Iron Maiden, A Matter Of Life And Death

A Matter of Life or Death is Iron Maiden's latest album. The line-up of the band included Dave Murray, Janick Gers and Adrian Smith on guitars, Steve Harris on bass, Nicko McBrain on drums and Bruce Dickinson fronting. With Smith back in the Maiden fold, it is not surprising that there is a heavy emphasis on long and multiple guitar solos in this album. That is not necesarilly a bad thing, especially when musicians as talented as Murray and Smith are involved. The songs tend to be long and involve many changes in tempo. Even though the album is rather enjoyable, it fails to capture the raw pawer and urgency of old classics like Powerslave or Piece of Mind. Technically, there is a noticeable improvement when it comes to studio equipment, recording quality, etc. However, the compositions lack the 'oomph' that characterised some of the early Maiden albums. Dickinson is still giving it all, and his 'Air raid siren' vocals are still present. Personally, I always thought Dickinson was a musical liability but I expect millions of Maiden fans would disagree. Overall, a decent metal album, with some good solos and interesting chord progressions, however, do not expect anything special.

Finally, A Matter of Life and Death is the Iron Maiden album we have been waiting for. Good production. A couple of short rockers. Lots of long songs, but they seem to kick in faster. Some neat keys. Some slightly down tuned guitars. Time changes that remind me of early Maiden/Dianno years. Dickinson tries some different vocal techniques here and there. Highlights many. Listen to different world (short rocker-better than last two CD's), but the best two songs are longer (8 minutes), These Colors Don't Run is catchy and rocks; but the best song to showcase the slightly updated sound (a little latter day Bruce solo influence on the guitars, not as muddy however) is Brighter Than a Thousand Suns. It opens up with a little electric acoustic, with the vocals kicking right in (like the rest of the long songs), followed by a classic Maiden riff; then into a heavy chugging rhythm.

Seriously folks, I was always annoyed with the longer Maiden songs. However, the bloat/excess on these tunes has been removed, with the songs kicking right away. For once the longer songs are the best. I was there at the beginning (Maiden 1981/Killers tour with Priest), and this is their best album since Powerslave. The newest song I can compare the new album long songs to would be Pashendale; but a little heavier and better production. P.S. Don't let the talk of down tuned riffs or heavier production scare you. It's just enough to slightly update the sound, but it's still classic Maiden. Also, the new touches are not on all the songs; just in parts here and there.Different World, for example, is a typical Maiden rocker, like the last two openers; but just a little better production and writing. Get this, listen to it with headphones twice, and you will believe. Up the hammers!!