Iron Maiden – The Final Frontier

I can't think of many bands looking at a career retrospective that demand so much attention as Maiden does, the immense nature of their impact on the metal...

Released by EMI Records

Release Date: August 13, 2010

Genre: Heavy Metal

Links: http://www.ironmaiden.com/


Line Up:

Bruce Dickinson – vocals

Dave Murray – lead & rhythm guitars

Adrian Smith – lead & rhythm guitars

Janick Gers – lead & rhythm guitars

Steve Harris – bass, keyboards

Nicko McBrain – drums, percussion


Tracklist:

1. Satellite 15….The Final Frontier (8:40)

2. El Dorado (6:49)

3. Mother Of Mercy (5:20)

4. Coming Home (5:52)

5. The Alchemist (4:29)

6. Isle Of Avalon (9:06)

7. Starblind (7:48)

8. The Talisman (9:03)

9. The Man Who Would Be King (8:28)

10. When The Wild Wind Blows (10:59)


Ah yes that moment is here, yes you know what I’m referring to right? No didn’t quite get it yet, well is that monumental event where every metal head gathers around and life comes to a complete stop to check out what these epic heroes are up to after some nearly 30 years in the Metal scene. Yes is the new Iron Maiden record!!!.  I can’t think of many bands looking at a career retrospective that demand so much attention  as Maiden does, the immense nature of their impact on the metal world and thousands of bands that have been influence through the years is a testament to their longevity and passion for the music they love.

When the boys reunited back in 2000 for “Brave New World” I thought to myself that maybe it was last de tour for the band and eventually would fade into oblivion as so many great bands have, but boy was I wrong. After a somewhat lackluster couple of albums in “Dance of Death” and “A Matter Of Life and Death” we’re delivered, even then the band’s sound was progressing into a more melodic metal with some more narrowed metal and Prog Rock influences. Just being realistic here, is almost impossible to try to pretend the band is going to sound like they did in their hay day. So with that approach I had no expectations on “The Final Frontier”, I was just glad these guys are still around and attempting to deliver something significant to the metal world and I’m glad I did because I was extremely surprise with the outcome.

I wonder how great vocalists do it? I mean Bruce Dickinson still sounds fucking amazing, the guy tears it up live on tour and after world tour after world tour for the band, his radio show and countless press and awards shows, the man still has time to saddle up for yet another strong performance in the vocal department. He really is the epitome of greatness and royalty amongst living vocalists. Listen to “Mother of Mercy” and you still notice the trademark residual impact the Bruce still has on these songs. “El Dorado” is Steve Harris thundering bass galloping reminiscent of so many classic Maiden tunes from their extensive catalog, with pierce and precision. Epic tunes are what made Iron Maiden such an endearing metal staple, not just that but the way they used history to create striking and powerful imagery in our heads. The first real epic here is “Isle Of Avalon” even though is a nice build up in terms of structure, the song kinda dragged on a bit for me even with the progressive rock temperaments.

Is alright kiddies, no worries because the almost 8 minute epic in “Starblind” shows a more vintage Maiden as Bruce spits fire and brimstone as this one turns out to be one of the strongest offering in terms of songwriting. For all hail and glory comes another brainstorming of a tune in the crushing sound of “The Talisman”, are you serious? These guys are in their mid 50’s I asked myself..holy crap. No wonder Nicko expressed his rejoiced for just making alive past the recordings. I’ll leave the ending track to your imagination as the guys push an over 11 minute Epic to prove they can still maneuver over such great distances.

I guess in reality they really have nothing left to prove right? I mean their career speaks for itself and the amount of material in their catalog is enough to make any other band envious. Ken Shirley long time producer for the band keeps on adding tight recordings once more and all the guys sound great. The trifecta of Smith, Murray and Gers are solid, the guitars even though solid take more of a backseat here as the rhythm guitars and the slight progressive elements take more control so set the overall mood. Bottom line is that the record provides a bang for your buck no undoubtly, and if you’re a Maiden fan you will likely find something here to listen to and will enjoy. I’m not sure how long the band plans on pushing forward but the truth is I don’t care because as long as they keep kicking ass millions of fans will keep on buying their sell ticket live and in stores because in the end is all about  Up The Irons!!!!

Written by Denys

Ratings Denys  9/10


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