Live albums have always been near and dear to my heart, and Iron Maiden’s classic Live After Death (1985) is phenomenal, both in audio and video formats. The stage is where Maiden excels, and this album captured them in peak form, recorded in Long Beach Arena, California, and Hammersmith Odeon, London. My favorite track is the epic Rime Of The Ancient Mariner, but Hallowed Be Thy Name, Flight Of Icarus, Aces High, Powerslave, Die With Your Boots On, and The Number Of The Beast are all represented with energized versions, too. Bruce Dickinson’s impressive vocal range was in glorious form, as were the blazing twin lead guitars of Dave Murray and Adrian Smith, and the rock solid rhythm section of chief songwriter/bassist Steve Harris with the always happy Nicko McBrain demolishing the drums. Since the time of this album, Maiden have undergone several lineup changes, but have settled in with the same group represented on this record and one additional guitarist to tour the world many times over and maintain a legacy of quality and commitment nearly unmatched in metal music. Up the Irons!

Written By Braddon S. Williams