Powerslave, this aint...
Review Score: 








(10/10)
While this isn't quite as much of a metal milestone as the band's previous albums, such as "Powerslave", "Somewhere In Time"
or, "The Number Of The Beast" were, it is inarguably a great piece of work. After two somewhat lackluster albums,
"No Prayer For The Dying" and "Fear Of The Dark", Bruce Dickinson
left Maiden, and the talented, yet inferior vocalist Blaze Bayley
was recruited, and the albums "X Factor" and "Virtual XI" were made, two more weak albums themselves. But Bruce returned, and so did Adrian Smith, who had been out since "No Prayer...", and Maiden recorded this triumphant return. With Janick Gers, who replaced Adrian during his absence, remaining, the band became equipped with a tripple guitar line-up, which fires on all six cylinders here. "The Wicker Man", the album's first single, and smash radio hit, is great, altough it's repeated airplay somewhat damaged it. "Ghost Of The Navigator" is well worth a listen, begnning with a mellow, soft intro, which slowly but steadily builds into a roaring barrage of guitars and drums.
"Brave New World" and "Blood Brothers" are great as well, the latter clocking in at 7:00 plus. "The Mercenary" is powerful, and is another "role-playing" song, ala previous Maiden songs, "The Trooper", "The Prisoner", "The Assassin", etc...
The longset song here, "Dream Of Mirrors" is a wonderfully arranged track, with great guitar riffs. "The Fallen Angel" is the weakest song here, and it sort of breaks the flow between
"Dream Of Mirrors", and the epic 8 minute "Nomad", yet another song describing a "role". "Out Of The Silent" planet it the only other single here, and it is simply amazing. The first chorus is somewhat weak, whereas the guitars aren't as tight or rhythmic as on the following chourses. And finally, closing this rocking album is "The Thin Line Between Love And Hate", somewhat weak, yet it contains some insightful lyrics. Now that you've heard the good of this album, it's time I give you the only one "bad" thing: It's production is pretty weak, and the songs don't sound as replete as they do on previous masterpieces. However, once you get past that, this album is sure to please. Not only will it please Maiden fans, but any true metalhead. While I'd reccomend "Powerslave" or "The Number Of The Beast" over this, I'd still highly reccomend you buy it once the affeormentioned albums have become part of your collection. See ya for now, and remember: UP THE IRONS!!!
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