October 31st, 2017 - There Are Killers In The Killer Grove This All Hallows Eve!

Good evening and happy Halloween evil-doers!  The Meista here tonight with a treat for your tricks.  I'm pairing "Killers" by the mighty Iron Maiden and a Killer Grove Blood Orange Wheat Ale from Talisman Brewing Company!

Album Info:

• Artist: Iron Maiden
• Title: "Killers"
• Recorded: November 1980 through January 1981 at Battery Studios in London, England
• Release date: February 2nd, 1981 (2nd studio album by Iron Maiden)
• Record company: EMI Records
• Production: Martin Birch
• Album cover art: Derek Riggs
• Personnel: Clive Burr (drums), Paul Di'Anno (vocals), Steve Harris (bass guitar), Dave Murray (guitars), and Adrian Smith (guitars)
• Musical style: Heavy metal, power metal, speed metal
• Sound: In the early 1980s Iron Maiden (along with several other NWOBHM bands) completely changed the face of music and redefined the metal genre.  "Killers," the bands sophomore album was the first Maiden album I purchased and still gives me goosebumps to this day with every listen.  Pre-Dickinson era, "Killers" is a bit more raw in style and production (which I like), but it still has that Maiden signature sound (thunderous drums, melodic and fast guitar work, and that stampeding bass guitar.)  And it offers classic Maiden tracks like opener, "The Ides of March," the rockers, "Wrathchild," "Murders In The Rue Morgue," and of course, the title track, "Killers."  But there are also some other "hidden" gems on this album like "Another Life," "Genghis Khan," and "Purgatory" with their blistering, face-melting speed... and also the wonderful "Prodigal Son" with its beautiful guitar intro!
• Major themes: Murder, revenge, historical figures, evil, darkness, doom, isolation, wanderlust, etc.
• Tracks:   

1. "The Ides Of March"
2. "Wrathchild"
3. "Murders In The Rue Morgue"
4. "Another Life"
5. "Genghis Khan"
6. "Innocent Exile"
7. "Killers"
8. "Prodigal Son"
9. "Purgatory"
10. "Twilight Zone"
11. "Drifters"

Brew Info:

• Brewery: Talisman Brewing Company (Ogden, Utah)
• Website: https://www.talismanbrewingco.com/
• Brew: Killer Grove Blood Orange Wheat Ale
• Style: Honey Wheat Ale
• Serving: 22 ounce bottle
• ABV: 4.0%
• Pour: The Killer Grove pours a pale, hazy golden-straw color with a pinkish hue and a frothy, 1-finger, bright white head with good sustain and lacing.
• Nose: The nose is citrusy, bready, sweet, and tart.  There are aromas of orange zest, lemon zest, lemon juice, freshly baked honey wheat bread, light grains, and honey.
• Taste: The taste of the Killer Grove follows the nose with fruity, bready, sweet, and sour flavors.  There are notes of orange peel, orange juice, a hint of lemon, doughy wheat bread, a touch of sweet honey, and a hint of caramel.
• Mouthfeel: Light to medium in body and well carbonated, the mouthfeel is very crisp, slightly tart, and very smooth with a clean, slightly dry and tart finish.

Overall pairing: The Killer Grove Blood Orange Wheat Ale from Talisman Brewing Company is a great brew to accompany Iron Maiden's "Killers" on this All Hallows Eve!   I'm pairing these two beauties for several reasons: a) both are ass-kicker, "Killers" for its sonic assault and the Killer Grove Blood Orange for its punchy flavor.  b) both employ complex and intense approaches to delivery and flavor.  d) did I mention that they both kick ass?  :)!

Cheers and happy Halloween!!