Former Iron Maiden lead vocalist BLAZE BAYLEY continues to recover from his heart attack on March 25, 2023 and his subsequent quadruple heart bypass. In the meantime, the singer will be releasing ”Damaged Strange Different and Live” set for release on July 7, 2023, featuring live versions of songs from his last studio album ‘War Within Me’ and also songs he wrote and/or performed during his time in Iron Maiden (1994-1999).
”Damaged Strange Different and Live” packs five songs from his most recent work recorded in the UK, and four others from his time in Maiden from around the world. “War Within Me” showcases Blaze at his best – ”every day I fight”, he sings. The personal nature of the words shines, especially now.
“Pull Yourself Up” is joyous and real, while “Warrior” captures the type of metal he excels at, with the band understanding it perfectly. The slashing riff of Chris Appleton makes “The Power Of Nikola Tesla” stand out, and “18 Flights” turns an earthquake into a song.
“Lord Of The Flies” takes us to a parallel universe where Maiden plays a show with all their members, and the two Blaze albums are given their just deserts.
These Blaze live albums always contain a gem you’d forgotten, and “Judgement of Heaven” is that gem. Maiden doesn’t perform that era anymore, but my goodness, it’s a wonderful song.
“Fortunes Of War” is quintessential British heavy metal, played by a wonderful metal band, and on “Como Estais Amigos,” he sings “no more tears,” which in the context of what’s happened to him, makes you yearn for this second chance.
Some days ago, a picture appeared online of Blaze Bayley at a festival in Manchester. He looked well. It was fabulous to see. A few months before, in March, it was very different.
”Damaged Strange Different and Live” is just an intermission for the next Bayley album, he will be back soon. Meanwhile, this album rocks pedal to the metal.
Highly Recommended
Tracklist:
01. War Within Me (4:37)
02. Pull Yourself Up (4:57)
03. Warrior (4:17)
04. The Power of Nikola Tesla (3:08)
05. 18 Flights (3:55)
06. Lord of the Flies (5:07)
07. Judgement of Heaven (5:12)
08. Fortunes of War (6:18)
09. Como Estais Amigos (5:56)
Blaze Bayley – Damaged Strange Different and Live (Live) (2023), MP3+FLAC
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