siLLy puPPy There's no denying that Ария (Aria) borrows heavily from Iron Maiden (and Judas Priest to a lesser extent). So much so that you can tell exactly which song they lifted a riff or fill or lead from. I'm normally totally turned off by such blatant plagiarism. However, these guys really nailed it big time. Not only do they sound like an Iron Maiden from a parallel universe, which the Soviet Union kinda was back then, but they add their own ideas to make some really catchy and profound music.

The reason this works so well for me, despite sounding like a clone at times, is the context of time and place the music was created. In the late 80s and early 90s when Ария (Aria) was at their peak, the situation in the Soviet Union was nearing utter collapse. Music, especially heavy music was the anecdote (along with maybe vodka) to help ease the pain of the horrible existence many youth endured. The fact that they could hear of bands like Iron Maiden but would never have the opportunity to see them live or even own their albums unless it be some bad quality bootlegs, meant someone had to fill that slot. Well, Ария (Aria) was there to save the day to give the hungry metalheads what they craved. Not only did they deliver it like pros and in their own language but they equaled the passion, the musicianship and songwriting of their influences.

I find myself listening to this album more than I ever thought I would and will be seeking out others. 4 stars.