After two more epic albums ('Somewhere in Time' [1986] and 'Seventh Son of a Seventh Son' [1988]) Iron Maiden had two paths to take: to keep it epic and big or take a step or two backwards, towards their roots. The path the band chose to take was backwards. 'No Prayer...' is far more rocking take on NWOBHM (new wave of British heavy metal) than many of the band's albums before it, actually.

This "rocking vibe" is best noticed on more straight song material. Some of the songs are more hard rock than heavy metal, maybe. And the album sounds more simple. There's some guitar synth, yes, but overall the sound is like in a live situation. There are songs, that could've been really, really big, but the decision was to keep it down-to-earth. Memorable choruses also make this the most listener friendly album from Maiden. The sound-wise this is very interesting, more intimate affair than a couple of previous records. I like the way this sounds, I couldn't think this with a mammoth production anyways. Sometimes, folks, less is more, as you should know. Play loud! And on vinyl this really does rule, because it sounds more organic with all sounds that vinyl makes.

The previous album's 'Can I Play with Madness' was more rocking track, so it kinda prophesied what was to come. 'Tailgunner' opens the game, being a cousin of 'Aces High'. It tells a tale about bombers. A catchy song, a good opener, but not as good as its cousin. I do not like solo part too much. 'Holy Smoke' is a rock song about TV preachers and such clowns. Definitely a catchy song, but it was also a bit disappointing when I first heard the song and saw video. The title song is an absolute beauty with sad melodies and it harks back to previous album's 'The Prophecy'. A timeless classic. The more straight sound makes the song sound fragile, at least its first 2 minutes, before launching into a heavy metal gear.

This album has some parts I don't really get. One of them is a laugh on the beginning of 'Public Enema Number One'. First guitar lead melody isn't very good, but when the song truly begins, it is one bloody great metal song with another catchy chorus! I mean, the heavy riff after lead-in is just magnificent. 'Fates Warning' is my favourite song on this album. After atmospheric lead-in, the riffs you are going to hear are simply amazing. And those sad melodies under Mr. Dickinson's vocals, wow!!! This is one of the band's best songs ever, in my opinion. I did almost shit my pants when I heard this for the first time. 'The Assassin' is on the other side of the spectrum. I just don't like the song very much, it's one of the band's worst songs in my ears. It has kind of Eastern sounding melody, which I don't like. But it is also quite different song, in many ways (as a composition and how it's played). Chorus has annoying backing vocals.

Second war theme is on 'Run Silent Run Deep', a song about submarine war. Another Eastern sounding song, it's hard to be explained... Not my favourite. 'Hooks in You' continues the story of Charlotte the Harlot. It is one of Maiden's most hard rock influenced songs. Sounds like it could be on Bruce Dickinson's debut solo album. 'Bring Your Daughter... To the Slaughter' was composed by Mr. Dickinson for 'Elm Street' movie. Steve Harris wanted it and here it is. The song with a good drive and a live classic. 'Mother Russia' sounds very Russian for the most of its duration. The song itself is a Maiden epic cut to little over 5 minutes. It is the album's most progressive song with many parts and advancing style. The song prophesied the band getting more proggy, which they did on next albums.

I don't have to say anything about these guys handling their instruments, professionals as they are. It's all just very well balanced, nothing getting on other's way too much. Nicko McBrain's drumming might sometimes be simpler, but it's the vibe that matters. Adrian Smith left before this and Janick Gers (to me, best known from Bruce Dickinson's 1st solo album) stepped in. This might also be one of the reasons why this sounds more of a rock album. Or who knows, because Mr. Smith has put out some rock albums himself after departing from the band?!

Bruce Dickinson's vocals are quite rough every now and then. I remember me and my friend speculating over this matter. One of our speculations was, that Bruce had started to smoke a lot, hah!!! Well, as written before, this is more organic affair. Of course most of his singing is clean, but there's some croaking (read: more aggressive, dirty) stuff, too. "Croaking" is too strong word for what I mean, though... Just a bit different than before. Lyrics are sarcastic on many occasions, especially the songs about war and soldiers, "heroes". "Nail that Fokker, kill that son". 'Holy Smoke' is targeted towards stupid people following preachers and fake Messiahs.

Cover artwork is not so great anymore. Derek Riggs's paintings seemed to get more simpler, like he painted them in a hurry. Just check out some after this... The cover's not bad, not even close. It fits well into the album's vibe. Kinda getting aggressive again. Maybe it's because there's no additional Eddie pics, just the band posing in a graveyard. Am I being picky, maybe, hah?!?! It's the music that matters, but great artwork is a part of Iron Maiden's releases, in my opinion. At least there's no any PhotoShop art... Paintings rule!

You should know that I'm a huge fan of the band, so take a note while reading this review (or read it again, hah). I remember this album being quite tough to get into, at least partly. Over the years different songs have sounded the best, but I am sure, that 'Fates Warning' is my favourite now and will always be. Maybe?! Who knows? This is a rare occasion, when just one track feels the best... This could hint towards not-that-good song material, but no, because my faves have changed many times during 12 years. This is another great (not strong enough word) album from the greatest band ever, but still it doesn't climb to top positions in my list. A minor classic, definitely. Another album from Iron Maiden, that will be positively remembered after decades. I can see myself talking about it down at a boring pub (Finnish crap music playing) when I'm sixty-or-something and arguing with people how good 'No Prayer...' actually was. And is.

Rating: 8+ (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
12/25/2003 16:19