As Iron Maiden's fans are barely waiting for the new live album (Rock In Rio, which should hit the street in March), Nuclear Blast releases these days A Tribute To The Beast that will satisfy the most "unsatisfied" Iron Maiden's fans on this planet. YES, believe me when I say this tribute is a wonderful record (usually this kind of Cds just create holes in our wallets).

Nuclear Blast has done the right choice to invite "la crème de la crème" (best of the best) bands : Steel Prophet, Children Of Bodom, Rage, Cradle Of Filth, Grave Digger, Sonata Arctica, Therion, Iced Earth, Opeth, Sinergy, Tierra Santa, Dark Tranquility, Disbelief, Darkane ...

This tribute starts with Steel Prophet (God knows how much this band deserve it) with the famous song, The Ides Of March/Purgatory. An excellent interpretation of the original song (Killers album) and if you still don't know this American band, and if you are a huge fan of Iron Maiden, I take the opportunity to recommend you their last two killer records (Messiah and Book Of The Dead).

Second song sees Children Of Bodom playing Aces High, which sound almost like a classical Children Of Bodom's song. I could mention also Grave Digger (Running Free), Sonata Arctica (Die With Your Boots On, that was not an easy choice), Sinergy (The Number Of The Beast), Dark Tranquility (22 Acacia Avenue) or Rage (The Trooper) as successful covers. Darkane (Powerslave), Craddle Of Filth (Hallowed Be Thy Name) or Burden Of Grief (Prowler) are also interesting covers, as each band has conserved its "natural sound".

If you like Iron Maiden, jump on this excellent tribute as soon as you can. And if you still don't know this band ... hang yourself up, man !!!

A Tribute To The Beast confirms that our favorite British heavy metal band has written "jewel-songs" in the previous century ... oooooppss the previous millennium. These jewels belong now to the history of metal and will stay forever in our hearts.