V.A - A Tribute To The Beast (Iron Maiden) (2 Albums)

The Beast is, of course, Iron Maiden, whose 1982 Number of the Beast is one of heavy music's paramount releases–as any metal fan worth their mettle knows. This 16-song tribute, dominated by European underground metal bands, is often akin to death-metal karaoke. With songs from both the Paul DiAnno and Bruce Dickinson eras of Maiden, most of the true-to-original versions are decent, highlighted by Grave Digger's "Running Free," Sonata Arctica's "Die with Your Boots On," and Iced Earth's "Transylvania." Interpreting Maiden is the maiden of Singery, Kimberly Goss. Her higher, more delicate vocals on "Number of the Beast" are surprising but interesting. Tierra Santa's version of "Flight of Icarus" is initially slow, but then sped up to an even faster tempo than the original, which is also unexpected. Cradle of Filth appropriately tackle "Hallowed Be Thy Name," the ominous graveyard vocals certainly bearing no resemblance to Dickinson's. The tuned-down death-metal attack of Disbelief's "Stranger in a Strange Land" is another fresh take on a classic cut. Still, this tribute, while a treat for devotees, ultimately proves there ain't nothing like the real thing. –Katherine Turman

Product Description
This release boasts 16 rare and previously unreleased cover songs from noted bands like Six Feet Under, Cradle Of Filth, Therion, Opeth and Iced Earth. Plus four exclusive tracks from Children Of Bodom, Darkane, Grave Digger and Disbelief. This is the true tribute disc for the true Iron Maiden fan. 2002.

Track Listing

1. Steel Prophet - The Ides Of March / Purgatory (05:24)
2. Children Of Bodom - Aces High (04:28)
3. Rage - The Trooper (03:58)
4. Cradle Of Filth - Hallowed Be Thy Name (07:07)
5. Grave Digger - Running Free (03:13)
6. Burden Of Grief - Prowler (03:55)
7. Sonata Arctica - Die With Your Boots On (04:24)
8. Therion - Children Of The Damned (04:29)
9. Iced Earth - Transylvania (04:24)
10. Opeth - Remember Tomorrow (04:59)
11. Sinergy - The Number Of The Beast (04:30)
12. Disbelief - Stranger In A Strange Land (05:59)
13. Tierra Santa - Flight Of Icarus (03:58)
14. Dark Tranquillity - 22 Acacia Avenue (06:03)
15. Six Feet Under - Wrathchild (02:52)
16. Darkane - Powerslave (06:53)





Track Listing

1. Destruction - Killer (04:54)
2. Senteced - The Trooper (03:17)
3. Primal Fear - 2 Minutes To Midnigh (06:01)
4. Thenderstone - Wasted Years (05:34)
5. Stuck Mojo - Wrathchild (02:58)
6. Anthrax - Remember Tomorrow (05:07)
7. Tankard - Iron Maiden (03:38)
8. Necrophobic - Moonchild (04:40)
9. Mägo De Oz - Stranger World (06:55)
10. The Wolf - Dèja-Vu (04:38)
11. Mystic Prophecy - Sanctuary (03:17)
12. Graveworm - Fear Of The Dark (08:48)
13. Therion - Reveletions (Live) (08:00)
14. Iced Earth - Hallowed Be Thhy Name (07:08)


Bonus CD
15. Sebastian Bach - Children Of Damned (04:36)
16. John West & Chris Caffery - Run To The Hills (03:58)
17. Cosmosquad & Ray Alder - Murders In The Rue Morgue (04:33)
18. Ian Perry & Kamelot - Flight Of Icarus (04:10)
19. Solace - Another Life (04:34)
20. Eleventh Hour - Alexander The Great (08:21)
21. Wardog - Purgatory (03:20)
22. Iron Savior - Running Free (03:12)