If there was ever a downside to the much anticipated Iron Maiden reunion it's that it puts a momentary halt to Bruce Dickinson's solo career. With albums like "Accident of Birth" and "The Chemical Wedding," Dickinson was breaking new ground for Metal. The songs are traditional, classic Metal, yet they sound fresh, new and they managed to incorporate the few good things that the "new" batch of Metal provides. Scream For Me Brazil is a stellar Live album. Why? I'll tell you. It manages to capture the way the audience goes into a frenzy over Dickinson's music, giving you goose bumps at times. For this live record, Dickinson sticks strictly with his solo material, and that's a great thing.

The show opens with Heavier than Hell rockers "Trumpets of Jericho," and "King In Crimson" the crowd goes insane and so does Bruce! By the time the third track, "The Chemical Wedding" rolls in the crowd is singing along to every line. And let's talk guitars: the team of fellow Maiden alumnus Adrian Smith, and Guitarist/Producer/Songwriter Extraordinaire Roy Z is nothing short of amazing. This duo turns every single song into a Heavy, melodic Shredfest, and they compliment each other perfectly. The solos are flawless, yet quite different from the studio recording, another one of the wonders of live music. Don't believe me? Check out the solo for "Chemical Wedding" and you'll see. Rounding out the band is bass player Eddie Casillas and drummer Dave Ingraham who provide a solid, yet unspectacular rhythm section.

The production is OK. The crowd could be turned down at times, but maybe I'm just being too picky here. Dickinson makes this album. His vocals, like fine wine, keep getting better with time, and he can hold a crowd in the palm of his hand like few can. Check out the all-time classic "Tears of The Dragon" (MetalGod's Pick) it'll give you chills. Other highlights are "Killing Floor" (you just don't get any heavier than that), and the closer "The Road To Hell" which will make you want to pump your fist in the air and mentally transport yourself to a stadium somewhere in Brazil.

Reviewed by MetalGod

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