Artist - Iron Maiden
Album - The Essential
Label - Sanctuary Records Group
Reviewer - Robin Steeley
I was a little worried when I heard Iron Maiden was coming out with another greatest hits compilation, since the last few years they have given us ‘Edward The Great’, ‘Best of the Beast’ and ‘Ed Hunter’ and also a number of live performance releases as well. In the end, I was presently surprised, there is an excellent collection of 27 of the legendary bands greatest songs in history culled from the bands fourteen studio albums and six live releases. It manages to feature all the lineups of the bands past.
I couldn’t possibly break down that many songs so I’ll give you the highlights. Some of my favorites were “Paschendale” and “Run To The Hills” which are classic Maiden as well as “Killers” and “Fear of The Dark”. There is also a previously unreleased version of the song “Iron Maiden”.
I did however miss the inclusion of “Hallowed Be Thy Name” and my all time personal favorite “Rhyme Of The Ancient Mariner”. Overall, it’s a great addition to any Iron Maiden fan’s collection.
Tracklisting
1. Paschendale
2.Rainmaker
3.The Wicker Man
4.Brave New World
5.Futureal
6.The Clansmen
7.Sign Of The Cross
8.Man On The Edge
9.Be Quick Or Be Dead
10.Fear Of The Dark - live
11.Holy Smoke
12.Bring Your Daughter To The Slaughter
13.The Clairvoyant
14.The Evil That Men Do
15.Wasted Years
16.Heaven Can Wait
17.Two Minutes To Midnight
18.Aces High
19.Flight Of Icarus
20.The Trooper
21.The Number Of The Beast
22.Run To The Hills
23.Wrathchild
24.Killers
25.Phantom Of The Opera
26.Running Free – live
27.Iron Maiden – live, unreleased
