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Iron Maiden have seemingly embraced their progressive rock influences, and this album is a melting pot. Refreshing isn't normally a word I would use of any album which is comprised primarily of songs over seven minutes long, but there is just such a diversity of melody and structure to these tracks that the album is never in particular danger of becoming dull. The opening track 'Different World' (the next single release from the album) should leave nobody in any doubt that Iron Maiden can still combine melody with raw energy. Throughout this entire album the three guitars are utilised brilliantly, and this track is no exception. They don't just duplicate each other. Rather there's a multi-layered feel with something different to catch the ear at key moments. Adrian Smith uses a Gibson SG in this track, which gives his solo a real edge to it. 'These Colours Don't Run' seems to have emerged from a single line defiantly shouted by Bruce Dickinson at last year's Ozzfest fiasco, and while I'm not totally convinced by its grandiose sounding chorus the rest of it is melodically enticing. 'Brighter Than A Thousand Suns' is about the Manhattan Project which led to the development of the atomic bomb. In common with many other tracks on the album it combines delicate quiet passages with bowel shatteringly heavy moments in a combination which the band have captured perfectly this time round. All the quieter moments on this album sound much fuller and richer than at any previous time, and Bruce Dickinson's vocals are more sympathetic with the mood of the music than I've ever heard previously.'The Pilgrim' is briefer and more direct. An almost straightforward rocker with a fantastic chorus and the multilayered instrumentation again standing out. 'The Longest Day' is about the D-Day landings in 1944 and builds brilliantly. The lyrics at the beginning really help the dramatic build up. I haven't heard overt use of a guitar flanger since 1982s 'The Number of the Beast' and it's great to hear it used effectively at the beginning and end of this song. The instrumental break is frankly epic, with a spine tingling section which reminds me of the tail end of the instrumental section of 1983s 'Where Eagles Dare'. 'Out Of The Shadows' is reminiscent of 1992s 'Wasting Love' and as such I'm not enamoured with it. I thought the 1992 track was misguided. Fortunately this track is better, but if there is one weak song on this album then it's this one for me. The elusive Benjamin Breeg is next with its hard and heavy leading riff hitting the aural G-spot nicely. 'For the Greater Good of God' is another great epic. 'Lord of Light' has a beautiful intro belying the trademark Maiden gallop which follows, before it metamorphoses again. And 'The Legacy' is the most overtly progressive sounding track Maiden have ever done, showing Jethro Tull and Genesis influences among others. I have always considered Iron Maiden's 1980s albums to be their finest, but 2003s 'Dance of Death' supplied a few surprises that proved that they were far from being studio has-beens. But I wouldn't have dreamed that there was enough creative potential to create a 72 minute long album which is perilously close to being perfect. A real bolt out of the blue, with unparalleled musicianship from all concerned. Up the Irons.Read full review
Somewhere there is a phrase or whatever that says "Metal Is "---well that is what Iron Maiden is about--these middle aged metal masters STILL can teach ANY hard driving band how to attack with riff and purpose ; besides the lyrics have an undertone meaning worth considering . Maiden has gotten a bum rap over the years as a satanic band , but if you listen closely it will be apparent they are speaking out against many of the dark forces at work in our world today----they sound just as good as when I was a kid and this cd is what I say is back to the roots .Even if you're not into metal , the lyrics are worth noting. Sure you won't hear this on your local precious soccer mom "I love my house and car " station and fluffy and bow wow just make life enchanted program syndicated late night easy whine factor carried by at least 1000000000000 stations in US and Canada ---but these listeners are the first to run away from ANY music that will upset their "precious " mode and get them thinking . Iron Maiden music is mainly political concepts with a hard edge meant to shock but get one thinking---as a result ; this latest does the job quite well . If you liked the Maiden of the 80's then you will not be disappointed---my only question is why have I not heard this latest effort get airplay anywhere yet?Read full review
A very good release. The first 7 songs after the first song are really good tunes! Since they are well played and much lengthy. It is mucho recommended. 👍🏻😎
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
At one point I really thought that Iron Maiden was going right down the shitter. The X factor and the abmombidable virtual XI were Horrible!!!! But then........there was hope and I heard the Wicker Man on the radio and I said to myself "could it be ???" And it was. Bruce came back and the ship was righting itself. The good comeback album was good. Dance of death was a little weaker and I thought it was going back down the perverbial shitter again. But who would have thought that they would have come up with this!!!! Absolutely a Monster piece of music Artwork. Lord of light and Brighter than a thousand suns absolutely rank themselves into the Rime of the Ancient Mariner catagory of great Maiden tunes. And with that all I can say is Greatness has arrived!!!!
I love how each song in the Maiden Metal Machine's albums has a story to tell (especially Powerslave and Seventh Son of a Seventh Son). This one does as well but it doesnt seem very fresh and a lot of hard work was thrown in. Don't get me wrong worth buying and good songs, but no "key hit" songs. This album is like No Prayer For The Dying. Still worth buying though.
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