By 1988, Iron Maiden were megastars. Top twenty and top ten albums. Top twenty and top ten singles. Millions of records sold. And sold out stadiums throughout the world. If you were in middle or high school at the time, you’d be hard pressed not to find a jean jacket wearing metal head with a giant Iron Maiden emblem on the back. And continuing their success, Maiden released one of their all time fan favorites, ‘Seventh Son of a Seventh Son.’
The previous album, ‘Somewhere In Time’ was generally very well received. Even if it alienated some OG fans by adding some keyboards. The tour was massive and Maiden knew they had to follow up pronto. Which they did with ‘Seventh Son.’ A general extension of ‘Somewhere.’ But with a bit more of a concept surrounding the album. Giving it even more of a progressive vibe than the already proggy proceeding records. ‘Moonchild’ is one of the great openers in all of rock. That keyboard and power chord progression during the introduction has been used how many times in film? The answer is countless. ‘Can I Play With Madness?’ remains one of the great hits of the era. A forever concert staple that still gets sold out stadiums near rioting.
The title track is a massive prog metal accomplishment. An element that gets overlooked with Maiden. Bruce Dickinson’s operatic vocals shine throughout. Giving the band their signature call and response live action. ‘The Clairvoyant’ is definitive proof that Steve Harris is one of hard rock and metals greatest bass players. ‘The Evil That Men Do’ is simply one of the most epic songs ever written. Another concert staple. Its crowd pleasing chorus still ringing out at shows. ‘Only the Good Die Young’ closes things out in the typical Maiden gallup that we all know and love.
Upon its released, ‘Seventh Son of a Seventh Son’ was another hit. Becoming the second number one album in Iron Maidens home country. And another multi platinum venture Stateside. A massive tour ensued. Their biggest yet. And at the end of it all, guitarist Adrian Smith had had enough of the writing, album and tour pattern that had been going on for the better part of a decade. He decided to vacate the band. However, he would rejoin during the 1999 reunion. But for the time being, ‘Seventh Son’ remained the strongest output from Maiden for over a decade. Crank it, live it, love it!
