'Seventh Son of a Seventh Son' sees 'Maiden' upping the anti from 'Somewhere in Time' and while the approach is very similar with more synthesisers and an underlying concept, this is a much more solid release that closes the door on the first string of 'Maiden' classics. Consistency is the name of the game here as there are no weak tracks and in all honesty this is arguably one of their best albums to date that spawned no less than four top ten singles in the UK. Production wise this album is bang on, crystal clear, faultless and certainly adds to the intensity of the recordings.

After a minstrel style introduction the album bursts into the pulsating gem 'Moonchild' a heavy hitting epic that is superbly written and incorporates the clever use of synthesiser which gives the track an ethereal edge. This is upheld with shredding guitars, crystal clear 'Dickinson' vocals and timekeeping bliss from the rhythm section to make for a superb opener. The fine penmanship continues with the lighter paced 'Infinite Dreams', although not a trademark 'Maiden' belter, this melodic mid tempo number gives the album depth and surprises with the mid track pick-up. 'Can I play with Madness' follows and as with the previous track was released into the charts, doesn't really fit into the albums concept but this simplistic, big chorus rocker is certainly catchy and ultimately a memorable 'Maiden' classic. In my opinion the strongest single released from 'Seventh Son of a Seventh Son' is 'The Evil that Men Do' a song full of variety from the trademark galloping rhythm to the passionate vocals that compliment the superb chorus that is further braced by magnificent guitaring to make for a song of pure quality. Side two kicks off with the epic title track which is my pick of the album, this dark plodder is excellently written and contains a cracking fist raising chorus which 'Bruce' delivers with ungodly power while the mysterious voices and sound effects give an extra dimension. The pace drops for 'The Prophecy' and while possibly the weakest track present it does have some nice twists along the way, but overall lacks a little direction with some sections coming off a little awkward. Back on target is 'The Clairvoyant' and despite the fairly slow build-up it grows into a very solid number complete with more excellent keyboards, strong driving rhythm and 'Bruce Dickinson's' powerful vocals on the quality chorus. The album closes with 'Only the Good Die Young' a trademark 'Maiden' galloper laced with fine fret work, choice lyrics and a superb spoken wind-down like those featured in the intro to 'Moonchild'.

People said that 'Maiden' where on the decline after 'Somewhere in Time', but as far as I'm concerned 'Seventh Son of a Seventh Son' is a complete return to form. Unfortunately 'Maidens' fortunes started to turn with 'Adrian Smith' leaving shortly after this release and the subsequent album being easily their weakest to date.