[2012-09-25] Steve Harris (Iron Maiden) "British Lion" debut solo album (Xenon)

Linda · **Posted:** Sat Jul 21, 2012 3:25 pm

[rimg=500,500]http://www.ironmaiden.com/fefiles/images/sh_600%281%29.jpg[/rimg]

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

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008N5UX9M/?tag=imwan-20

Linda · **Posted:** Sat Jul 21, 2012 3:26 pm

Quote:

STEVE HARRIS BRITISH LION - BRAND NEW ALBUM RELEASED SEPTEMBER 24

EMI Music are proud to announce the release of Iron Maiden founder Steve Harris’ debut solo/side project album. Entitled ‘British Lion’ and comprising ten songs that Steve and his collaborators have been working on for the past few years between Iron Maiden tours and releases, it is an album that will surprise and delight music fans the world over.

With a decidedly heavy rock-vibe this roaring debut paints with a full palette of sounds; brooding, melancholic, righteously indignant and exuberantly heavy. With Kevin Shirley at the mixing helm – whose credits include Iron Maiden as well as Led Zeppelin, Journey and Rush among many others – this is an album to sink your teeth into.

From the growling riffage of opening salvo This Is My God to the heavy forlorn balladry of follow-up Lost Worlds which showcases Richard Taylor’s soaring vocals, it’s clear that ‘British Lion’ is an altogether different beast from Maiden.

Karma Killer, with its dirge-like muscularity, and Us Against The World, with its massive chorus, demonstrates just how far ‘British Lion’ has flexed Steve Harris’ considerable musical muscle. Dovetailed with guitarist David Hawkins’ positively gargantuan lyrical guitar melodies, it’s a mere hors d'oeuvre ahead of the epic, riffing-feast of The Chosen Ones, with its swaggering bravado.

A World Without Heaven, at a breathtaking seven minutes and infused with progressive elements without ever teetering into self-indulgence illustrates perfectly these songsmiths’ colossal abilities to create a mood and stay there. Supercharged by Steve Harris’ inimitable style, there’s an un-cynical vibe here that’s as refreshing as it is out of place in today’s all-too-categorised music industry.

And as far as the name ‘British Lion’; “I’ve always been proud to be British,” explains Steve, “I don’t see any reason why I shouldn’t be. It’s a massive part of being me. It’s not like I’m flag-waving or trying to preach, this is not a political statement at all. It’s like supporting your football team, where you come from. I just think it lends itself to some really strong imagery too, and to me it fits in with the sound.”

With Iron Maiden, Steve Harris has become one of the most recognised and successful ambassadors for British music on the world stage. Having released 15 studio albums, sold over 85 million records worldwide and played more than two thousand gigs in 58 countries in the band’s thirty-five year career, his appeal is truly global.

And now with ‘British Lion’, Steve steps out from Iron Maiden’s illustrious shadow to present a different side of his musical visions.

The tracklisting for ‘British Lion’ is as follows:

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

http://www.steveharrisbritishlion.com

Mark Kravitz · 20 Nov 2006

I'd be very curious to what Steve Harris has to say outside of the Maiden life...

cryton · **Joined:** 06 Feb 2007 **Posts:** 5213

Definitely interested in hearing this one.

JosephC · **Joined:** 27 Jan 2011 **Posts:** 2650

I've given this a couple listens and I'd give this a thumbs up. However, the vocalist isn't very good and I found the sound to be very muddy. So if you are really picky about singers and/or muddy recordings then you might be turned off from this one right away. Despite those negatives I really liked the songwriting, some strong hooks and enough different styles to keep my attention from start to finish.

It's far different than what I expected. I thought it would be more commercial but still Maiden-like...kind of in the style of "From Here To Eternity" from Iron Maiden's "Fear of the Dark" album. But when listening to it I'd hear everything from newer style Candlemass (Karma Killer) to newer style Helloween (Us Against the World) to Bon Jovi. Not "You Give Love a Bad Name" Bon Jovi but rather the Bon Jovi where Jon and Ritchie are trying to channel Bruce Springsteen while writing (an example being "Blood on Blood"). There are a few tracks on this that have that Bon Jovi emulating Bruce Springsteen type of vibe to it.

Tricky Kid · **Joined:** 23 Sep 2007 **Posts:** 8297

[2012-09-25] Steve Harris (Iron Maiden) "British Lion" debut solo album (Xenon)

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