Face Of Cheam

One of the essential metal bands at Earls Court at Christmas! considering I've not seen them before then thought this opportunity could not be turned down. Alas thetickets were bought way in advance and until recently I did not know that they were doing the whole of their new album (A Matter Of Life & Death) in its entirity. I was prepared to be disappointed. However, the new songs actually sounded really good. Probably not enough for me to purchase the album at full price but shall certainly look for it in the January bargains! As a show it was very very good. Bruce Dickinson's vocals were spot on and you had the metal cliches with Eddie appearing in a tank during the last song before the encore. Out of the classic half hour at the end, 'Fear Of The Dark' was awesome and we also got 'Iron Maiden' and 'Hallowed Be Thy Name'. Alas no Run To The Hills but you can't have everything. The band clearly don't want to linger on their past too much. Still will go again if they play indoors. Their next rumoured gig is Donnington which never ever appeals!