DANCE OF DEATH

Yes, Iron Maiden are back with this stunning album "Dance Of Death". Another effort where every member did put some effort in the songwriting process (yes, even drummer Nicko McBrain). Although there are more fast and heavy songs on this album than on the previous releases, there are still many quiet moments and even a couple progressive songs. And the fast and heavy songs are this time interesting...

The first two songs "Wildest Dreams" and "Rainmaker" are straightforward heavy metal pieces, but this time Iron Maiden managed to open an album with totally catchy songs (they barely did that since "Powerslave"), the second one being my all time live favorite Maiden song. "No More Lies" and "Montségur" are again rocking songs, the latter being again an all time live favorite with the good feeling of the old days back during "Peace of Mind" or "Powerslave". "Dance Of Death" starts with a frightful acoustic intro, a bit like the one on the song "Como Estais Amigos" but with more chilling lyrics, and then becomes a powerful rocking song with top quality melody and vocals. "Gates Of Tomorrow" is probably the only weak track on the album - a bit cheesy with an unmemorable melody. "New Frontier" is another song that is hinted as a leap back to the old days - fast, catchy, rocking (the mid part really sounds like the intro to "Prowler"). "Paschendale" is a song that nobody can forget, probably the best song ever written by the band - totally stunning epic track (just listen to the guitar solo around the 5 minute mark, then the awesome vocals, then the following guitar solo again - unbelievable), as much progressive as it can get. "Face In The Sand" is another of those unforgettable songs - another power ballad in the vein of "Blood Brothers". When you hear the first notes of "Age Of Innocence", you instantly recognize a Murray/Harris type of song - quiet at start, but powerful for the rest of the song - not one of their best, but still a good song. And what a way to close the album with the gorgeous ballad "Journeyman" - an acoustic piece with, for once, gentle vocals by Bruce Dickinson - simply awesome.

Rating: 91/100 (5 stars)

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