This tribute album celebrated the 25th anniversary of Iron Maiden's very first album release and some of the best musicians from the greatest Metal bands were recruited to participate. Overall, the album is very nice to listen to, although the covers are pretty much close to the original songs. There is no real creativity here, but just musicians adapting their very own styles to playing Iron Maiden (Lemmy's voice and singing style on "The Trooper", for instance, are particularly recognisable), and sometimes the guitarists over-do it by dishing out endless solos to try and outdo those of the Murray/Smith duo. This remains an album worth purchasing, if only for the musicans' talent and great renditions of our favourite songs.
Run To The Hills (Harris)
This is a decent cover of "Run To The Hills", but certainly nothing to write home about.
Vocals: Robin McAuley (MSG) Lead Guitar: Michael Schenker (MSG) Rhythm Guitar: Pete Fletcher (Pygmy Love Circus) Bass: Tony Franklin (The Firm) Drums: Brian Tichy (Billy Idol)
Despite the excellent musicianship, this cover lacks originality. The solos are quite nice, though.
Vocals: Dee Snider (Twisted Sister) Lead Guitar: George Lynch (Dokken, Lynch Mob) Rhythm Guitar: Bob Kulick (Paul Stanley Band, Meatloaf) Bass: Jeff Pilson (Dokken, Foreigner) Drums: Jason Bonham (Bonham, Foreigner)
We have here an excellent version of "Wrathchild", essentially due to Paul Di'Anno's vocals.
Vocals: Paul Di'Anno (Iron Maiden) Lead Guitar: Alex Skolnick (Testament) Rhythm Guitar: Chris Traynor (Helmet, Bush) Bass: Frank Bello (Helmet, Anthrax) Drums: John Tempesta (Helmet, Testament)
Here again, the rendition of Iron Maiden's song is almost better than the original. Testament's singer provides a really good alternative to Bruce's vocals, and the guitar work is breathtaking.
Vocals: Chuck Billy (Testament) Guitar: Craig Goldy (Dio) Bass: Rickie Phillips (Styx) Drums: Mikkey Dee (Motörhead)
This Iron Maiden/Motörhead hybrid isn't very successful. If you want something in the same style, but a bit more enjoyable than this, check out the "Wildest Dreams" cover by the Swedes of Food For Thought.
Vocals: Lemmy Kilmister (Motörhead) Guitar: Phil Campbell (Motörhead) Guitar: Rocky George (Fishbone, Suicidal Tendencies) Bass: Chuck Wright (Alice Cooper, Quiet Riot) Drums: Chris Slade (AC/DC)
Decently played, this rendition of "2 Minutes" remains nonetheless quite bland.
Vocals: Joe Lynn Turner (Deep Purple, Rainbow) Guitar: Richie Kotzen (Mr. Big, Poison) Guitar: Bob Kulick (Paul Stanley Band, Meatloaf) Bass: Tony Franklin (The Firm) Drums: Chris Slade (AC/DC, The Firm)
One of the best covers on this album, "The Evil That Men Do" combines both originality and brilliant musicianship. Who would have thought that a WWE wrestler could sing so well?
Vocals: Chris Jericho (WWE Wrestler, Fozzy) Guitar: Paul Gilbert (Mr. Big, Racer X) Rhythm Guitar: Bob Kulick (Paul Stanley Band, Meatloaf) Bass: Mike Inez (Alice In Chains, Ozzy Osbourne) Drums: Brent Fitz (Vince Neil, Union)
Heavier than the original version, this cover of "The Wicker Man" is correct, but there isn't much to say about it. Just an average closer for an average album.
Vocals: Jon Bush (Anthrax, Armored Saint) Lead Guitar: Jeff Duncan (Armored Saint) Guitar: Scott Ian (Anthrax) Bass: Blasko (Rob Zombie) Drums: Ben Graves (Murderdolls) Background Vocals: Jason Miller (Godhead)
