Maiden Birth

Mystical Masterpiece

1988 was a banner time for heavy metal. I would have to say Iron Maiden's Seventh Son of a Seventh Son stood head and shoulders above the rest. On this concept album ahead of its time, Maiden unashamedly included the verboten synthesizer into a heavy metal release, resulting in an album of atmosphere, drive, mystery, and epic storytelling.

The cover art also told a story: that of the band's own eras over time, offering the listener an additional experience.

While many consider Powerslave to top their discography, I consider Seventh Son to be the artistic apogee of an incredible band.