matic22
Ancient Mariner
Oh god, how time flies. On this day we mark the 10th anniversary of releasing A Matter Of Life And Death. It is a special album for me. It's probably the album that made me a fan. It was September 2006 and I wanted to get my hands on some new music since I was developing my taste in music at that time. A friend at school brought me a copy of AMLOAD to listen to. So I can say that it is the album that is guilty of introducing Iron Maiden's music into my life. The next few days I asked him to bring me TNOTB, POM, SIT, SSOASS and BNW and I was hooked. So AMLOAD holds a very special place in my heart.
Today, after I finished my studying for my exam, I decided to give it a listen. I instantly recognized the rawness of the sound and the dark mood that is so beautifuly created on the album. I haven't heard some of the songs in years. So here are my thoughts on songs after not hearing some of them in years.
Different World
A nice rocker with nice vocal lines and excllent guitar solo. This is the track that has sentimental value to me, because this is probably the first IM song that I conciously listened to. The "Don't want to be here..." part still gives me chills, because that was the first time I tasted the awesomeness of Bruce Dickinson's vocals.
This Colours Don't Run
Interesting I used to really like, but it is only ok now. The only section that is very interesting to me is the solo section with the interesting timing. This one wouldn't make it on my desert island Maiden compilation. An average Maiden song in my eyes today. I'm also not too crazy about the lyrics.
Brighter Than A Thousand Suns
What an amazing track this is. This is argubly one of the best songs from the album. If they ever do a gig with an orchestra, this is one of the tracks I would pick to be performed. The music amazingly portrays the lyrics. It is also the only song to feature Smith/Gers solo combo, which I would love to see more of in the future.
The Pilgrim
This track was a major grower on me. I didn't like it at first, but I like it now. I love the drum intro and the oriental themes and melodies in this song. Structuraly a classic Maiden rocker with some unique features.
The Longest Day
Another amazing marriage of lyrics and music. The galloping intro and the rise of the volume during the first verse is just so good. The "Sailing we go..." part has given me chills in the past and still does. The only downside to this track is the the repeating chorus. Another interesting solo section, because of the heaviness and the time signature (3/4).
Out Of The Shadows
One of my favourites of the album. Davey's blues licks and Adrian's acoustic guitar make an amazing atmosphere for Bruce to sing on top of. The heavy chorus is also nicely coloured with acoustic guitar. Adrian's solo is also excellent. On this track we can also appreciate Bruce's lower singing voice which is amazing (IMHO).
The Reincarnation Of Benjamin Breeg
Heaviness. This track has such an amazing power. Again the lyrics are again beautifuly incorporated into the music. The intro sets the mood nicely. Bruce delivers some nice vocals. Then it's full throttle. Love the unusual song structure (no choruses as such, especially the repeating ones ). Again Dave's fills and solo are amazing. This track should be played live more often.
For The Greater Good Of God
One of 'Arry's best lyrics. I love that song. Again, quite different vocals in the beginning, which I really like. There are also quite interesting time changes during the song. The song has a very strong message which is delivered nicely. I also like what H is doing during the verses. He is playing arpegiated chords rather than doubling up the vocal melody.
Lord Of Light
One of the most progressive tracks that Maiden has ever done. I love it. It has some kind of different vibe to it. Again an unusual type of vocals for Bruce at the beginning and in the middle clean part (almost Ozzy like doubling chorus effect). I really like how the song flows through the verses and and stops for the chorus (which was possibly recreated less succesfuly later for When The Water Runs Deep). It is probably one of the "wettest" mixes in Maiden's history. There are a lot of effects on this track (Flanger (drums and vox), Chorus (vox)). It also features quite unique solos. I still like it.
The Legacy
No. 4 on the list of Reunion era songs penned by Harris/Gers (behind TBOS, DOD and The Talisman). Again a very unique track with the acoustic intro. The first part reminds me of TBOS. The "We seem destined to live in fear..." part is for me one of the best parts on the album. Again strong lyrics in a quite unique song. Wasn't too keen of it at first, but I love it now.
There you have it. 10 years and 7 gigs later this is my look on AMLOAD today. I can say the album has stood the test of time. It's still one of the more unique and quality consistent Iron Maiden albums. It is unfairly overlooked in setlists today in my opinion.
Happy birthday AMLOAD! I'll play the chord progression (e/C/G/D) in honour of it.
Up the Irons!
Today, after I finished my studying for my exam, I decided to give it a listen. I instantly recognized the rawness of the sound and the dark mood that is so beautifuly created on the album. I haven't heard some of the songs in years. So here are my thoughts on songs after not hearing some of them in years.
Different World
A nice rocker with nice vocal lines and excllent guitar solo. This is the track that has sentimental value to me, because this is probably the first IM song that I conciously listened to. The "Don't want to be here..." part still gives me chills, because that was the first time I tasted the awesomeness of Bruce Dickinson's vocals.
This Colours Don't Run
Interesting I used to really like, but it is only ok now. The only section that is very interesting to me is the solo section with the interesting timing. This one wouldn't make it on my desert island Maiden compilation. An average Maiden song in my eyes today. I'm also not too crazy about the lyrics.
Brighter Than A Thousand Suns
What an amazing track this is. This is argubly one of the best songs from the album. If they ever do a gig with an orchestra, this is one of the tracks I would pick to be performed. The music amazingly portrays the lyrics. It is also the only song to feature Smith/Gers solo combo, which I would love to see more of in the future.
The Pilgrim
This track was a major grower on me. I didn't like it at first, but I like it now. I love the drum intro and the oriental themes and melodies in this song. Structuraly a classic Maiden rocker with some unique features.
The Longest Day
Another amazing marriage of lyrics and music. The galloping intro and the rise of the volume during the first verse is just so good. The "Sailing we go..." part has given me chills in the past and still does. The only downside to this track is the the repeating chorus. Another interesting solo section, because of the heaviness and the time signature (3/4).
Out Of The Shadows
One of my favourites of the album. Davey's blues licks and Adrian's acoustic guitar make an amazing atmosphere for Bruce to sing on top of. The heavy chorus is also nicely coloured with acoustic guitar. Adrian's solo is also excellent. On this track we can also appreciate Bruce's lower singing voice which is amazing (IMHO).
The Reincarnation Of Benjamin Breeg
Heaviness. This track has such an amazing power. Again the lyrics are again beautifuly incorporated into the music. The intro sets the mood nicely. Bruce delivers some nice vocals. Then it's full throttle. Love the unusual song structure (no choruses as such, especially the repeating ones ). Again Dave's fills and solo are amazing. This track should be played live more often.
For The Greater Good Of God
One of 'Arry's best lyrics. I love that song. Again, quite different vocals in the beginning, which I really like. There are also quite interesting time changes during the song. The song has a very strong message which is delivered nicely. I also like what H is doing during the verses. He is playing arpegiated chords rather than doubling up the vocal melody.
Lord Of Light
One of the most progressive tracks that Maiden has ever done. I love it. It has some kind of different vibe to it. Again an unusual type of vocals for Bruce at the beginning and in the middle clean part (almost Ozzy like doubling chorus effect). I really like how the song flows through the verses and and stops for the chorus (which was possibly recreated less succesfuly later for When The Water Runs Deep). It is probably one of the "wettest" mixes in Maiden's history. There are a lot of effects on this track (Flanger (drums and vox), Chorus (vox)). It also features quite unique solos. I still like it.
The Legacy
No. 4 on the list of Reunion era songs penned by Harris/Gers (behind TBOS, DOD and The Talisman). Again a very unique track with the acoustic intro. The first part reminds me of TBOS. The "We seem destined to live in fear..." part is for me one of the best parts on the album. Again strong lyrics in a quite unique song. Wasn't too keen of it at first, but I love it now.
There you have it. 10 years and 7 gigs later this is my look on AMLOAD today. I can say the album has stood the test of time. It's still one of the more unique and quality consistent Iron Maiden albums. It is unfairly overlooked in setlists today in my opinion.
Happy birthday AMLOAD! I'll play the chord progression (e/C/G/D) in honour of it.
Up the Irons!