An obvious favorite in the Maiden catalog. I much prefer their fourth outing compared to more lauded "The Number of the Beast", an obvious international success and smash hit. Impish Bruce Dickinson is again proves the power of his golden pipes and delivers a vocal performance second to none. Many of the themes explored on this album would continue to dominate the majority of Maiden's output in the years to come; dealing with topics such as war (The Trooper), human progress (Quest for Fire), and flight (Flight of the Icarus). The album in insanely cheesy, and anyone who does not have a fondness for the cartoon metal style of the band should continue to stay away. However, for fans of the band and metal in general, this album is perhaps the strongest example of an album during the bands "golden period" from 1979-1985.
The really treat is the addition of drummer "Nicko" McBrain (not quite his real name). McBrain is one of the most solid metal drummers and the band shows renewed spirit and energy following his addition. The guitar work is obviously top form with Adrian Smith and Dave Murray trading off licks in a seamless fashion. The highlight of the album and what I believe to the band's finest moment (The Trooper) is the true highlight of this album. The sheer fear and uselessness of war is conveyed in a way that makes Metallica's interpretation of war seem fake and forced. Overall, "Piece of Mind" is a great album, just not the best that the band has to offer. That honour falls to................ (stay tuned next week I will review my favorite Maiden album).
Rating- 8/10
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