As the 80’s came to a close, Iron Maiden had amassed a large, loyal fanbase. Classics such as ‘Number Of The Beast,’ ‘Powerslave,’ ‘Somewhere In Time’ and ‘Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son’ sold millions. Their sound, rooted in the British New Wave Of Heavy Metal, had progressively evolved. To the point that the band were beginning to get tired. The result? The bands first offering of the 90’s ‘No Prayer For The Dying.’
As the ‘Seventh Son’ tour came to a close. Guitarist Adrian Smith decided that he had had enough time without a break. The band disagreed and he left. Being replaced by the Bruce Dickinson recommended Janick Gers. A flashy showman who many thought wouldn’t fit in. However, they were proven wrong when the coming tour ensued.
With Gers, the band quickly went back into the studio to record their follow up to ‘Seventh Son.’ A more stripped down version of Iron Maiden was the bands goal. And they delivered. Putting out a record that resembled something closer to their Paul DiAnno years. ‘Tailgunner’ is sweet and to the point. A great opening track. ‘Holy Smoke’ is even more stripped down. Relying more on power chords and a memorable chorus. As opposed to driving gallop rhythms and progressive guitar melodies. The title track is one of the more ‘traditional’ Iron Maiden songs. Just done to less of a degree. And not as effective either.
There’s really only a handful of strong songs on the rest of the album. ‘Hooks In You’ and the hit single ‘Bring Your Daughter To The Slaughter’ are quality through and through. And despite the albums charting shortcomings, ‘Bring Your Daughter’ actually reached number one in the U.K. and other European nations. ‘Mother Russia’ closes the album out with a classic Maiden groove. But there’s a considerable amount of filler. ‘The Assassin’ is kind of a blob of a song. While ‘Run Silent, Run Deep’ doesn’t quite hit the sweet spot. ‘Fates Warning’ and ‘Public Enema Number One’ also don’t quite fill that hard rock yearning. But are a far cry from some the critical slew that gets thrown their way.
All in all ‘NO Prayer For The Dying’ was a step back for Iron Maiden. However, the tour was yet another successful one. And the band would get right back on track 20 months later with the release of their legendary ‘Fear Of The Dark.’ But it’s an interesting piece of Maiden history. Janick Gers’ first album. And a bit of a different spin on a band that’s known for repeating themselves. It might not be the best Iron Maiden album. But it’s one of the most unique.
