No classic, but definitely worth 5 stars!

It was 1992, the time of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal was finally over. Those who wanted hard music went into the hardcore area or (more rarely) to the Death / Black Metal. All interested Iron Maiden precious little, otherwise they would have brought out no album which was in the best Maiden Metal tradition evident. And although the predecessor "No Prayer For The Dying" by fans and critics (sometimes wrongly, sometimes rightly) was panned. But this 92er work "Fear of the Dark" in my opinion, belongs again to the more powerful the band's albums. Sure, a classics were the virgins not out for them is too little new sunken. However, they provide typical Maiden songs on a fairly high level. A few weak points of course there are. Bruce example sounds partly vocally strong unchallenged. One often has the feeling that he really would have to be more capable. In addition, Steve Harris and Co. get the idea from this album to repeat the chorus of a song over and over again and again, until you become jittery. Thank God can largely persuade otherwise that would be bad the song material. The production is much better than its predecessor because punchier. For 90 ratios you can still expect a little more. Despite some weaknesses is "Fear of the Dark" become very good if and has not really bad songs.

Be Quick or Be Dead: A fast-paced opener, in which Bruce indeed quite rumquäkt in the chorus, but can convince with hard riffs yet full. (5/5)
From Here to Eternity: Heavy mood song with strong riffs. (4/5)
Afraid to Shoot Strangers: A very unusual for Maiden conditions because quiet number that again increases the fantastic metal song. Bruce's vocals are phenomenal! (5/5)
Fear is the Key: A metal song at a good level. (4/5)
Childhood's End: Again unusual and quite used to, the good midsection but compensated again. (4/5)
Wasting Love: Fantastic ballad! The singing, the guitar work, all at a high level. The first pure rock ballad of Maiden. (5/5)
The Fugitive: Good speed metal song which is not quite as good sets in the ear. (4/5)
Chains of Misery: Strong song with heavy riffs and class midsection. (5/5)
The Apparition: Unusual Hard Rock number, which can also convince with good riffs. (4/5)
Judas Be My Guide: Fast Metal song with awesome riffs and catchy chorus. (5/5)
Weekend Warrior: Almost perfect song for very good guitar work, but the singing falls somewhat. (4/5)
Fear of the Dark: Ingenious title track! From quiet start to putting a perfect Metal Maiden Song! (5/5)

Fear of the Dark is a very special album for me, one of my favorite albums of Iron Maiden, although it has a few minor weaknesses. Among the classics of the 80's I would expect it should under no circumstances, however, it is good enough to earn 5 stars, especially when you consider the other metal bands would give anything to bring out only a single metal album at this level. Fear of the Dark should definitely one of the best metal albums of his (which was admittedly not difficult;) 90). After Bruce Dickinson left the band to 2000 and Iron Maiden then brought out two not so great discs with Blaze Bayley. Just because Fear of the Dark, the strongest album of Maiden in the '90s is recommended!