14th bloody studio album! My expectations were absolutely high for this one, once again, as they were for vocalist Bruce Dickinson's comeback 'Brave New World (2000) and 2003's 'Dance of Death'. The hype was raised by the band when they commented, that this was going to be their proggiest work to date. Now, I found prog metal only a few years ago, thanks to Ayreon, but there's so much chances for a band to take when entering the prog territory.

So, is this prog? Well, partly, yes. But on the other hand, this is pure Maiden. What is pure Maiden, then? I think this album includes things that can be found on the self-titled 1980 debut album, and a big linkage is between 'Fear of the Dark' (1992), because of the varying songs. And last time the band was this proggy, happened on 'The X-Factor' (1995).

'Different World' is a very good balls-to-the-wall rocker with surprisingly mellow chorus. Quite similar to previous two albums' openers. 'These Colours Don't Run' opens with breathtaking melody, while tempo changes offer variety and the song contains a hollering part. However, this is my least favourite song on the album, thanks to dull sung parts. Vocal melodies sound dullish when compared to the other songs on the album, but compare them to something else and the thing might change. Nothing proggy yet... But 'Brighter than a Thousand Suns' is an old-school prog rock Maidenized! One of those perfect songs on the album, this gigantic atmospheric piece mixes power and beauty together, at times reminding of two last Bruce Dickinson solos. This one's a beast! 'The Pilgrim' is a fast song, sounding a bit like 'Fear of the Dark' era Maiden, and as the title reveals, there's some Mid-Eastern melody work on it. The song's extremely catchy, with a different chorus from the band. A perky song, indeed. 'The Longest Day' is filled with neckhair raising atmosphere and is soulfully performed by the band. Of classic essence, thoroughly.

'Out of the Shadows' is Iron Maiden at their most beautiful, yet the song is very sad. It's easy to compare the song with Bruce's touchy solo work as 'Tears of the Dragon' and Maiden's 'Wasting Love' (yup, again something from 'Fear of the Dark'). Acoustic instrumentation is just something outstanding. The first single cut 'The Reincarnation of Benjamin Breeg' proved to be a tough one. At least for first two spins, heh. Now, the atmosphere is totally otherworldly. Bruce is showing his most serene side, but on the contrary, the song might contain the heaviest stuff from the band, ever. 'For the Good of God' is classic Maiden, filled with fantastic and extremely catchy parts. The song itself is a bit too long, or rather it's the chorus (can't get any catchier than this): it isn't introduced in time and also not enough. 'Lord of Light' has risen to be one of my favourites from the album. It's a massive dark rocker, that really kicks ass when it hits the go-gear. The second full-on prog song is the closer 'The Legacy', which hopefully isn't what the title predict. The song is a very varying piece indeed including anything from steel strings to "orchestrated" part, but happens to contain a crappy part on 5:30-6:30 (solo's okay, not the riff!). I mean, it kind of destroys the mood. Thankfully the band can lift it up and do get really massive for the rest of the song. Generally, the album proceeds flexibly, never coming to a halt. One can find new things even after 20 spins, believe me.

Long songs, but no stories such as 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner', or 'Hallowed Be Thy Name'. However, most of the lyrics are very good, puzzling and can emerge some thinking processes. Themes include life, war (from soldiers to D-Day to nuclear bombs to chemical war), religions and Lucifer. Bruce "Air Raid Siren" Dickinson handles his job with feel. His highest vocals aren't as good as they used to be (and there's quite a lot of high singing), but emotionally he does radiate. Whatever the mood, he does it.

As for the rest of the band... They are one. They breathe their music with every pore. All three guitarist (messrs Dave Murray, Adrian Smith and Janick Gers) shine as individuals with their unique styles and killer solos, but when their instruments mould into one, it is something breathtaking to witness. Steve Harris' clanking bass is mightily back! On this album, the best performance is heard from Nicko McBrain. His beats are unique. There's not much to be said about to sound. It is very organic, and all the million nuances can shine through. It's just guitar, bass, drums and the voice. Okay, some synths, but only as tapestry.

So, if this does okay (as it has already here in Finland, thanks to us!!!), 'A Matter of Life and Death' is going to be "life"? Hopefully, as there seem to be so much in this band that they still can offer, after many, many years. 'A Matter...' is not my favourite album from the band, but if my favourite was released 20 years ago, you really can't compare the pair, right? However, one of the strongest performances from the band, and also filled with fantastic music! This is Iron Maiden, but still they were able to bring up something new and fresh. Mature, but with punch.

Rating: 9+ (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
09/11/2006 20:07