Although I never really understood the purpose of a tribute album, I guess there must be a certain demand for them since Nuclear Blast is already releasing their second tribute to Iron Maiden. If you are lucky enough to live in Europe you can get your hands on a limited edition, which features one extra disc with 8 more songs. However, as you will read later, you might not be that interested in this limited edition.

Well, enough introduction, let us have a look at the songs instead. Destruction opens this tribute in true style with “Killers” and the shred level is at maximum. They certainly deliver one of the best performances on this album. Next up is Sentenced and their version of “Trooper” is downright lame. They overdo everything and especially the vocals in the chorus are terrible. I don’t really know what Sentenced was trying to accomplish with this cover but it certainly fails to impress me. It’s however a perfect setting for Primal Fear to thunder into “2 Minutes To Midnight” and boy was I wrong when I said that the shred level was at a maximum during Destruction’s song. Primal Fear out-shred everyone and everything and deliver a really truly great version that shows the status and experience of this power metal act.

Thunderstone calm things down with the very solidly played “Wasted Years” and if I wouldn’t know better I’d say this is one of their own songs. Singer Rantanen does an absolute phenomenal job and is easily the best on this entire tribute. Stuck Mojo featuring Devin Townsend break the fragile peacefulness with a super raw version of “Wrathchild”, which I find below average. The same more or less goes for Anthrax’ version of “Remember Tomorrow”. I expected a bit heavier version from these diehard thrashers, singer Bush doesn’t quite live up to his reputation and sounds a bit forced.

Thankfully the German beer drinkers from Tankard raise the shred level again and do a superb job on “Iron Maiden”. Another one of the highlights of this tribute and it just goes to show that the truly experienced heavy metal acts know how to cover the masters of the genre. Things turn strange when Necrophobic turns “Moonchild” in a piece of blackened death metal that really has to grow on you.

Nevertheless I find it slightly disappointing, mostly due to the poor sound quality. Next up are Mägo de Oz, Spanish folk metal heads extraordinaire and they manage to turn “Strange World” into one of their own songs with piano, violin and the likes; a truly great performance of a much underrated band. Two not too well known bands take the stage after Mägo de Oz. Wolf does a very decent job of “Deja Vu” although the vocals are far below par and Mystic Prophecy fails to impress with their heavy rock version of “Sanctuary”.

Next up is probably one of the most original sounding versions on this album: Graveworm’s impression of “Fear Of The Dark”. It’s melancholic, dark, and beautiful but foremost melodic black metal. While Necrophobic failed to impress with their blackened version of “Moonchild”, Graveworm show that a blackened Iron Maiden can still sound great. Therion deliver us a live version of “Revelations” and the audience seems to love it although the quality is rather poor. Finally, Iced Earth finish this album like it started: in true style. Exactly what you might expect from a band with such talent. “Hallowed Be Thy Name” is played in the true Iced Earth style with super tight riffing and soul rending, spine chilling vocals from Matt Barlow. Unfortunately this is the last we will hear from one of the best singers in the scene. A truly respectful end to Barlow’s career.

Nuclear Blast delivers yet again a very decent tribute album with many great bands and good performances. However, the extra disc is truly below par. Whether it is Sebastian Bach’s “Children Of The Damned”, Ian Perry and Kamelot’s “Flight Of Icarius” or even Iron Savior’s “Running Free”, they all fail to impress me. All the songs lack something I can’t really put my finger on. They just don’t appeal. If the limited edition comes at the same price as the normal one, then I’d advice you to purchase it. However, if it’s more expensive, I’d advice you to listen to it first since it’s really not all that great.