X factor part 2, but a little better.

Review Score: (6/10)
Virtual XI can be seen as the sequel to the X factor, Iron Maidens previous offering. Blaze Bayley is back on vocals, and th songs tend to work a bit better with his vocal style which is much different thasn Bruce Dickinson, who is the true voice of the band. Like the X Factor, one must NOT approach listening to this album as Iron Maiden, because it's not. It's a bit closer to the Maiden sound than the X Factor, but it's NOT teh Iron Maiden we all know and love. In comparison to the previous "X Factor", I believe this offering to be the superior effort. The songs are quicker, more energetic, heavier, and simply better. Janick Gers and Dave Murray seem to be working better together than the rest of their albums together. It's shorter in length and number of songs which is better. It resembles the effects driven production of the Somewhere/Seventh son era, but hardly as good in quality of material. The first song "Futureal" is back to the traditional fast paced opener that is typical of Maiden album openers. It's not a bad song. The next song "Angel and the Gambler" isn't actually a bad song, it's the length and repetive nature of the song that gets annnnoying!!! It's about 10 minutes, which mostly contains the same chorus over and over into oblivion. It makes you HATE a not so bad song. "Lightning strikes Twice" isn't much to mention other than the solo. "The Clansman" is the best song on the album and it's worth getting just for this song. It's a long epic classic style Maiden anthem, and it's a great live song. Great opening, chorus, and best of all the instrumental and solo's in the middle. The rest of the album isn't that exciting. The final track is actually not bad. Great vocals, and great chorus. A very good ending, though you might want to skip from the Clansman to the end. Not Classic Iron Maiden, as Bruce is not present, but not a bad collection of songs. It's worth getting for the highlights. I believe it to be much better and would recommend it higher than the X Factor.

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