The first single from 2006 Maiden studio album 'A Matter of Life and Death'. Shit, the band's busy. But I ain't complaining! Keep it flowing, guys, you're on the winning streak.

'The Reincarnation of Benjamin Breeg' was first published as a streaming internet video with rather bad quality sound and video. However, the atmosphere was already sensible. Okay, on with the song now... The song begins with eerie guitarswork. Enter Mr. Dickinson: His soft vocals are simply breathtaking. At 2 minute mark the song explodes into heavy riffing, soaring vocals and hard-hitting rhythm section (yep, it's back to clanking bass by Mr. Harris again). Hell, this is one catchy song! It sounds like the band have found fire again, that wasn't exposed to its full force on two previous albums. The sound is really good. Organic is the best word to describe it.

Great Melvyn Grant artwork decorates the cover. It's a bit scary, how much Benjamin Breeg's painting inside looks like Eddie. Just check it out yerselves right here!!! Here's something about the fella here. So, is Mr. Harris suffering from schizophrenia, hehe?!

This is a CD version reviewed. As a regular Maiden single, there's no cover songs or something like that, but a live version of the band's classic song(s). This time it's 'Hallowed Be Thy Name' from 1982's 'The Number of the Beast' recorded for Radio 1 "Legends Session". This fits perfectly with the "Benny", methinks. Both songs are eerie, the tension and total hopelessness can be touched. However, 'Hallowed...' is just a bit too familiar to all the old fans. However, being a radio live it's something special anyway.

Just how fucking long is it going to take, that I'm actually listening to the new platter... Too fucking much! Then it is goodbye to any kind of social life.

Rating: 9 (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
08/21/2006 12:19