Dance of Death
Iron Maiden
EMI Music Canada (2003)

Dominating the shelves in record stores since 1980, Iron Maiden continues to control the masses with their cryptic lyrics and underlying messages.

Despite the numerous changes and additions the group has been subjected to, Iron Maiden remains a force to be reckoned with. Each album has its own sense of originality, and every sound from it is an example of true talent. Steve Harris, Dave Murray, Bruce Dickinson, Adrian Smith, Janick Gers, and Nicko McBrain have created in my opinion the best metal of all time.

The musicians are in a class of their own, having recorded five live albums, their ability to captivate a live audience is unequaled. Their 23rd album was recorded in a studio, and one of my personal favorites is ‘Dance of Death'. This song is also the title of the Album.

"And I felt I was in a trance, and my spirit was lifted from me, and if only someone had the chance to witness what happened to me. And I danced and I pranced and I sang with them, all had death in their eyes. Lifeless figures they were undead all of them, they had ascended from hell. As I danced with the dead my free spirit was laughing, and howling down at me. Below my undead body, just danced the circle of dead."

It is my understanding that the song Dance of Death is about an out-of body experience, I am intrigued by the masquerade of words that overpower my imagination about the unknown. Murray and Gers playing lead guitar, Smith backing them up, McBrain playing drums, and Harris on bass. Put them all together with the unique voice of Dickinson and you have the most electrifying performance of a lifetime.

Every song in this album has a hidden meaning, whether it be as extreme as an out-of body experience, or just simply getting a fresh start on your life. The lyrics make you think about life and death, and if you are someone who loves guitar, this album is a must.

So "when you're lying in your sleep, when you're lying in your bed, and you wake from your dreams to go dancing with the dead", you might want to run out and buy this album while you're at it.

www.ironmaiden.com