Album Rating: 4.0
Ok Here is my review.
Back in 1998 when Virtual 11 was released, I really had fears the best output from Maiden would be forever behind them. Sure there are people that like, even love that album, but for me it was so uninspired, plodded along and I believed the beginning of the end. Brave New World quickly put those fears aside, what a comeback album, clearly benefitting from the return of Bruce and Adrian. But the question I must admit for me, was how long will this return to form last before they (inevitably I seemed to believe) slump again. For the most part, this hasn’t happened and ive been happy with all the albums since, happy enough anyway. For some reason though with each pending release I have this fear, will this be the one where I finally truly believe its time they should hang up their boots so to speak?
Well this album like the last few again makes me feel foolish even thinking such a thing! From my first listen, I was at least feeling this album was not going to let me down as my fears would suggest and I would ultimately be satisfied. But how satisfied? Early listens have had me fluctuate from only moderately to quite significantly, back to somewhere in between. But finally the other day, it clicked, as I hoped it would. And I’m settled that I’m really quite happy with this album.
For me, it holds up strongly courtesy of the following: The Red and the Black, The Book Of Souls, Death or Glory, Shadows of the Valley (love the seas of madness reference) and Empire of the Clouds. All great songs, well crafted, with energy, melody and hooks. These are the standouts for me.
If Eternity Should Fail should probably also be included in that list, its quite a strong opener, I like the intro and outro sections. The other songs are all generally good too, they all have their moments.
The whole album gives me a Powerslave feel and vibe, both musically and visually to a degree. Whether this had any bearing on why they reverted to the old logo, probably not, but its convenient, because to me it really does hark back to an earlier sound and feel than frontier, AMOLD and Dance of Death did etc.
With each album I wonder if this will be their last. Especially with Bruce’s recent health concerns, and lets face it, they are fricken old daddies now (relatively you know what I mean) you get the feeling the inevitable news the band has called it a day can’t be too far away. If this is to be their swansong, then not a bad way to go out at all. But they really deserve my trust, that should another follow, to have no doubt what will be delivered will again stand up to the mark. They are a force to be reckoned with.
|
Album Rating: 4.0
a couple other points but wouldn't fit in one post
I have no issues with any of the performances, I mean really they are all great, ive heard people say the drumming is too straight forward, im not a drummer, I haven’t really noticed.
If I had it my way I probably would of liked a couple more shorter tracks in there, even shorter and punchier than Death or Glory, something akin to rainmaker or Be Quick or Be Dead. But not really an issue for me at all.
|
