PAUL DI'ANNO'S WARHORSE
April 7, 2024, 7 months ago
BraveWords Records
Brand new three-song EP from the former Iron Maiden singer, he's joined by Hrvoje Madiraca and Ante Pupačić Pupi on guitars, who are also credited for producers and arrangements, recorded in Studio Pupi in Croatia. Keep in mind, Paul Di'Anno has been based there while he's recovering from health issues, but he's been a beast on the road and fans are excited to see their icon in person. The first song, "Stop The War", was released in 2023 as a single/video, an anti-war anthem with related imagery and lyrics in the video. No, the music is not like those first two Maiden, it's very straight forward heavy metal packed with power and Di'Anno's recognizable voice leading the charge. Meaty riffs, twin guitars with solo and a melodic break after where Paul gets to use his melodic tone, which he still maintains after all these years. More riffs and divebombs on the punchy mid tempo "The Doubt Within" where Di'Anno sticks to his strengths going back and forth between his tougher tone in the verses and melodic side (which will briefly transport you back to early Maiden) for dynamics. Splashes of keyboards also included for another complimenting layer. Horse sounds for the title track, another meat and potatoes fist banger with tougher backing vocals for the chorus. Curious what the full album turns out like, hopefully there are a couple songs like Maiden's "Prodigal Son" and "Strange World" to appreciate more of that from his voice. But wouldn't it be cool if he joined his former bandmates on tour for a batch of songs from those first two albums. But right now the focus is all Warhorse and fans will hear a full-length album before the end of the year.