Death on the Road

Although there is no shortage of Iron Maiden live albums on the market, DEATH ON THE ROAD presents the iconic heavy-metal band at a stop on its 2003 tour in support of both DANCE OF DEATH and the best-of collection EDWARD THE GREAT. Consequently this two-disc set mixes songs from both of those releases, as tracks from DANCE are masterfully mixed with Maiden classics. Although the newer tunes fare well (especially the opening barnstormer, "Wildest Dreams," and the urgent "Rainmaker), nothing compares to the British group tearing through "Can I Play with Madness," a showcase for Bruce Dickinson's soaring vocals, or launching headstrong into "The Trooper," which highlights Maiden's potent three-guitar assault.