Search - Iron Maiden: Raising Hell on DVD

Interesting concept, needs better execution...

trebe | 04/01/2002

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Not strictly a concert video, Iron Maiden's "Raising Hell" combines a live concert with a theatrical show. Interspersed between the heavy metal barrage that is Iron Maiden, are theatrical productions and magic tricks, with a "horror" theme. These interludes, performed by illusionist Simon Drake, do get a bit gory at times, and break up the continuity of a "normal" concert. This style of presentation may not appeal to everyone.The performance taped in 1993 at Pinewood Studios in London, features Bruce Dickinson, Steve Harris, Dave Murray, Nicko McBrain and Janick Gers, performing material up to the "Fear Of The Dark" release. This was apparently Bruce's last performance with Maiden in the 90's, before splitting, at least temporarily, for a solo career. Unfortunately, the quality of sound mix is uneven, and on some songs, Dickinson's vocals can barely be made out over the sound of the guitars. One wonders how this could have happened. As this is his final performance, Bruce doesn't save his voice when singing a number like "The Trooper". The trouble is we can't always hear him. The guitar sound is cranked up right in front, and Harris's bass and McBrain's drums are also overpowered at times in the mix. Overall the video presentation is not bad, we do get to see the band from various angles, but it could have been better. We see too much of the audience, especially on some of the shots of the front of the stage, the angle is low and the heads and upraised arms of the members of the audience fill the bottom of the screen. The song selection is a good mix of newer songs and classic favorites. As expected songs from the most recent release are prominent. "Be Quick Or Be Dead", "Fear of the Dark" and "Afraid to Shoot Strangers" are welcome additions to the set which includes staples like "Hallowed Be Thy Name", "Wrathchild" and "Iron Maiden". Also included are songs from the later Adrian Smith period, "The Evil That Men Do", "Heaven Can Wait" and "The Clairvoyant". A nice blend of songs from the band's entire history. This is also an opportunity to see "new" guitarist Janick Gers, who is definitely more active on stage than Adrian Smith. He has the material down and has no problems with the harmony guitar parts. On some songs he show himself capable of a pretty good imitation of Smith's original solos. His own soloing style is less melodic and relies more on speed and flash. No one plays guitar like Dave Murray. His trill filled soloing style is unique, and has become a signature of the Iron Maiden sound. The man is outstanding here, as his fingers blaze across the fretboard like lightning. He appears a more confident musician than in the past, with more of a stage presence than before. Very nice to see him step forward this way. In the mix, his solos always seem louder than Janick's.While the presentation may not be to everyone's liking, and the sound mix could have certainly been better, "Raising Hell" does have its good points. Bruce and the boys do give an energetic performance. Iron Maiden are one of the pioneers of British metal, and you get some of their best songs in the DVD format. Both Bruce Dickinson, and Adrian Smith have since rejoined Maiden, and a DVD release of concert material is supposed to be forthcoming. Until then, this will have to suffice."