Virtual XI [Limited Edition]

Virtual XI [Limited Edition]

Track Listings

1. Futureal

2. Angel and the Gambler

3. Lightning Strikes Twice

4. Clansman

5. When Two Worlds Collide

6. Educated Fool

7. Don't Look to the Eyes of a Stranger

8. Como Estais Amigos

Tracks:

Futureal
Angel and the Gambler
Lightning Strikes Twice
Clansman
When Two Worlds Collide - Steve Harris, Iron Maiden,
Educated Fool
Don't Look to the Eyes of a Stranger
Como Estais Amigos

Customer Reviews:

Second Album By This Line Up, Great Follow up Album.......2007-06-26

I believe this album had a lot of expectations from the critics, and there was a lot of hype and promotion put into this album because the record company was still worried about the loss of Bruce Dickenson in the Line up. It was undue pressure, because I believe Maiden already showed the world that life without Dickenson existed, and X Factor was great. This album is no Exception. Shorter, with only 8 songs, but full of faster songs (Angel and the Gambler and Future Real), and instant classics still in the set list today (THE CLANSMAN). This work is on par with the stuff relesed on brave new world and or Dance of Death, but some people do not give it credit because of this being Blaze. This is a great album, and was the first Maiden CD format I purchase (also my first enhanced CD), and I am very pleased. Now I own about 3 versions of this album, and it makes regular turns in my play cycle. Check this out, you will not be dissapointed.

SHORTER THAN THE X FACTOR. BLAZE BAYLEY SOUNDS MORE COMFORTABLE IN VIRTUAL XI.............................2007-06-22

The "X Factor" was a decent sounding Maiden release with well written songs, that if Bruce Dickinson had sung on would have been a great Maiden cd. Blaze Bayley has a different kind of voice, that most Maiden fans can't adjust to. It's baritone sounding and sounds a little like a lower volumed Ronnie James Dio at times. Blaze is good but not in the hemisphere that of Dio. "Virtual XI" fits more of the sound of Bayleys voice than The "X Factor" did. If Bruce Dickinson had sung on XI it probably would have sounded better but not much better than Blaze, only because as I said XI was written for Blazes voice. I like "Virtual XI" better than "The X Factor" I believe Blaze Bayley had time to settle in more with the Maiden. "Virtual XI" sounds smoother than "The X Factor" and Blaze sounds more comfortable. "Virtual XI" has some great songs on it. "Futureal" "The Angel and the Gambler" "Don't Look To The Eyes Of A Stranger" and of course the best song in the Blaze Maiden era "The Clansman". "Virtual XI" is nice and short at 8 songs-- 53min.-14sec. long were as the X Factor was a whopping 71min.- 7sec. long. The shorter XI is the right time length for a Maiden Bayley cd, not to long, not to short. "Virtual XI" is an enjoyable short listen that holds your interest, even though most Maiden fans consider the Blaze Bayley, Maiden era, the low point in the Maiden legacy..........

Iron Maiden - Blaze Bailey At The Helm For A Decent Release.......2007-05-21

"Virtual XI" was the second Maiden studio album following the departure of Bruce Dickenson. His replacement Blaze Bailey takes over the vocal duties on this and the previous album, "The X Factor" to mixed reviews. Bailey's voice is not bad, but it is very different from Dickenson's and most Maiden fans could never quite get past that fact. He sings much lower in general than Bruce does so the soaring high notes that Maiden is known for are just not in Bailey's repertoire. A lot of Maiden fans rate this as the band's weakest album, and indeed it does not stand up to the band's classics, but I still think it is a decent listen and enjoy it for what it is. The twin guitars of Jannik Gers and Dave Murray are in full force throughout the album, and musically most of it is solid. On the other hand some of the songs seem to be long just to be long with repeated choruses and riffs that go on and on. Being a fan of progressive rock I have no problem with lengthy epics, but for some of these tracks there just does not seem to be much point. Some of the albums highlights include "Futereal", "The Clansman", "The Angel And The Gambler", "Don't Look To The Eyes Of A Stranger", and the ballad "Como Estais Amigos". In the end this is a decent Maiden album. There are about a dozen other ones that I would buy before this one, but for the Maiden collector this is worth picking up.

Listen to it again and again..........2007-04-17

This album Virtual XI got me back into Iron Maiden after they were getting boring for a while.

another great album, dispite the harsh reviews.......2007-04-06

yes, blaze is still here, and yes i still think he is doing a good job, dispite the daunting task of having to fill Bruces shoes. this album is also a fun and solid release from my all time favorite metal band. Futureal is as solid an opener as you can get, short but catchy. angel and the gambler is another solid song. the clansman is a great epic, one of my favorite songs they have ever made, and probably Blazes best work on vocals. honestly theres not a single song on here that makes me want to say UGGHHH, turn it off, but then again never has maiden made me say that. I honestly enjoy this album better than FOTD and NPFTD but thats just my opinion. no blaze isn;t as good as bruce. but he still rocks. people will always complain when there is change. Heck people are hating on Janick Gers, just cause he took adrians place back in 90. and hes one heck of a guitarist.

Average customer rating:

Second Album By This Line Up, Great Follow up Album
Just give this album a fair go!
Better than 'X Factor'...
Enough with the attacks and butchering !! 3.5 stars
Lack of Bruce not a disaster

Virtual XI
Iron Maiden
Manufacturer: Cmc International
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

The X Factor
Brave New World
No Prayer for the Dying
Dance of Death
The X Factor

ASIN: B0000061R9
Release Date: 1998-03-24

Tracks:

Futureal
The Angel And The Gambler
Lightning Strikes Twice
The Clansman
When Two Worlds Collide
The Educated Fool
Don't Look To The Eyes Of A Stranger
Como Estais Amigos

Customer Reviews:

Second Album By This Line Up, Great Follow up Album.......2007-06-26

Just give this album a fair go!.......2007-05-10

I have all Iron Maiden's/Dickinson's albums,and I think that Virtual XI aint half bad:a very enjoyable listen in fact.Lets face it:nobody is going to measure up to Bruce,so quit comparing.Anyway,if Blaze is so bad,why are the prices for new and used here holding up so well.It's all about supply and demand after all.I see Bruce's albums aren't holding up so well in some cases as regards price.Blaze's voice here is an improvement on The X Factor which wasn't as bad as it was painted either.In my humble opinion,Maiden's worst album was Killers:Paul Di Anno[Originally Andrews.What's in a name huh?]had an atrocious voice.I'd rather listen to Blaze Bayley anytime thanks.Obviously,if you listen to Blaze straight after a Bruce album you will need to adjust;but if you play one when you haven't listened to Bruce for a time,it sounds great.I think that The X Factor got such a bad press that hardly anybody bothered to hear it or Virtual XI for themselves before damning them.You have to make up your own mind up and not take the "experts" word for it.You're missing out on an underated Maiden album whose musicianship and music are still first class Maiden.

Better than 'X Factor'..........2007-01-18

...which isn't saying much. At least with this album, someone told Blaze to sing on key. I felt the songs were much more powerful and meaningful on 'X' even if they were badly sung. But there are some of the songs that are just as powerful (See 'The Clansman' especially on the Rock in Rio).

Enough with the attacks and butchering !! 3.5 stars.......2006-11-08

It is just lame how people attack either Janick, Blaze, Virtual XI and/or X Factor.
This CD holds it own against maiden's albums, yes not the best but as I said it holds its own!
After the dark X-Factor sound Blaze and the lads come back with a more maiden-esque sound.
1) Futureal: Great fast rocker, awesome solo. 7.5
2) Angel and the gambler: I have a soft spot for this one, though yes, it drags a bit. 7
3) Lightning strikes twice: Good but not my fav. great guitars again as usual ! 7
4) The clansman: Someone wrote about the lyrics being lame or something, I just don't think that way, this is just the kind of interesting maiden song and lyrics that sets them apart from the rest of today's music. On par with Bruce's live version, though the intro sounds better live. 8.5
5) When two worlds collide: Just not my fav, not bad though. 6
6) Educated fool: Love this song but it is not maiden's best, the mood it has... soft spot for me so this one is kinda subjective. 7
7) Don't look to the eyes of a stranger: Good song, the band sounds great and the melody is really interesting, but again not one of my favs 6
8) Como estais amigo: Awesome way to end the album y really like this one, no complains. 8

If you open you mind and ears you might enjoy a 26 year or so maiden catalog instead of just sticking to the 83-88 period and whining about everything since.
Blaze is great, Janick has earned his place in maiden, he brought diversity and imagination to the guitar structures and his abilities are nothing to sneeze about.
X-factor and Virtual XI are good to great albums, period !
At least in my opinion... listen to them and don't look for Bruce, just listen to the songs.
Bruce came back and we all happy, but those Bruce-less years were not a waste.
Cheers !!!

Lack of Bruce not a disaster.......2006-05-16

I'll keep this brief. Though Blaze Bayley doesn't have Bruce Dickinson's vocal range (who does?) there are some good songs on this album, and Blaze's style is completely acceptable. You just need to realise that he is simply a different kind of singer to Bruce.

My standout tracks would be basically the first four.

Average customer rating:

Second Album By This Line Up, Great Follow up Album
collections of Iron Maiden albums

Virtual XI
Iron Maiden
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

New Wave | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

British Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
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X Factor
Fear of the Dark
No Prayer for the Dying
Brave New World
A Real Live One

ASIN: B000063DFV
Release Date: 2002-03-26

Tracks:

Futureal
Angel and the Gambler
Lightning Strikes Twice
Clansman
When Two Worlds Collide
Educated Fool
Don't Look to the Eyes of a Stranger
Como Estais Amigos

Customer Reviews:

Second Album By This Line Up, Great Follow up Album.......2007-06-26

collections of Iron Maiden albums.......2007-04-04

Well,I purchased these items so i can finish all my Iron Maiden albums. The first Iron Maiden CD That I bought, was "Seventh Son Of The Seventh Son", it was great album. On that day when I purchased the items from AMAZON, i almost complete all my collections of Iron Maiden albums, and I wanted to say Thank you to AMAZON to help me to send the items that i purchased, and I hope I can visit again AMAZON soon for more items to purchased.

Average customer rating:

Second Album By This Line Up, Great Follow up Album
WHAT!?!
3.5 stars - Not as bad as people say
Virtual XI
Not impressed

Virtual XI
Iron Maiden
Manufacturer: Never
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

New Wave | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

British Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Tracks:

Futureal
The Angel And The Gambler
Lightning Strikes Twice
The Clansman
When Two Worlds Collide
The Educated Fool
Don't Look To The Eyes Of A Stranger
Como Estais Amigos

Album Details

Very Limited Edition 3d Linticular Front Cover + A 16 Page Booklet.

Customer Reviews:

Second Album By This Line Up, Great Follow up Album.......2007-06-26

WHAT!?!.......2005-05-30

This rocks!

Futureal is a great rocker featuring the best guitar work of Iron Maiden's career!

Other highlights include The Clansman, The Educated Fool, & Don't Look To The Eyes Of A Stranger.

The Angel And The Gambler and Como Estais Amigos are both pretty much average rockers.

When Two Worlds Collide is a all-out slam-dunk rock-fest!

Finally, Lightning Strikes Twice features a great build-up to chorus.

Sure, it dosen't sound like Maiden, but does that really matter as long as it rules!?!

3.5 stars - Not as bad as people say.......2004-02-21

Virtual XI (1998.) Iron Maiden's eleventh studio album, and the second and last to feature vocalist Blaze Bayley.

The nineties were a rough time for Iron Maiden. First of all, guitar genius Adrian Smith was replaced by the far less-received Janick Gers. Second, Bruce Dickinson departed the band so that he could work on his solo material. Many fans turned their back on the band they had loved so much in the nineties. Although guitarist Dave Murray saw the band's first album with new vocalist Blaze Bayley, The X Factor, as one of the band's greatest successes, fans didn't see things the same way. The band attempted a return to roots in 1998 with their second and final album with Blaze - Virtual XI. Did they succeed? Read on and find out.

As stated above, with this album the band attempted to return to normalcy, although they still didn't have Bruce back. What ultimately resulted from this is a mixed package. The opening track, Futureal, is one of the fastest and heaviest Maiden tracks ever released. In my opinion this is one of the finest songs the band ever released during the Blaze Bayley period. Even those who aren't fans of Blaze often praise this track. The Angel And The Gambler was the big hit off of the album, and although it is a strange track when compared to other Iron Maiden material, it is still a good song (if you think the song is weird, check out the music video!) The Clansman is one of the album's few tracks that comes off as truly outstanding. It's probably the most "epic" sounding thing here. Don't Look To The Eyes Of A Stranger is another excellent rocker, although it sounds as if it was written with Bruce in mind. In fact, that's true of many of the songs on this album. Overall, it's a good album, but I'm sure the band learned its lesson - you can't sound like Bruce unless you have Bruce!

Overall, I feel that this album is superior to the band's other album with Blaze Bayley, The X Factor, but I still don't think of this as one of the band's better albums - in fact, it's pretty close to the bottom. However, Maiden's worst albums are better than the lot of band's best albums. I don't recommend buying this unless you're a die-hard Maiden fan, though. But, if you only buy one Blaze-Maiden album, this is the one to get.

Virtual XI.......2003-12-08

I reviewed X factor by saying that it was a solid overall album.
When x factor came out originally, it was 1995 and i didn't originally like it (still missing bruce). So when virtual XI came out, there was a hope for optimism (as is the case with every maiden album). however, nothing disappointed me more than when i heard the first two minutes of angel and the gambler. I hope i don't insult anybody but songs are too long, boring and repetative. In angel in the gambler, he says "Don't you think i'm a saviour" like 65 times or something. and there are other songs that are repetative like this.
What I like, the clansman and futureal and the guitar solo's. some of the best solo's i've heard. but overall, it is a forgetable album. Don't get me wrong, the reason i don't like it is not because blaze is the singer, i just find that maiden was trying too hard to be maiden. i would give it a 1.5/5. Tour for that album was quite good though.

Not impressed.......2002-05-11

This was my first Iron Maiden cd. I bought it for very cheap at a used cd store. Now I know why it was there! "Futureal" is an ok song, but it doesnt even compare with their older stuff. "The Angel and The Gambler" is probably the best song on here, if you can listen to all of it without getting bored. I guess "When Two Worlds Collide" is another decent song, but thats about all. The guitar work is pretty good this album, but that's not enough to make you wanna listen.

Definitely don't buy this if you are new to Maiden, because it will leave you saying "What's everyone talking about? Iron Maiden's not that good". Anyways, You have to give them credit for coming back and making one of the best albums of their career, "Brave New World". Luckily i decided to give them a second chance after i bought Virtual, because their older stuff rules!

Virtual XI
Average customer rating:

Second Album By This Line Up, Great Follow up Album

Virtual XI
Iron Maiden
Manufacturer: EMI
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

British Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
Hard Rock & Metal | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B000006E99
Release Date: 1998-03-31

Album Description

Japanese edition of their 1998 album in a double jewel casewith a two track bonus disc featuring live versions of'Blood On The World's Hands' & 'The Aftermath'. 10 trackstotal, also featuring the single 'The Angel And TheGambler'. An EMI release.

Customer Reviews:

Second Album By This Line Up, Great Follow up Album.......2007-06-26