'Seventh Son of a Seventh Son' is definitely one of my favourite Maiden records ever, or any records, for that matter. This album is probably the darkest record the band have put out during their twenty-five years of heavy metal mayhem, if not counting 'The X Factor' (1995). It is the greatest possible farewell album for 1980s from the band ruling heavy metal world for the better part of that decade, which was also a biggest success for them.

Production is huge, but it fits perfectly with huge songs, even though it sounds a bit dated nowadays (not heavy enough). Everything is well audible, and together with 'Somewhere in Time' (1986), this must be the most produced Maiden record of all of them. 'Seventh Son...' features probably more guitar synths than any of the Maiden albums and no wonder the band went towards more "rock" approach with their next one, 'No Prayer for the Dying' (1990).

Epic 'Moonchild' opens the album with acoustic guitar and Bruce Dickinson's calm vocals. Guitar synths start other-worldly melody and soon the band explode into action. The track penned by guitarist Adrian Smith and Mr. Dickinson is one the eeriest Maiden compositions ever, and after its growing climax, calmer 'Infinite Dreams' flow out of speakers. Beautiful melodies and varying tempos keep a listener in a tight grip (not surprisingly, after all this is by bassist Steve Harris). After this, the album goes into a bit easier territory with two Smith/Harris/Dickinson -collaborations.

'Can I Play...' rocks with a cow bell and all! This is the song with happier vibe and it also was the first single from the record. A bit of a shock actually, I remember... Well, it the absolute classic now, of course, ha ha!!! The real killer and hit of the record is 'The Evil That Men Do', though. In my humble opinion, this is best of this bunch and one of my all time favourites a well. Hugely infectious chorus and its repetition made this also a great live track. After all, this is nicely "easy" song before a truly epic title track! Almost ten minutes in duration, the song is written by Harris and he always tried to make these epics even more huge than on previous records. This time he did well, once again, but this still is my least favourite Maiden-epic. Massively epic at the beginning, calming at its middle and rising again at the end. Benign concept.

'The Prophecy' is the album's weirder songs and it didn't open to me for many, many listening sessions. However, it is a gem, simply because of its difference in the bands catalogue (nowadays over a hundred songs and only a couple of more mediocre ones!!! What an achievement for any artist.). 'The Prophecy's atmosphere and melodies are very English, after the more eastern-influenced title track. Beautiful acoustic break at the end of the song, which itself is a bit abnormal (the only song from guitarist Dave Murray, with Harris)!!! Another single cut comes next in the form of 'The Clairvoyant'. Right form the beginning it is clear, that Mr. Harris have composed this one, because bass line starts the whole thing. 'Only the Good Die Young' closes this journey in style, being another up-beat track utilizing well-known Maiden-gallop,. More eerie passages kick into an excellent chorus, plus probably the most wicked bass acrobatics from Mr. Harris ever! Wow!!! The song ends as 'Moonchild' began, making whole experience a full circle. Now it is easy to play that play-button again...

Lyrically 'Seventh Son...' deals with prophecies and fortune-telling, with some biblical themes. I like the darker nature of the lyrics. Vocal achievements from Bruce are magnificent, even though maybe not his best ones. Still, they vary from slower and calmer to his trademark higher singing (also known as Air-Raid Siren). He's on his most theatrical form here, I presume. I can but marvel the professionalism of the musicians, not at least the work of inventor of beast-rhythms, drummer Nicko McBrain. The rhythm section really let's it rip on this one. The guitars maybe lose some of their power because of those guitar synths and they could have been a bit heavier, but as I mentioned, this is a very produced record. However, it also lifts the atmosphere by bringing up different elements forth beautifully.

It is simply an impossible task to write all my feelings down, that this album have given me. Here's a short summary. Iron Maiden broadened their scope with this record. The songs are very different from each other, but somehow they fit together; they are THE same. Not the first time Iron Maiden did it!!! Seventh classic record by Iron Maiden made in 1980s. And cover art is great...

Rating: 10 (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
05/21/2003 13:05