A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH

4.5 stars. An improvement over the previous album "Dance Of Death" especially the cover art. Haha. This is the most progressive release from MAIDEN since "Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son". I can't get over the variety here, even with Bruce's vocals. I really think they're trying to mix it up a bit more on this album and for me it works big time.This album has taken me longer to get into as well compared to their past albums. One complaint is that at 72 minutes it's too long, but when they finish the way they do with those last four tracks it's hard to complain.

"Different World" is an uptempo rocker and Nicko is all over this one. It's the most straight forward track though. "These Colours Don't Run" opens with some atmosphere with Harris adding some synths. I like when it picks up and the vocals arrive. More synths after 3 minutes followed by some ripping guitar. "Brighter Than A Thousand Suns" is a top three track for me. Like most songs it opens in a laid back manner before kicking in. Huge bass when it does as the guitars grind away. Blistering guitar solo after 3 1/2 minutes. It gets intense a minute later. Some really good contrasts on this one between the heavy and more laid back sections. Check out Adrian Smith on the synth-guitar after 7 minutes.

"The Pilgrim" is a fast paced tune with Nicko once again keeping very busy. Bruce is giving his all vocally. Nice and heavy with deep bass lines. "The Longest Day" is mid paced to start with a heavy soundscape and vocals with attitude. It kicks into gear but it's not as dark. These contrasts continue. A killer instrumental section after 4 1/2 minutes. Heavy stuff. "Out Of The Shadows" opens with outbursts of drums before it settles with reserved vocals.This is a powerful mid- paced track that changes 3 1/2 minutes in with some great bass. "The Reincarnation Of Benjamin Breeg" starts slowly as usual before almost spoken words come in just before a minute. It settles then here we go ! Check out the rhythm section ! Very cool track. "For the Greater Good Of God" opens with fat bass lines and is very atmospheric. Reserved vocals come in with synths. It kicks in around 1 1/2 minutes. Great sound ! Amazing sound after 6 minutes as they rip it up. Nice and heavy too.

"Lord Of Light" is a top three track for me. It's all pretty reserved until after 1 1/2 minutes then all hell breaks loose. It settles after 4 minutes as contrast continues. "The Legacy" is the other top three tune although "The Longest Day" and "The Reincarnation Of Benjamin Breeg" are all right there for me. So that's my top five I suppose. The final track starts off with acoustic guitar as reserved vocals come in.The tempo starts to pick up. It's even fuller after 3 minutes. Check out the guitar after 5 1/2 minutes then Harris joins in. Another guitar solo follows and then it ends as it began.

Difficult for me being such a fanboy not to give this five stars.