Iron Maiden Review: Brave New World

Iron Maiden

Brave New World

Review Score:

(8/10)
I give this album four stars because it is an excellent metal and Maiden album, but not one I would say merits the utmost honor and rating. First of all as a Maiden album BNW is different than others. If you like Maiden's early, middle and later periods (Iron Maiden and Killers, Number of the Beast through Seventh Son and Fear of the Dark to the present) or a combination of those then I would suggest this album. If you only like a few Maiden songs, this would not be your best bet. Go look for Rock in Rio. Secondly, if it is not obvious Maiden has evolved, whether in your opinion for better of for worse. This means this album cannot easily be compared with other Maiden albums, but maybe songs. I will use Maiden songs as a breakdown for comparison (except songs from Dance of Death, too easy).

The Wickerman- Great album opener, bass is obvious, catchy, simple chorus. Anthem like. Compare it to The Evil That Men Do.

Ghost of The Navigator- Another great song, builds and culminates in a nice breakdown into the chorus, catchy riffs, biting. Compare it to The Fugitive.

Brave New World- Slow, melodic start, builds rather slowly, sad almost poignantly, heavier than most on this album. Compare it to Fear of the Dark.

Blood Brothers- Orchestral accompaniment, slower, melodic as well, simple chorus, nice ending solos and vocal harmonies. Compare it to Infinite Dreams.

The Mercenary- Great track, fast-paced, basic verse/chorus/solo/bridge pattern, shredding solos, great sing-a-long. Compare it to The Trooper.

Dream of Mirrors- slower, longer, heavy breakdown with killer solos and vocals, takes longer to fully enjoy. Compare it to The Clansman.

The Fallen Angel- Very heavy, crunching, like Mercenary in style, but opposite in speed and rhythm, good middle track. Compare it to Caught Somewhere in Time.

The Nomad- long, repetitive, deep/low/slower, melodic solo section with orchestration in middle (rather cool). Compare it to To Tame A Land.

Out of The Silent Planet- more up-beat, builds nicely, great chorus and opening break to verse, awesome guitar work (harmonies, solos, and obvious three parts). Compare it to
Two Minutes To Midnight.

The Thin Line Between Love and Hate- Crushing, slower, optimistic, nice vocal range show off for Bruce, very melodic and slow almost acoustical seeming at end. Compare it to Still Life.

Overall great album if you like Maiden a lot, if you don't wait a little. If you have Maiden albums from early and later periods this is most likely the best from their last four studio albums. If your a new fan get one of the first two albums, Number of the beast, Powerslave, and Seventh Son of a Seventh Son before Brave New World.

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