Iron Maiden

Brave New World

The Greatest Maiden album of all time!

Review Score:

(10/10)
When i first heard about the imminent release of Brave New World, i waited with great anticipation, knowing that the ultimate Maiden line-up was finally together. The return of Bruce Dickinson was a long time coming, and his return meant that Maiden would hopefully improve on the two, somewhat disappointing albums they made with Blaze Bayley at the healm. The welcome return of the masterful Adrian Smith would also ensure Maiden was in its strongest position since it began.

Upon first listening to Brave New World, I was instantly hooked. I realised that this was not just a great Maiden album to rival Killers, The Number of the Beast, or Powerslave, but this was actually Maiden's best ever album.

It is without doubt the strongest album they have ever done, and without any bias at all, i firmly believe that there is not a song on Brave New World that is even slightly disappointing.

From the start, Maiden showed a definate direction for their slightly modernised sound, without forgetting their original, classic feel. This can be demonstrated on The Wickerman, with its thunderous riffing, but with that unique 'Maiden' sound.

Whilst there isn't a disappointing song on the album, for me, the two standout songs are 'Ghost of the Navigator' and 'The Thin Line Between Love and Hate'. 'Ghost of the Navigator' is one of Maiden's catchiest and best ever songs, good enough to rival such classics as 'The Clairvoyant', 'Killers', and 'Hallowed be they Name'. It has one of the best choruses I have ever heard, and combines classic Maiden riffage, with sublime melody to create the 'perfect' song.

'The Thin Line Between Love and Hate' shows that maiden can add different dimensions to their songs, with 'The Thin Line...' being more of a rock ballad, whilst keeping that classic heavy chugging to ensure the Maiden sound is kept.

Brave New World is not only Maiden's best ever album, but quite possibly the greatest Metal album off all time, by any band. Brave New World shows that, whilst all the new rock and metal bands are trying to keep all the limelight, Maiden will never be broken, and so they remain the quintessential heavy metal band.

LONG LIVE IRON MAIDEN!

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