Deep Dives: Blue Öyster Cult Part VII: Cultösaurus Erectus (1980)

Cultösaurus Erectus was the band’s first album produced by Martin Birch. It had 3 singles, and peaked at #34 in the US and #12 in the UK.

Members:

Eric Bloom: guitar, keyboards, vocals

Buck Dharma: lead guitar, keyboard, vocals

Allen Lanier: keyboards, guitar

Joe Bouchard: bass, vocals

Albert Bouchard: drums, vocals

The Tracks:

1. “Black Blade”: This was written by Michael Moorcock. It’s about Stormbringer, the cursed sword wielded by his anti-hero Elric. Joe has a cool bassline. An excellent start.
2. “Monsters”: This is about two alien lovers, Joe and Pasha. I like the rhythm section and horns. Another Imaginos song.
3. “Divine Wind”: This was written in response to the Iranian government holding 52 US citizens hostage. The guitar riff is killer!
4. “Deadline”: This is about Phil King, an acquaintance who was shot after a bad deal. The keyboard and bass work well together.
5. “The Marshall Plan”: This is a story about a budding rock musician. The Marshall in the title is of course in reference to Marshall amps. One of the best songs.
6. “Hungry Boys”: This is a song about drugs and living fast. I like the keyboard riffs.
7. “Fallen Angel”: Another favorite with a good rhythm section.
8. “Lips in the Hills”: This song references HP Lovecraft and features awesome guitar solos.
9. “Unknown Tongue”: The closing song is about a girl named Margaret, who is possessed by demoms. It has a great rhythm.

Final Draft: I feel this is an underrated gem. Great way to continue the direction they went on Mirrors and improve upon it.

Grade: A-

Deep Dives: Black Sabbath Part X: Mob Rules (1981)

Mob Rules was the first album without Bill Ward as the band’s drummer. He was replaced by Vinny Appice, who had previously done albums with John Lennon, Rick Derringer, Axis, and Ray Gomez. He stayed on for the Live Evil concert album, but he and Ronnie Dio would not return to the band until 1992. Geezer had positive input on Appice’s drumming in an interview, saying he was a “brilliant” drummer, and adjusted well, thanks to being a fan. (He would  join Dio’s own band). This was also their second album with Geoff Nicholls, who would remain a member until 2004. This was Black Sabbath’s last album with Martin Birch as producer. The album reached #12 in the UK, and #29 in the US, with 3 singles. 

Members:

Ronnie James Dio: vocals

Tony Iommi: guitar

Geezer Butler: bass

Geoff Nicholls: keyboards

Vinny Appice: drums

The Tracks:

1. “Turn Up the Night”: Appice’s drumming is impressive and seems like a good fit for the band. Iommi’s guitar is just awesome. Loving Dio on this track! 
2. “Voodoo”: Another good showcase for Iommi and Butler’s ability to work as a team off of the vocals. 
3. “The Sign of the Southern Cross”: This has Iommi’s best intro on the album. I love how quiet this starts. It’s my favorite song on the album.
4. “E5150″/”The Mob Rules”: Both of these songs were included in the awesome Heavy Metal movie. The instrumental has a creepy start before the title track assaults the eardrums. Dio is wailing away on this, and it’s another favorite. I like the commentary on mob mentality. 
5. “Country Girl”: This has some great rhythm from Appice, and an awesome riff. It’s a cool ballad.
6. “Slipping Away”: Geezer has a nice bass on this one.
7. “Falling Off the Edge of the World “: I like the dark imagery of this one. There are some cool effects throughout.
8. “Over and Over “: Appice’s drumming is well done. It’s a good closer.

Final Verdict: It’s a shame there was so much chaos during the recording, because it’s a pretty awesome album! Appice’s drumming is pretty good, and he shows off some real talent. I might be adding Dio’s band to my future projects.

Grade: A

Deep Dives: Black Sabbath Part IV: Vol. 4 (1972)

Vol. 4 was the first album not produced by Rodger Bain. The album reached #5 on the UK charts and #13 in the US. The album is infamous for the large amount of cocaine that was abused during the production.

Members:

Ozzy Osbourne: vocals

Tony Iommi: guitar, piano, mellotron

Geezer Butler: bass

Bill Ward: drums

The Tracks:

1. “Wheels of Confusion”: This has a great guitar.
2. “Tomorrow’s Dream”: There’s a good fuzzy bass on this song.
3. “Changes”: This song just didn’t work for me. I don’t know why.
4. “FX”: What the heck is this? It sounds…weird.
5. “Supernaut”: This song is a favorite of Beck, John Bonham, and Frank Zappa. I love the drumming and the main riff!
6. “Snowblind”: There was so much coke, they wrote a song about it! The guitar on this is cool.
7. “Cornucopia “: This one grew on me after the second time. I like the rhythm section.
8. “Laguna Sunrise”: This has a beautiful acoustic guitar.
9. “St. Virus Dance”: I thought this had a good rhythm and I like the riff.
10. “Under the Sun”: Geezer has a cool bassline on this song.

Final Verdict: I had a little trouble getting into this album, but I liked it more on the second listen.

Grade: B

Deep Dives: Iron Maiden Part XV: The Final Frontier (2010)

The Final Frontier is Iron Maiden’s third-longest album. It also marked the return of cover illustrator Melvyn Grant. This was the band’s final album with EMI. The album reached #1 in the UK, and #4 in the US, and #2 on Billboard’s Top Rock Albums.

Members:

Bruce Dickinson: vocals

Dave Murray: guitars

Janick Gers: guitars

Adrian Smith: guitars

Steve Harris: bass, keyboards, co-producer with Kevin Shirley

Nicko McBrain: drums

The Tracks:

1. “Satellite 15…The Final Frontier”: This awesome opener is about a stranded astronaut.
2. “El Dorado”: This song criticizes the Global Financial Crisis of 2007, comparing it to the titular myth.
3. “Mother of Mercy “: Love the guitars and bass on this.
4. “Coming Home”: Nicko’s drumming is excellent at the start, and there’s a cool bassline.
5. “The Alchemist “: This is a good thrasher. Janick rules on it.
6. “Isle of Avalon”: One of my favorites thanks to the bass and drums.
7. “Starblind”: I’d love to hear this in a sci-fi movie or game. Another one of the best songs.
8. “The Talisman”: Nicko’s drumming tears this up.
9. “The Man Who Would Be King”: A good bassline on this one. Dave has some good guitar on this too.
10. “When the Wild Wind Blows”: One of the best long songs

Final Verdict: Not a bad track on the album! I love this!

Grade: A+

 

Deep Dives: Iron Maiden Part XIII: Dance of Death (2003)

Dance of Death is rather infamous for its atrocious cover art. It reached #2 in the UK and #18 in the US, with two singles. The album was produced by Kevin Shirley.

Members:

Bruce Dickinson: vocals

Dave Murray: lead and rhythm guitars

Janick Gers: lead and rhythm guitars

Adrian Smith: lead and rhythm guitars

Nicko McBrain: drums

The Tracks:

1. “Wildest Dreams”: This is the first time I’ve ever heard Bruce count off the beat. Adrian has a great solo.
2. “Rainmaker”: One of the best songs on the album. I love Murray’s solo.
3. “No More Lies”: I like the bass and drumming.
4. “Montségur”: Yet another Iron Maiden song about a historical event. This one is about the aftermath of the Albigensian Crusade in 1244. Dickinson would make an awesome history professor.
5. “Dance of Death”: The title track is excellent. Great bassline.Brave New World.
6. “Gates of Tomorrow “: This song has a good rhythm.
7. “New Frontier “: So far, this is the only song written by McBrain, attacking the idea of human cloning. Good drumming here.
8. “Paschendale”: This is about the titular battle that occurred during WWI. Nice multiple tempos.
9. “Face in the Sand”: This song features great rhythm.
10. “Age of Innocence”: Pretty good. Overall, this album is a huge improvement over Brave New World.
11. “Journeyman”: An acoustic song from Iron Maiden? Nice!

Final Verdict: Atrocious cover aside, this is one of Maiden’s best albums to date!

Grade: A+

Deep Dives: Iron Maiden Part XI: Virtual XI (1998)

Virtual XI is the final album to feature Blaze Bayley, and a new Iron Maiden logo, which lasted until 2010. The album had 2 singles, and charted at #124 in the UK and #1 in the US.

Members:

Blaze Bayley: vocals

Dave Murray: guitars

Janick Gers: guitars

Steve Harris: bass, keyboards on “The Clansman”, “The Angel and the Gambler”, and ” Don’t Look to the Eyes of a Stranger”, production

Nicko McBrain: drums

The Tracks:

1. “Futureal”: Well we’re off to a great start! This isn’t amazing, but I do like it.
2. “The Angel and the Gambler”: This song is too repetitive for something that’s almost 10 minutes.
3. “Lightning Strikes Twice”: This is a banger with some great guitars.
4. “The Clansman”: This song was inspired by Braveheart. The bass is pretty good.
5. “When Two Worlds Collide”: This has a good start, and Bayley’s vocals are great. It has a great rhythm.
6. “The Educated Fool”: The bass and opening solo is a good start. The solo in the middle is excellent!
7. “Don’t Look to the Eyes of a Stranger”: The keyboards sound nice on this one, and I like the opening riff.
8. “Como Estais Amigos”: This song is meh.

Final Verdict: Of the two Bayley albums, this one was much better. It wasn’t the best, but I thought it was at least average.

Grade: C

Deep Dives: Iron Maiden: The X Factor (1992)

The X Factor is the first of two albums featuring Blaze Bayley on vocals, as Dickinson had left for a solo career. Bayley was previously the lead singer of Wolfsbane. While the album did well in the US, reaching #8, it performed pathetically in the UK, reaching #147, and had 2 singles. This was the first album without Martin Birch, and Harris was in the midst of a divorce. I hate the artwork.

Members:

Blaze Bayley: vocals

Dave Murray: guitar

Janick Gers: guitar

Steve Harris: bass, production

Nicko McBrain: drums

The Tracks:

1. “The Sign of the Cross”: Bayley doesn’t sound good on this song. It goes on too long, and it’s just slow.
2. “Lord of the Flies”: This is based on the book. It’s not bad, I just wish the singing was better.
3. “Man on the Edge”: This is the best song, and Bayley actually sounds good. The guitars are great.
4. “Fortunes of War”: This could have been an excellent song, because it sure wants to be. It has a good rhythm and guitars. But the singing is bad.
5. “Look For the Truth”: This feels generic. The vocals don’t help.
6. “The Aftermath”: Not bad, but not good either.
7. “Judgement of Heaven”: This is my #2 favorite. Bayley is at least tolerable, and the guitars are great.
8. “Blood on the World’s Hands”: McBrain’s drumming is the best thing about this one.
9. “The Edge of Darkness”: Another song ruined by the vocals.
10. “2 A.M.”: I like the guitars, but not the vocals.
11. “The Unbeliever”: While it’s not as long as the opener, this song is way too long. I hated the vocals, of course.

Final Verdict: This album has good moments, but Bayley is a bad fit. It doesn’t feel like a Maiden album at all.

Grade: D

Deep Dives: Iron Maiden Part IX: Fear of the Dark (1999)

Fear of the Dark marked the end of Bruce Dickinson’s first tenure with Iron Maiden, and the retirement of Martin Birch as producer. The album had 3 singles, and reached #1 in the UK and #12 in the US. It went Gold in 6 countries, and Platinum in Italy.

Members:

Bruce Dickinson: vocals

Dave Murray: guitar

Janick Gers: guitar

Steve Harris: bass

Nicko McBrain: drums

The Tracks:

1. “Be Quick or Be Dead”: Nicko comes charging to the gate before Bruce cuts loose. Now this is how you start an album!
2. “From Here to Eternity”: Dave and Janick do an awesome tandem on this. This song just plain rocks.
3. “Afraid to Shoot Strangers “: The opening solo and keyboards set an eerie tone for this story of a war-torn soldier. Steve’s bass is superb.
4. “Fear is the Key”: This song criticizes the response to the AIDS crisis, as Dickinson lamented that nobody cared about the disease until it started claiming celebrities like Freddie Mercury. I like the rhythm of this one.
5. “Childhood’s End”: Janick has a great opening solo before Nicko assaults the drums. I thought this was a great one.
6. “Wasting Love”: This single has it all–a great solo to start off, a good bass, somber lyrics. It’s chilling.
7. “The Fugitive”: This song is an onslaught with a slamming rhythm.
8. “Chains of Misery”: This song has a kicking opening guitar.
9. “The Apparition”: I like the rhythm of this song.
10. “Judas Be My Guide”: What a riff!
11. “Weekend Warrior”: This song is all right, but I like the melody more than the lyrics. It’d make a good theme for a sports show, though.
12. “Fear of the Dark”: After the last song, I was worried the finale would be weak. It’s not at all. A nice closing song.

Final Verdict: This is an impressive album that made it hard to pick a favorite song. Janick is settling into the band better, and it’s all great.

Grade: B+

Deep Dives: Iron Maiden Part VIII: No Prayer For the Dying (1990)

No Prayer For the Dying is the first album without Adrian Smith, who left the band during the preproduction stage, having only worked on one song. He was replaced by Janick Gers, who had previously played on Bruce Dickinson’s first solo album, Tattooed Millionaire. Prior to this, Gers had also played with Ian Gillan, White Spirit, and Marillion singer Fish. The album favored a different style from its two predecessors, with raspier singing from Dickinson. The album had two singles, reaching #2 in the UK and #17 in the US. It has been certified Gold in three countries, and Platinum in Canada. Dickinson does not look back on this album fondly. Uh-oh, that’s a bad sign.

Members:

Bruce Dickinson: vocals

Dave Murray: guitar

Janick Gers: guitar

Steve Harris: bass

Nicko McBrain: drums

The Tracks:

1. “Tailgunner”: Here’s another bad sign: the opener is only ok.
2. “Holy Smoke”: This song is ridiculous. I don’t like Dickinson’s vocals.
3. “No Prayer for the Dying”: One of the few highlights. The guitars are great.
4. “Public Enema Number One”: I hate everything about this, but especially the title.
5. “Fates Warning “: Another song that actually sounds good. It has a good rhythm, and Dickinson isn’t sounding all that bad here.
6. “The Assassin”: The only good thing about this is the bass.
7. “Run Silent Run Deep”: It starts out fine, but then Dickinson sounds terrible.
8. “Hooks in You”: This was Adrian Smith’s sole contribution. I tried to enjoy it, but I just can’t get into it.
9. “Bring Your Daughter… to the Slaughter”: This was originally intended for Nightmare on Elm Street 5, but Dickinson liked it so much they rerecorded it. It’s the band’s only #1 in the UK. It’s the only song from the album that isn’t ignored.
10. “Mother Russia”: Hooray, the album’s over. This song is pretty mediocre.

Final Verdict: A friend warned me that I might not enjoy this one, and that he thinks it’s one of the worst albums. I wanted to be forgiving and give this at least a D because I did like a few things, but those things aren’t enough to save it. Here’s hoping the next one is better.

Grade: F

Deep Dives: Iron Maiden Part VII: Seventh Son of a Seventh Son (1988)

Seventh Son of a Seventh Son was the first album to feature keyboards. It went to #1 in the UK, and #12 in the US, with 3 singles, and a Gold certification. It is a concept album inspired by Orson Scott Card’s novel Seventh Son. This was Adrian Smith’s last album before returning to the band in 2000.

Members:

Bruce Dickinson: vocals

Dave Murray: guitars

Adrian Smith: guitars, synthesizer

Steve Harris: bass, string synthesizer

Nicko McBrain: drums

The Tracks:

1. “Moonchild”: What an opener! I love the solo at the start. Nicko’s drumming is intense!
2. “Infinite Dreams”: This is the only single to be released in sync with a home video. The combined guitars and keyboard at the start are cool before we get one of Harris’s best basslines.
3. “Can I Play With Madness”: Love the drumming on this one.
4. “The Evil That Men Do: I love the keyboards at the start. Bruce nails it with the singing!
5. “Seventh Son of a Seventh Son”: This is the longest song on the album, lasting 7 seconds short of ten minutes. It’s an excellent title track.
6. “The Prophecy”: The opening solo is just beautiful.
7. “The Clairvoyant “: This song is inspired by the death of Doris Stokes, as Harris wondered if she could see her own death. Another excellent bassline on this one.
8. “Only the Good Die Young”: Not a bad one to go out on.

Final Verdict: The addition of keyboards really enhances the music. This is another excellent album!

Grade: A+