Forgive me if this sort of thing is frowned upon, but I figured I'd be safe as it's no longer in print. Can someone please help with a 16/44 lossless rip of the 4 disc vinyl version? I bought the double CD with the hardback book as a young man of twenty and thought that was as good as it got. Apparently not.
https://www.discogs.com/release/8691447-Iron-Maiden-Best-Of-The-Beast
I don't think I've played either of these in full since they were new (33 years man and boy, he said in his best Archie The Pub Bore from The Fast Show voice). I bought the 1998 remasters to complete my set, but they're almost painful to listen to. Donington 92 was a much more energetic performance and a better recording, with the bonus of a guest appearance from Adrian. Why could this not have been the only live bookend to the Fear Of The Dark tour and the end of the first Dickinson era?
Martin Birch's absence is keenly felt, and points to a deeper problem that had dogged Maiden as a whole since the dawn of the 90s. 'Arry took the reins on these two live records and, for reasons known only to himself, decided to ignore everything that made Live After Death the masterpiece it is. Was this a subconscious act of sabotage in the wake of Bruce's departure to downplay that chapter? If I were the captain of the ship I would never have released them and scrapped the whole idea.
From Hardline Media's website.
'Hardline Media presents
Please note this is the songwriting team of Dogma, with band featuring ¾ of Dogma members, and the band will be performing Dogma songs live. What you will be seeing is the true Dogma under a different name VINDICTA.
After quite the saga… Hardline Media are stoked to announce the inaugural and triumphant Reckoning tour of VINDICTA.
ADELAIDE, MELBOURNE, SYDNEY & BRISBANE, it’s your turn…
Born from the ruins of greatness, Vindicta rise, more original and even greater than before. Australian believers, we heard your call…vocalist Grace Pasturini (Lilith) and guitarists Amber Maldonado (Lamia) and Patri Grief (Rusalka) will be descending down under in June 2026.
Blending heavy riffs, cinematic atmospheres and strong melodic hooks, VINDICTA deliver a powerful and emotionally driven sound rooted in modern Metal, with a strong focus on performance, visuals and storytelling.
With members based in Italy, the United States and Spain, VINDICTA operates as an international project with a global outlook.
The band recently released their debut single “The Face of the Clown” which received an excellent response from fans and marked the first step in establishing VINDICTA’s own musical identity.
Built as a professional, long-term project, VINDICTA is driven by a clear creative vision and an international growth strategy. Their live shows combine new original material with selected songs previously performed by the members, including material from Gospel I, presented within a renewed concept and sound.
VINDICTA represents a new chapter shaped by experience, creative freedom and ambition, with a clear focus on building something solid, forward-looking and international.
Come and join us. We are Vindicta.'
51 days and counting until the first EVER Vindicta ritual. In my home city, yet! I'm privileged to say I'll be there and will post as many meet and greet photos as this sub allows. Good things are worth waiting for.