[Return_of_Darth_Painkiller_0870] Thursday, June 19, 2008 10:50:21 AM
I received my Deluxe Edition Tuesday, and immediately popped it into my laptop (I hooked in my external speakers for better quality sound). I am very much impressed by the production and the musicianship exhibited. Rob's vocals are incredible. I know the man can't scream like he did in his golden years, but seriously, who can? Robert Plant sure as hell can't, and in fact I think only Bruce Dickinson of Iron Maiden is the only one left out of the creme de la creme of top notch vocalists from the 80's who still can. But I don't let that deter from what I think of the songwriting. Overall, I think it's masterful and very well done (albeit with a couple Spinal Tap-like moments).
Like a few you, I agree that CD1 is much more heavier than the second disc. However, I think the uniqueness of that 2nd CD is what makes this such a special album. Pestilence and Plague, Death, Prophecy, and Nostradamus are the tracks which stand out the most to me. While I know there are plenty of you who don't care for the acoustic guitars and synths and those interludes between the main tracks, I personally enjoy them and love how everything is tied in so the album flows seamlessly!
