BRAVE NEW WORLD

Not since "Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son" have IRON MAIDEN sounded so good. It's not surprising that the return of Bruce Dickinson and Adrian Smith coincide with them putting out such a stunning album. In some ways it seems like this record is a continuation of the sound from "Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son". And as Ghost Rider explains, this one might be even more progressive than that 1988 release. I have to mention the album cover as probably being my favourite MAIDEN cover ever. The main evil face in the sky with other creepy faces around it looking down on the futuristic city is fascinating to say the least. What does make this different from "Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son" is that this album really comes off as being like a greatest hits record with one amazing song after another, and they are all very different from one another as well. Whereas "Seventh Son..." is a concept album with the songs being all connected somewhat. Some have mentioned the fact that there are 3 lead guitarists on this record, but keep in mind that all 3 also play rhythm guitar, it's not like 3 guys are soloing at the same time or standing there waiting for their turn to play when the other is done.

"The Wicker Man" opens with heavy riffs as vocals come in. Harris is incredible on bass.The instrumental section 2 1/2 minutes in is a highlight followed by some blistering guitar. Bruce does his famous vocal melodies 4 minutes in to the end of the song. "Ghost Of The Navigator" is even better in my opinion, especially the lyrics and the relentless rhythm. The beautifully tasteful guitar intro is run right over by the heavy riffs that follow. The vocals and sound 1 1/2 minutes in are beyond words.Themes are repeated. Ripping guitar after 4 1/2 minutes and check out Nicko on drums a minute later. "Brave New World" is my favourite track. I just love the contrast of the gorgeous mellow sections to the hell bent for leather passages.The intro is simply wondrous. Reserved vocals come in with beautiful lyrics. All hell breaks loose 1 1/2 minutes in as Nicko pounds it out and Bruce's voice rises in power. Chunky bass is so upfront during the chorus. A guitar solo 4 minutes in goes on and on,my God ! Another leads guitarist takes the baton and runs with it. The song ends just as it began.

"Blood Brothers" is the only song composed by Steve Harris all by himself. He does take part in writing on every song on this album but gets help from various band members. The rhythm to open is almost waltz-like.This song has some orchestration that comes and goes. Fat bass lines from Harris. A calm 4 minutes in that continues as we get some fantastic soaring guitar after 5 1/2 minutes. The chorus then follows as Bruce shouts "We're blood brothers" over and over. Hell ya ! "The Mercenary" is one of my top 3 favourites.This one is furious with classic MAIDEN lyrics. Such a full and powerful sound that is drum led. Vocals are aggressive. "Show them no fear show them no pain". Absolutely blistering guitar 3 minutes in followed by a second ripping solo. Nice. Nicko is relentless with the pounding drums. "Dream Of Mirrors" is such a ride. The intro is probably my least favourite part of the album but the rest of the song is outstanding. The tempo shifts are especially incredible to listen to. The song is fairly reserved until they start to power up 3 minutes in on the chorus. It becomes restrained again until before 6 minutes when it seems to get faster and faster,and check out the vocal melody after 7 minutes followed by some scorching guitar. It slows back down after 8 minutes. "The Fallen Angel" is so heavy with the ground-shaking bass and drums. Bruce sings passionately in this powerful tune. Check out the guitar solos 3 minutes in.

"The Nomad" is my other top 3 track. I love the classic MAIDEN lyrics and the beat is the best on the album as the guitar plays over top. Mind-numbing stuff. Vocals after a minute. 2 1/2 minutes in he sings Nomad and holds the note like the good old days. Priceless.The guitar to follow is just outlandish. It's so good. A calm 4 1/2 minutes in is very cool. Some orchestration comes in as the song becomes full again. Wondrous guitar to end it. Great, great tune. "Out Of The Silent Planet" opens with guitar that is replaced by reserved vocals. The song kicks in after a minute. Harris is all over this one. Check out the lyrics "The punishment is death for all who live".The tempo really shifts on this song as well. The instrumental section 4 minutes in is a highlight,and then they start that galloping rhythm they're famous for. "The Thin Line Between Love & Hate" has this great heavy intro that starts to pick up speed as vocals come in. We find out why Bruce is called the human siren 2 minutes in and 3 1/2 minutes in. Inspired ripping guitar follows. A calm 5 1/2 minutes in is so beautiful as guitar is played mournfully followed by sad vocals. It starts to pick back up as a guitar solo rises up from the calm. Another calm ends the song and the album.

This hopefully is a brave new era for the band where everything old is new again. All i know is that this album is one of my top 5 MAIDEN records, and that's saying something.