Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son (studio album) by Iron Maiden

From Strangel 09/15/2024 13:12

I think Seventh Son is Maiden’s best studio album… and by some way too (Live After Death is an all-time-classic live album that sits comfortably next to it).

I say this having spent the last few decades somewhat removed from metal music after spending much of my formative years obsessed with it in the 80s. But on returning to listen to all of Maiden’s albums, and having just seen them live in Oz, I find that it’s this album that draws me in. The cohesion of the album, the progressive intent, the attention to detail, and the fact that they stay true to their sound despite veering into concept-album territory, all make it quite an addictive listen.

It tells you something about an album when you leave it for so long and then unexpectedly rediscover its magic again. Their other albums are packed with classic Maiden tracks but as an album ‘experience’ they can’t match this one.

This is still a solid Iron Maiden album, not on the par with their best albums, but pretty ambitious. Concept is great and guitars are really the greatest part of this record, I can sometimes complain about some uninspired choruses on a couple of tracks. The progressive element works perfectly and title track is a masterpiece.

There is a lot to love on this record but also quite a bit that does make me lose interest a little which holds it back. To start with the positives the music still maintains that classic Iron Maiden sound and the group seem to still be full of ideas on this project. This is evidenced by the slight prog twist this record has which I actually thoroughly enjoy and I think it makes this such a unique release from them. It really gives the album an additional edge whilst making it feel fresh and exciting. The instrumentation is amazing as well and the majority of the solos are simply brilliant. However, what holds it back is a few weaker tracks that lose their way a bit and deviate from the style they were going for. This leads to me zoning out from the record quite a bit as it doesn't keep me fully engaged. Overall, this is a unique album for Iron Maiden and the different style choice really works and makes for a fun listen.

The fact that this is more accessible and appeals to a wider audience doesn't mean that it is not one of their best albums.

From Graeme2 07/06/2019 22:21

Man, this is fucking great.

A terrific sounding album with a incredibly unique and lighter atmosphere. The songwriting is not as strong as on some of their previous records however, and it's a bit easy to get lost on some of the songs. Cuts like "Moonchild", "Can I Play With Madness", the title track, and "the Clairvoyant" are fantastic, with the others at least solidifying the mood of the album. Overall, I can nearly guarantee that it will grow on me with more listens, but my current rating is an 85.

From Graeme2 06/01/2019 15:35

I have a new found appreciation of classic era Maiden. I dipped into them slightly as a kid and bought this on tape at the time. I never really fully liked it though. I always thought it was the keys that put me off but listening now it's probably the production overall. The rhythm guitars don't strike through enough. The keys actually work. Sounds like they went deliberately more commercial production wise, unlike the Metallica S/T where they mix commercial production with drastically shorter and mass appeal songs, here maiden are not pulling back at all even though the singles are commercial, the album isn't sell out at all. I prefer a couple of their previous records over this but this is strong front to back, even though I'm not fussed on production, it's still great. Yes it's daft. So what?

From VictorVale 02/02/2019 21:57

Grande obra-prima da banda. Encontrou o melhor de seu som dos aos 80's. Fundamental para qualquer um que goste de rock ou para entender a música dos anos 80's.

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From Goliath 08/06/2018 17:48

Number 18 on my 100 greatest albums. 4 top 10 singles from this album in the UK, epic title track, no weak tracks. A bit comic book, but why would anyone care?! Highly recommended.