a guitar solo over top of the rhythm of heavy drums and bass as the tension builds.

I can't recommend this album high enough, this is classic MAIDEN !