Track Listing

1. King In Crimson
2. Chemical Wedding
3. The Tower
4. Killing Floor
5. Book Of Thel
6. Gates Of Urizen
7. Jerusalem
8. Trumpets Of Jericho
9. Machine Men
10. The Alchemist
11. Return Of The King
12. Real World
13. Confeos

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #302798 in Music
• Released on: 2002-02-11
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 72 minutes

CD Description
While his ex-counterparts in Iron Maiden continue to pump out '80s-style metal with vocalist Blaze Bayley, screamer Bruce Dickinson takes that same metal style and adds another layer. THE CHEMICAL WEDDING contains all the elements that made Maiden unique, while adding a heaviness and power that take it to the next level. This album is truly thunderous, while also maintaining a melodic quality throughout. The openingtrack, "King In Crimson" sets the pace for a fast and furious record. The title tune is classic metal with a mid-tempo groove. "Killing Floor", complete with references to Satan, conveys a dark, angry mood. "Book of Thel" makes it clear that the pairing of former Maiden guitarist Adrian Smith and Dickinson is as potent as ever. The musicianship and production are rock solid, and Dickinson is showing a newfound vocalcontrol. Fans of this amazing singer and lyricist will findthis disc quite satisfying, as it holds up to all previous efforts.

Customer Reviews

Oh the Iron Maiden Guy..
Have to admit, I didn't even know Bruce Dickinson had a solo career going until I was a fully fledged Iron Maiden fan.. But I have to say, this issuperior to Iron Maiden in their Blaze (Wolfsbane, BLAZE) Bayley era. Working with Roy Z and Adrian Smith makes a killer combination. People say is sounds like Maiden but i disagree, this is much more of a personal revelation about Bruce Dickinson and his dark, mystical influences. Hard to choose between this album and Accident of Birth, I would say buy both! But it definitely fills the void between Bruce's departure from Maiden and his return for the Brave New World album.

Bruce discovers William Blake.
The twin brother of the 'Accident of Birth' album, 'Chemical Wedding' is AoB with a concept album feel. Welcome to the world of William Blake, the 18th century poet. Bruce was obviously really into Blake around the time of this album, with many song titles containing Blake references (Book of Thel, Gates of Urizen). Don't let that put you off, take this album for what it is - a bloody good collection of tunes that once again showed Maiden what they used to sound like and is one of the reasons i believe Bruce got THAT gig back. There are some great songs on here, in Killing Floor, Book of Thel, Trumpets of Jericho and a great version of that old hymn 'Jerusalem' but i think the stand out track is 'The Tower'. Just listen to 'The Tower' and close your eyes - you could just see Maiden playing that track in their set even now (ohhh - what i would pay to see THAT). AoB is slightly the better album i feel but this is a close second. Buy it, it's a corker.

A great metal album
I just want to say that this is an overall great album, not one bad track.

It has heavy, thick sounding guitars, and great riffs and melodies.

It is quite intense all the way through - a bit like Slayer, so you may not be in the mood for this at all times.

It is a bit on the heavy side compared to Accident Of Birth, and even goes into thrash metal terrotory at times - but for me this only makes it better :-)

The musicians are great, Bruce and Adrian Smith off course we know are gods, but Roy Z on guitar and Casillas on bass are great too. And Dave Ingham on drums is awesome - a great metal drummer.

I dont think this - as mentioned in another review - is just an album for collectors. It is one of the best metal albums in my collection.