Best Of The Beast
A nicely packaged selection of the finest recorded moments of Leytonstone's finest export has got to be something of an irresistible proposition. And <I>Best of the Beast</I> covers all available bases by consolidating material from every stage of the Maiden's illustrious career. From the early Paul Di'Anno-fronted classics through the Bruce Dickinson glory days ("Run to the Hills") to the leather-lunged epic power of the Blaze Bayley period ("Virus"), <I>Best of the Beast</I> stands as a monumental testament to the grandiose immensity of Steve Harris's songwriting vision. The band's ensemble interplay is nothing short of breathtaking, and the hits just keep on coming at you with a vengeance. "Be Quick or Be Dead," "Bring Your Daughter to the Slaughter," "The Evil that Men Do"--all of these and more are on hand to give your eardrums the kind of aural workout that they won't soon forget. <I>--Ian Fortnam</I>