Iron Maiden perfectly captures their incredible World Slavery Tour on this double-album set. 'Live After Death' was released in 1985 not long after the massive tour was completed. I saw Iron Maiden on this tour June 19, 1985 when it was close to winding down. But I would have never of known it at the time because their performance was brilliant and one the greatest concerts I've ever seen in all aspects.

Listening to this album puts me right back at that concert. Iron Maiden did an amazing job recreating that live show on vinyl (now on CD). If I turn the volume up really loud and close my eyes, I almost feel like I'm there again. Of course, I'd have to turn the heat up to about 100 degrees and light a bunch of cigarettes but you get the idea. I cannot overemphasize the high level of musicianship Iron Maiden displays on 'Live After Death'.

Besides having all the most spectacular songs from their previous studio effort, 'Powerslave', Maiden covers all their hits from the four albums before that with precise timing and intensity. It's hard for me to say which tunes are the highlights because all are equally great. But if I had to choose, I'd probably say "Hallowed Be Thy Name", "Revelations" and the epic "Rime Of The Ancient Mariner" are my favorites.

The sound quality is exceptional. Steve Harris' calculated basslines contrast well against the guitar harmonies of Dave Murray and Adrian Smith. But what really brings out the essence of this live recording (besides the faithful exuberant cheering from those in attendance) is Bruce Dickinson's exclamations during songs egging the audience on, i.e. "Scream for me Long Beach!", which has become a signature line for Dickinson to incite the crowd. He even teased the audience with those exact words when I caught Maiden last summer (7-23-99) in Milwaukee!

'Live After Death' is a classic live album for more reasons than the excellent performance by one of the best heavy metal bands of all time. The World Slavery Tour marked the first time a bigtime band was allowed to play behind the Iron Curtain. Actually that's how the tour started. The first show was in Warsaw, Poland during a time when "The Cold War" meant more than taking your daily dosage of vitamin C. The World Slavery tour was also groundbreaking in that it was longest world tour undertaken by any band at the time. During the 322 days on the tour, Maiden played for thousands of fans in 24 countries!

In 1995, Castle Records re-released 'Live After Death' with a bonus CD containing three additional live tracks. What baffles me is why the bonus CD doesn't contain the missing vinyl side of live tracks taken from the tour. The forth side on the vinyl set contains five tracks missing from the CD due the time constraints (the vinyl is 100+ minutes when CDs can only hold 74 minutes). So why not put these missing five tracks on the bonus CD on the limited edition re-release? They are definitely sorely missed on my version.

Iron Maiden recently re-released 'Live After Death' as an enhanced CD which has some CD-ROM extras and contains the missing 5 tracks I mentioned above. Live albums haven't been too popular lately for whatever reason, and that's unfortunate. But as far as live albums go, 'Live After Death' is easily one of the best showcasing heavy metal in it's purest form. Iron Maiden's high degree of metal artistry cannot be understated as this live recording captures them doing what they do best - entertain legions of their fans. Now you can share in the experience!

I know all Maiden fans already own this, but they should acquire the vinyl for the beautiful artwork and all the exquisite photos that adorn the inner sleeves. Plus a pull-out booklet comes with the vinyl that includes all kinds of tidbits such as every date on the tour, the gear they used and many more details from the tour. For that early point in their 20+ year career, 'Live After Death' would be like Iron Maiden's greatest hits album only better. I highly recommend this album for metal fans looking for a great live record that encompasses everything great about heavy metal and possesses all the elements that made Iron Maiden a legendary live act.

Track Listing:
1. Intro: Churchill's Speech
2. Aces High
3. 2 Minutes To Midnight
4. The Trooper
5. Revelations
6. Flight Of Icarus
7. Rime Of The Ancient Mariner
8. Powerslave
9. The Number Of The Beast
10. Hallowed Be Thy Name
11. Iron Maiden
12. Run to the Hills
13. Running Free

Disc 2/Side 4 of the vinyl:
1. Wrathchild
2. 22 Acacia Avenue
3. Children Of The Damned
4. Die With Your Boots On
5. Phantom Of The Opera

LE Bonus CD:
1. Losfer Words (live)
2. Sanctuary (live)
3. Murders In The Rue Morgue (live)



Recommended: Yes