Iron Maiden: “Piece of Mind” (1983) – Classic Album Review

In honor of the 40th (!) anniversary of Iron Maiden’s classic 1983 album Piece of Mind — a landmark New Wave of British Heavy Metal record (and that of heavy metal in general) — I’m reprinting a review I wrote at Hokeyblog about ten-and-a-half years ago. This album meant the world to me at age 12. Forty years later? Hasn’t missed a freakin’ piece.

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Paul Gilbert: “The Dio Album” (2023) – Album Review

Rock guitar virtuoso Paul Gilbert (Mr. Big, Racer X) covers a dozen amazing Ronnie James Dio tunes in a collection of guitar-driven heavy metal instrumentals. These Rainbow, Black Sabbath, and Dio classics remain sacred and nigh-untouchable, but Gilbert imbues the project with passion, energy, and his signature impeccable shredding.

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