Vitamin's String Quartet Tribute to Iron Maiden draws primarily from the pioneering U.K. metal band's fertile early-'80s streak: Number of the Beast, Piece of Mind, and Powerslave. It starts strong with "Run to the Hills," "The Number of the Beast," and "Two Minutes to Midnight," all three of which feature stirring violins and crisp changes. The addition of light percussion to the normal lineup of violin, viola, and cello is also an interesting move. Later highlights include "The Trooper" as well as the Somewhere in Time favorite "Wasted Years." It would be impossible for the musicians here to fully replicate the power and rapid-fire playing of Iron Maiden. But they are able to climb into the grandeur and ambitious structure of these songs, and that's something in which Maiden fans are sure to be interested. ~ Johnny Loftus, All Music Guide
