Album Review

Steve Harris - British LionSteve Harris – British Lion

Legendary Iron Maiden bassist Steve Harris has decided to go forth and produce a solo record, it’s hard to picture how a solo album would sound seeing as he is on the frontline of Iron Maiden’s writing process and gives that his heart and soul, hard to picture this being much different. That being said it is unfair but a fact that this record is going to be attached to Iron Maiden so I will try my best to try and keep these separate unless there’s anything of strong presence leading me to make such remarks.

Those expecting a slight twist on material associated with Iron Maiden need to calm down, this is nowhere near the likes of the NWOBHM legends but instead takes on a classic hard rock style, in all fairness to Mr Harris with over 30 years with Iron Maiden he has managed to steer clear of bringing those same stylistic elements into his solo project, except for the odd twinge which in all fairness is unavoidable when a man becomes associated with an act. Herein lies the problem; Iron Maiden’s music is timeless, British Lion’s music is just lesser standard of quality, you’ve got “Us Against the World” and “Judas” which I hate to say it definitely has some Iron Maiden style qualities in it, “Eyes of the Young” which is really upbeat and powerful which is great on this record, “The Lesson” which is a soft ballad containing acoustic guitar piano and vocals which is also another really strong point of the album.

Not really living up to its hype, it’s not a bad album but never the less it’s not even going to compete with any of the albums already released for my top 10 this year, it’s great for a few listens but nothing really sticks with me here. It’s not an Iron Maiden rip off its a ballsy hard rock record which is great as it would have been easy to just produce more of the same to make a bit of money but Harris has steered clear of that but that doesn’t take away from the fact it’s still been done to death before now.

3/5

Review by James Webb

 Band Members

Steve Harris
Richard Taylor
 Track Listing
1. This is my God
2. Lost Worlds
3. Karma Killer
4. Us Against the World
5. The Chosen Ones
6. A World Without Heaven
7. Judas
8. Eyes of the Young
9. These are the Hands
10. The Lesson
 Band Related Links
Steve Harris Facebook
 Review Score Code
- Top Cheese
- Brilliant
- Pretty damn good
- Ok I guess
- What Was That?