Mention Iron Maiden to most metal fans, and the definition is instantly recognizable and amazingly consistent. The band is known for high-octane live performances, blaring harmony guitars, pounding bass and a frontman who knows no limits. Visions of the Beast is a DVD compilation of 30 of the band’s videos, plus a side dish of some great extras.
Because the footage spans over two decades, there is a massive variety of directing tips and tricks used. Some of the songs feature completely live performances, many are a mix of live shows and footage from black and white films, horror flicks or just about any other potential source that fits the mood. The standards are consistent throughout however, with lots of leggy blondes, fire, the band’s mascot Eddie, fire, motorcycles, fire, leather and, oh yeah, fire.
Maiden has been a legend among metal bands throughout its history and incarnations. The band was formed by bassist Steve Harris in 1975, after he watched a film adaptation of “The Man in the Iron Mask” and named the act after the medieval torture device. The band recorded its first self-titled album in 1980 on EMI Records, and most recently recorded its 14th, “A Matter of Life and Death” in 2006.
The compilation begins with the band’s first video, 1980’s “Women in Uniform” with appropriate footage. Given the fact that music videos were first getting started, this offering and the live footage of “Wrathchild” that follows appear incredibly dated. These are the only two clips of singer Paul Di’Anno, who was fired in 1981 after self-induced reckless behavior forced the band’s hand. Soon after, the band hired one of its most recognizable entities, Bruce Dickinson.
1982’s “The Number of the Beast” set the stage for what would become Maiden’s signature sound for years to come. Videos from this disc include the mainstay, “Run to the Hills” and “The Number of the Beast”. The band then added drummer Nicko McBrain to replace the departed Clive Burr. In 1983, “Piece of Mind” was released. Videos from this disc include the classics, “The Trooper” and “Flight of Icarus”.
The next release was 1984’s “Powerslave”, from which the videos for “2 Minutes to Midnight”, “Aces High” are included. Dickinson’s vocals in both are scorching, backed by the brilliant guitar work of Adrian Smith and Dave Murray.
The band expanded its scope, providing a wider range of sounds in the following years. These videos include “Wasted Years”, one of the most heavily-played MTV tunes ever. Also included are “Stranger in a Strange Land”, “Can I Play with Madness?” and “The Evil That Men Do”.
Moving into more recent times, the compilation features several videos from 1992’s “Fear of the Dark”, including the title track, the guilt-ridden “Wasting Love” and the pyromania-inducing “From Here to Eternity”. Another highlight is “Hallowed Be Thy Name”, recorded live at Donnington in ’92.
Extras include Camp Chaos animated versions of six Maiden songs, interactive menus and a discography. There are also some hidden goodies on the DVD. Audio is in Dolby 2.0, and the Picture Format is NTSC 4:3.
For Maiden fans, this is almost a necessity, providing the ability to view any point in the band’s tremendously successful timeline. For others who don’t know the band as well, this is a great insight into one of the legends of metal.
