Review Summary: ...And winter's not the only dream around...
I guess the signs were there, we just couldn't see them. We were sure that their heyday was back. Brave New World was such an improvement over releases that preceded it, that it actually brought back memories of their 80's albums, one classic after another, vinyls that changed the Heavy Metal scene forever. We were even ready to forgive them a few chorus repetitions too many here and there, 'cause we decided to look at the big picture.
Alas, Dance of Death came to us in 2003, and it was clear right away that something was rotten in the state of Denmark, so to speak. For starters, just look at the cover. That piece of work from David Patchett is probably most ill-fated cover ever for Iron Maiden albums, and actually presents an unfinished version. I guess it makes sense, but one must wonder how this one made its way from the workshop to the product line. Even the author renounced it.
Next thing, their BNW energy was gone. The songs here are less versatile and more generic. Take, for example, the opener named "Wildest Dreams". Its riffs are very indistinctive, and while the chorus is quite catchy, the whole thing feels like a bad "Back in the Village" rip-off. Like that's not enough, at the half there is an abrupt interruption, and an already weak song becomes seriously bland.
However, this is top 10 Maiden albums, so things do get better along the way, and look no further than the next song as an evidence. "Rainmaker" is the perfect example how the matured heavy metal band should sound. Better-than-average riff and easily the best chorus of album remind us that we are listening to the very best heavy metal band ever. The song is powerful and distinguishing, yet guitars are precise and confident.
Those signs from the beginning of the review? What better example than "No More Lies". Here we have an almost perfect intro (trademark of Harris), and singing parts certainly do no harm. And there, at that moment, after all the preparation and introduction, we've got - numerous repetitions of same 3 words!? Need I say that solo is very unmemorable. However, don't even begin to think that this is a low-point. Just listen to "Montsegur". Even by their 2000's standard, it's weak. The rhythm is almost non-existent, Bruce is simply trying too hard, and the chorus is probably one of their worst ever. In all the honesty, the solo is pretty damn solid, but by the time it actually does start, all the interest you might have is long gone.
Thankfully, title track, for most of its duration, nails it. Acoustic intro is as melodic as ever, and Bruce's more tender voice is just groundbreaking. I still don't quite get why did they have to have that middle part where he attempts to sing along with the guitar, 'cause it's totally unnecessary. Solo is easily the best of album, and on a level with their 80' classics. It certainly overstays its welcome by roughly 2 minutes, but nevertheless, I'll take this over their new releases every day of the week. Next in line is probably the most polarizing song here, that being "Gates of Tomorrow". Personally, I adore it, since by its simplicity and its light heart approach, it very much reminds me of "Out of the Silent Planet" from their previous album. The chorus is catchy and solo is above an average. Oh, and that main riff is ageless (you'll know which one when you hear it).
Nicko's first songwriting credits goes to "New Frontier", and although I have no great love for this song, I think he totally deserved a chance. After all, he is the oldest guy of this heavy metal troop, and he always gives nothing but his best. Therefore, the irony here is that drumming parts are cons of his first piece of work. Pity, since chorus is light and quite solid. "Paschendale" is possibly the biggest disappointment here, since all we can find in it is searching for a greatness, and never really reaching it. Its main theme is lacking in melody, and again we have lines that Bruce sings with the same pace as the guitars, which is never a good thing. The solo only shows us a glimpse of what those guys can do, and what a wasted opportunity it was.
"Face in the Sand" is a much better example in building up the tension, as its intro is as powerful as any, and although I dislike Bruce's way of singing of these lines, it isn't that much of a distract. If this was an instrumental song (speaking of which, a few here and there wouldn't hurt) it would an awesome one. "Age of Innocence" is a classic filler, needlessness of a high profile, unfortunately a common place in their latest editions. I don't know what's the point of this piece, except for making the album lengthier.
Once again, like on numerous occasions before, Maiden saved their best for the last. And unlike that time when they chose "Ganglang" over "Total Eclipse", this time they have chosen wisely and went with "Journeyman" over - "Journeyman"!? Electric version is indeed fine and all, but the acoustic version is simplistic marvel, a masterpiece of minimalism, their finest and the most beautiful song between Brave New World and The Book of Souls. It is their only all-acoustic song ever, and one cannot help but wonder - why? 'cause, quite honestly, they don't come much better than this. The lyrics are something special, probably because they have nothing to do with history, battles, famous people, books, etc. Story here is (according to Bruce) about - Iron Maiden, their writing process.
All in all, we expect brilliance and got ourselves an average Iron Maiden album, but once again, those guys showed us that, when they actually do nail it, they nail it better than anybody.
High Point: "Journeyman" is marvelous, well-thought acoustic experience.
Interesting Point: Title track, although it could use some trimming, is nevertheless an epic.
Low Point: "Montsegur" is a filler in disguise. Actually, it's not even disguised.
