Former Iron Maiden frontman, Paul Di’Anno digs into his back catalogue for his latest album 'The Book of the Beast'. Tracks like Battlezone's 'Children of Madness' are re-mastered by producer Dave Eringa to give the older tracks some more bite. The opening track on the album 'The Beast Arises' from Killer's album 'Murder One' would wake the devil himself. There are also five previously unreleased tracks for fans to get their teeth into.
Di'Anno's vocal was always more snarling and guttural than Bruce Dickinson's, and that suited Maiden's original sound. It's no secret that after Di'Anno left the band, he also took some of the early fans with him who didn't like the technical, more progressive road the band took. 'The Book of the Beast' is a testament to that propulsive NWOBHM sound that ripped through the 1980s with bands like Saxon, Judas Priest and even spread to American bands like Dokken and Canada's Sword. Di'Anno's influence continued even after he left the band, as icons like Metallica and Pantera have often cited the first two Maiden albums as hugely influential.
Paul's spits blood through the album, relishing in the heavier sounds on 'Feel My Pain' and the hair-whipping rhythms of the thrashy 'Die By The Gun'. There are also reworked versions of 'Wrathchild' and 'Remember Tomorrow', which are both darker and broodier. The latter is a lot heavier than the original, but perhaps more authentic to how Di'Anno would have wanted the track to sound. The vinyl version of the album also features Crowley's Lidya Balaban while the CD versions of the songs have ex DragonForce singer ZP Theart and Tony Martin (Black Sabbath) bolstering the tracks.
One thing that probably isn't talked about enough is how Di'Anno's vocal, while chararistically heavier than Dickinson's, is still very versatile and semi-operatic. 'The Forgotten Ones' and the acoustic 'Dream Keeper' showcase the softer side of his vocal. A cover of T-Rex's 'Children of the Revolution' shows the jocular spirit of the beast reigns supreme as glam meets metal.
The album closes with 'The Beast is Back', taken from a demo tape while Di'Anno was working on a new Killer's album. Sadly the album never came about and only this recording survived.
With Paul Di'Anno's career having a welcome resurgence, this album is a terrific reminder of his heavy metal legacy. The beast is certainly back, and if you had any doubt, this tome is proof.
Fans can now experience The Book of The Beast on all streaming platforms, with the vinyl and CD/DVD editions available now on all platforms.
Check out touring dates and More info -www.pauldianno.co.uk
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