Best Of The Beast

A nicely packaged selection of the finest recorded moments of Leytonstone's finest export has got to be something of an irresistible proposition. And Best of the Beast covers all available bases by consolidating material from every stage of the Maiden's illustrious career. From the early Paul Di'Anno-fronted classics through the Bruce Dickinson glory days ("Run to the Hills") to the leather-lunged epic power of the Blaze Bayley period ("Virus"), Best of the Beast stands as a monumental testament to the grandiose immensity of Steve Harris's songwriting vision. The band's ensemble interplay is nothing short of breathtaking, and the hits just keep on coming at you with a vengeance. "Be Quick or Be Dead," "Bring Your Daughter to the Slaughter," "The Evil that Men Do"--all of these and more are on hand to give your eardrums the kind of aural workout that they won't soon forget. --Ian Fortnam