Concert Review: Iron Maiden tours their epic 16th studio album (PHOTOS)

A sea of metal heads surged towards Rogers Arena on an otherwise quiet Sunday night in Vancouver to revel in the epic glory that is Iron Maiden. Generations of fans from around the world represented at the show sporting memorabilia from past tours across multiple countries and albums. Nuclear families even made a point to come out and revel in the experience together; usual bedtimes be damned.

Image: Brandon Artis Photography

With barely an empty seat in the house, the show opened to reveal an intricate multi-level stage designed to look like the Maya civilization the band’s latest album, The Book of Souls, was visually designed around. Compared to other arena shows held at Rogers, the production on The Book of Souls tour felt purposely lo fi to place more emphasis on the performance itself.

With a flash of pyrotechnics, lead singer Bruce Dickinson burst onto the stage and dove straight into the first song, “If Eternity Should Fall.” Playing out the majority of their 16th studio album, the band made sure to include many classic tracks from their expansive catalogue. Some of which came out approximately when, “50 per cent of you lot weren’t even born yet!” Dickinson proclaimed in his instantly recognizable English accent.

Image: Brandon Artis Photography

With most of the band clocking in around 60 years of age, the show was incredibly energetic and powerful. From Dickinson running the stage end to end and hurling himself from ledges to guitarist Janick Gers effortlessly flipping his instrument around like a toy, it was amazing to witness in person.

Definite highlights from the show included the performance of “Tears of a Clown” dedicated to the late Robin Williams, “The Trooper” where Dickinson waved a British flag and wore a red coat jacket, the wailing guitar solos on “Powerslave,” and the lead single from their latest album, “Speed of Light.”

Check out the rest of the images from the epic performance: