Call To Irons: A Tribute To Iron Maiden, Vol. 1-2 CD

Originally released over two separate volumes in 1998-1999, A Call to Irons: A Tribute to Iron Maiden, Vols. 1 and 2 was repackaged as a two-CD set by Dwell Records in early 2001. On the first volume, lesser-known outfits Ancient Wisdom and New Eden blow away mainstays like Vital Remains and Morgion (who really drop a stinker on "To Tame a Land") with their versions of "Powerslave" and "Phantom of the Opera." An established band that actually deserves to work with Maiden material such as Opeth not surprisingly highlights the album with their godly version of "Remember Tomorrow." Solitude Aeturnus takes a mournfully delicious stab at "Hallowed Be Thy Name," and prove quite successful. Black metallers Absu and Angel Corpse lay low with thundering instrumentals, while the anguished female vocals of Opera IX's "Rime of the Ancient Mariner" give a big, fat thundering headache, while causing simultaneous uncontrollable laughter. Overall, the album is half good and half bad, which is typical of a tribute album. Though several acts on the second volume do make an impression, overall it's even less consistent, making this set a risky buy unless you are an avid Iron Maiden collector. ~ Jason Hundey & Steve Huey

Recorded in 1998 & 1999.

2-CD;Abattoir,Prototype,Steel Prophet,Angel Corpse,Opeth++