One of the original heavy metal bands, and certainly one of the most influential ones. Started out as early as in 1975. Found their way to a record deal in 1979, when EMI got their signatures. They were pioneers in the NWOBHM scene, and one of the few remaining bands from that era. Numerous line-up changes, including 3 different singers, Maiden are now back in style with the best line-up ever. You don't compare Iron Maiden to other bands, you compare other bands to Iron Maiden! Members can also be found in Bruce Dickinson, A.S.A.P., Psycho Motel, Wolfsbane, Blaze, Samson, Trust, Battlezone, Ian Gillan Band, Killers, Paul DiAnno, Desperado and I'm sure there are others.

IRON MAIDEN (1980) EMI

Iron Maiden were already local heroes by the time of the release of their self titled debut album. And thanks to Sounds, relentless gigging and the release of their legendary 'The Soundhouse Tapes' demo, they were quickly gaining popularity in the, at the time, underground metal movement. But when EMI signed the then 5 year old band, their popularity escalated all over the world, and they were hailed as leader in the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal movement. Metal was finally on the rise again!

The now classic first album from England's finest, is indeed a good one. From the live-classics, such as "Iron Maiden", "Running Free" and "Sanctuary", to the almost progressive "Remember Tomorrow" and "Phantom Of The Opera", this debut effort sets the standards high for NWOBHM's #1 act. The combination of pure, twin guitar-laced heavy metal, the nod back to the genre's prog-giants and Paul Di'Anno's punk attitude all makes for an approach that would prove to be the future of metal as we knew it. It's easy to hear why this album became the kick start of an entire movement, even 30 years later! Iron Maiden always sounded tight, they had songwriting skills that surpassed all their contemporaries, and they had the look! With their cover art mascot, Eddie, they were sure to be favorites amongst rebellious teenage boys. They were the perfect band, and 'Iron Maiden' is a milestone in every definition of the word!

Killer tracks: Prowler, Sanctuary, Remember Tomorrow, Running Free, Phantom Of The Opera, Iron Maiden

KILLERS (1981) EMI

Iron Maiden quickly followed up their hailed debut with more spearheading heavy metal. Dennis Stratton was replaced with Adrian Smith.

Personally I never liked 'Killers' as much as the debut. Granted it holds some of the bands most classic songs, it also delivers some songs that are all but forgotten. The band had internal problems, and that might be a contributing factor in the inconsistency of the material. Paul sounds really uninspired here and there, and musically I find 'Killers' to be uneven. Most of the '70's prog influences were this time abandoned for a more straight ahead heavy metal approach. And 'Killers' might be the heaviest album Iron Maiden ever did. Now, I can't deny the iconic status of this release. It's just not a personal favorite.

Killer tracks: The Ides Of March, Wratchild, Murders In The Rue Morgue, Killers

THE NUMBER OF THE BEAST (1982) EMI

Enter one Bruce Dickinson, replacing Paul Di'Anno, and Iron Maiden creates a masterpiece. 'The Number Of The Beast' is considered the ultimate Iron Maiden album (not me though), and just check the song-list, and you'll see why! Almost every song is classic Maiden. It also contains my 2 favorite Maiden-tracks, namely "Children Of The Damned" and "Hallowed Be Thy Name". This album caused mass-controversy, not only because of it's title, but also the cover. Maiden was labeled satanic. It all seems so ridiculous today, doesn't it? A MUST!!

Killer tracks: Children Of The Damned, The Prisoner, 22 Acacia Avenue, The Number Of The Beast, Run To The Hills, Hallowed Be Thy Name

PIECE OF MIND (1983) EMI

Now this is my favorite Maiden album. Cause if you see passed the obvious favorite tracks, there are also a large number of 'unknown' killers here as well. Take "Sun And Steel" for example. To me it's a mystery why this isn't a bigger classic than "The Trooper". "Revelations" is another of my all time favorite Maiden songs. Not one song on this one is bad. Nicko McBrain replaces Clive Burr. Clive later pops up in Desperado. A MUST!!!

Killer tacks: Where Eagles Dare, Revelations, Flight Of Icarus, The Trooper, Still Life, Sun And Steel

POWERSLAVE (1984) EMI

'Powerslave' is Iron Maiden's weakest album (alongside 'Killers' and not counting the Blaze-era discs). There are of course huge classics here. "Aces High" for example. You also have a neglected masterpiece in "Flash Of The Blade". But Maiden's worst song ever is here, namely "Back In The Village". So I find myself putting on other CD's way before listening to this.

Killer tracks: Aces High, 2 Minutes To Midnight, Powerslave, Flash Of The Blade, Rime Of The Ancient Mariner

LIVE AFTER DEATH (1985) EMI

This is one of my all time favorite live-album. And finally I have the entire record on CD. The previous single-CD didn't include the side 4 from the original double-LP. It also lacked the fabulous intro with "Churchill's Speech". But now it's all here! And there's no doubt that this is one of the finest live recordings in metal-history. The ultimate Maiden line-up, at the peak of their popularity. Every song is top-notch, Bruce sings his ass of! Recorded in Long Beach Arena - L.A., California March 1985, on their 'World Slavery Tour'. A MUST!!

SOMEWHERE IN TIME (1986) EMI

I can remember being very disappointed when this first came out. Seemed to me that Maiden had changed their sound completely. The use of anything synth-like was to me outrageous! But after a while this album grew on me, and though it's not my favorite Maiden album, it's still one I can listen to once in a while. It also contains one of the best Maiden tracks ever, 'Wasted Years'. The video to that tracks is awesome, with all the different Eddie pictures present!

Killer tracks: Stranger In A Strange Land, Wasted Years, Caught Somewhere In Time, Heaven Can Wait, Deja-Vu

SEVENTH SON OF A SEVENTH SON (1988) EMI

After getting used to Maiden's "new" sound, this was a real treat. This album does not have any weak moments, and is one of the best Maiden releases ever! It has this floating/dreaming vibe that is just irresistible to me. Too bad it was to be the last Maiden album with the classic Harris/Dickinson/Murray/McBrain/Smith line-up.

Killer tracks: All of them!!!

NO PRAYER FOR THE DYING (1990) EMI

The year is 1990, and grunge is starting to rear it's ugly head. This 'alternative' wave is driving die-hard metal fans nuts. And what do Maiden do; they releases another good album! I know the common way to describe this record is far from nice, but I like the album quite good. It's not as good as the best albums, but it's far from as bad as the Blaze-era discs. No, give me "Tailgunner" alongside "Aces High" any time. Out went Adrian Smith (later to surface in ASAP, Psycho Motel & Bruce Dickinson), and in came Janick Gers (former Gillan and Bruce Dickinson). 'Bring Your Daughter...' was also originally recorded by Bruce's solo-band (for the 'A Nightmare On Elm Street 4'-soundtrack), but Mr. Harris liked it so much, he wanted it to become a Maiden song.

Killer tracks: Tailgunner, No Prayer For The Dying, Run Silent Run Deep, The Assassin, Public Enema Number One

FEAR OF THE DARK (1992) EMI

Another disc that didn't score so high with the older fans. There are of course some really great Maiden classics here as well. "Afraid To Shoot Strangers" is one of my all time favorites. But mainly this album seems uninspired. The tour for this album was also marked by the fact that Bruce had decided to leave the band, and was only onboard to finish the tour they had already planned. Well, the disc is a bit different in the way that it contains deliberate attempts to write ballads. And the harder stuff is more rockers than metal tunes. It should also be said that despite this not being a personal favorite, it still gets more spins than any of the Paul DiAnno/Blaze Bayley era discs. It's also the first album not to include a cover by Derek Riggs.

Killer tracks: Afraid To Shoot Strangers, Fear Of The Dark, Childhood's End, Judas Be My Guide, Wasting Love

I also have a single for 'Be Quick Or Be Dead'. See further down this page for details.

  A REAL LIVE DEAD ONE (1993) EMI

CD1: A Real Dead One The Number Of The Beast The Trooper Prowler Transylvania Remember Tomorrow Where Eagles Dare Sanctuary Running Free Run To The Hills 2 Minutes To Midnight Iron Maiden Hallowed Be Thy Name	Line-up: Steve Harris - Bass Bruce Dickinson - Vocals Dave Murray - Guitars Nicko McBrain - Drums Janick Gers - Guitars
CD2: A Real Live One Be Quick Or Be Dead From Here To Eternity Can I Play With Madness Wasting Love Tailgunner The Evil That Men Do Afraid To Shoot Strangers Bring Your Daughter... ...To The Slaughter Heaven Can Wait The Clairvoyant Fear Of The Dark Multimedia section: Promo-video taken from the 'Live At Donington' video. Fear Of The Dark

Originally released simultaneously as 2 single CD's ('A Real Live One' and 'A Real Dead One'), but here they appear as one double disc. The 'Dead' disc contains songs from 'Iron Maiden' to 'Powerslave', and the 'Live' disc from 'Stranger In A ...' through 'Fear Of...'. The songs have been taped all throughout the 'Fear..'-tour, and as said before, Bruce does not seem inspired. The 'Dead' disc is the best one, 'cause the classic tracks are still the best. Cool to hear "Transylvania" and "Remember Tomorrow" sung by Bruce.

LIVE AT DONINGTON (1993) EMI

Some concerts are more memorable than others, and some go down in a bands history as milestones. This is such a concert. Maiden created magic that night, as headliners on the 'Monsters Of Rock'-festival. Though one might complain that this and this song should be included in the set-list, it all just falls into place when listening to the 2 CD's. You only have to listen to one track to really know why Maiden is one of the worlds best live-bands, namely "Fear Of The Dark". This spine-tingling number, complete with the crown singing almost louder than Bruce, is another of my Maiden favorites. A MUST!!

THE X-FACTOR (1995) EMI

Sign Of The Cross Lord Of The Flies Man On The Edge Fortunes Of War Look For The Truth The Aftermath Judgment Of Heaven Blood On The World's Hands The Edge Of Darkness 2 A.M. The Unbeliever

Line-up: Steve Harris - Bass Blaze Bayley - Vocals Dave Murray - Guitars Nicko McBrain - Drums Janick Gers - Guitars

If you had asked me, prior to writing this review, about a Maiden track called "2 A.M.", I would have told you that it doesn't exist! That's how much I have listened to this crappy disc! Out went Bruce Dickinson, to concentrate on a solo-career, and in came Blaze Bayley (ex-Wolfsbane). And the fact that Blaze isn't a singer with a varied range isn't the only problem behind this stinker. The songs just doesn't do Maiden any justice. Darker, and harder to remember than any previous or coming effort. No, listen to any other Maiden disc than disc. They are all better! This copy is signed by Blaze.

Killer tracks: (Yes, there are some even here) Sign Of The Cross, Judgment Or Heaven

People have said numerous things about Blaze in Maiden. This un-melodic vocalist was asked to join Maiden solely based on the fact that he's British, and from the same neighborhood as the others. The fact that he was a soccer-fan counted more for Mr.Harris that his singing abilities. If you read the 'Run To The Hills' official biography (written by Mick Wall), you will learn that some people even considers Blaze to be charismatic, and more of a stage persona than Bruce! HUH, and Roger Rabbit is scarier than Hannibal Lecter! I know for a fact that there were so many talented singers wanting, and even auditioning for this job. But they were all scrapped for not being British!

BEST OF THE BEAST (1996) EMI

CD1: Virus Sign Of The Cross Man On The Edge Afraid To Shoot Strangers (Live) Be Quick Or Be Dead Fear Of The Dark (Live) Bring Your Daughter... ...To The Slaughter Holy Smoke The Clairvoyant Can I Play With Madness The Evil That Men Do Heaven Can Wait Wasted Years
CD2: Rime Of The Ancient Mariner (Live) Running Free (Live) 2 Minutes To Midnight Aces High Where Eagles Dare The Trooper The Number Of The Beast Run To The Hills Hallowed Be Thy Name Wratchild Phantom Of The Opera Sanctuary Strange World Iron Maiden

Pretty cool 'best of' release, as my copy is the hard-cover box edition with a book instead of a booklet. 1 new studio track, and 1 new live-song is also reason enough to own it. In my opinion "Virus" (the new track) is one of the best Blaze era Maiden songs. So I never figured out why it wasn't included on the regular albums. Really cool package, and the book contains plenty of pictures, band family tree, lyrics, etc. Got my copy signed by Blaze.

EDDIE'S HEAD BOX SET (1998) EMI

See the DVD & Collectables page for info

VIRTUAL XI (1998) EMI

Futureal The Angel And The Gambler Lightning Strikes Twice The Clansman When Two Worlds Collide The Educated Fool Don't Look To The Eyes Of A Stranger Como Estais Amigo

Line-up: Steve Harris - Bass Blaze Bayley - Vocals Dave Murray - Guitars Nicko McBrain - Drums Janick Gers - Guitars

Maiden's 11th album is a much better record than it's predecessor. If Bruce sang on this, it would be a classic album. But with Blaze still mumbling in the mike, this is just a mediocre record, with some good songs. The songs were written with Blaze as a singer, and suits him more than was the case on 'The X-Factor'. The album is also a bit strange in that it's all about the virtual reality hype, mixed with soccer! Go figure! On the promotion tour, Maiden played soccer against local teams. They even had this all star team with them. The title points to the multimedia/virtual reality team, and the fact that it's their album number XI (11). Mine is signed by Steve Harris, Dave Murray and Blaze Bayley.

Killer tracks: The Angel & The Gambler, Futureal, The Clansman

In all fairness, I used to have a TV-concert on video, where Blaze does a great job. When I first saw it I thought that he would mess up classics such as 'Hallowed Be Thy Name' or 'Wasted Years'. But he didn't. He did them justice, and I was the one with the long face. So the man can sing. Still, the records he did with Maiden, just don't cut it!

ED HUNTER (2000) EMI

I have owned this triple CD for years prior to writing this. Then suddenly I noticed it wasn't featured on this page. I think I was holding out to write anything before I got a chance to play the PC-game featured on the 3rd CD. Well, that will most likely never happen, as I am not interested in games all that much, and the 1 time I tried it, I had no idea what to do. So it's the music that I will have to comment on here. And to no ones surprise, this is just another 'best of' compilation. It's only been 4 years and 2 albums since the last one! The reason for releasing yet another one now is as follows: The tracks featured were selected, and are put here in order of votes received on the Maiden Website, in a contest run Dec. '98 for Top 20 Maiden tracks of all time. So there you have it, the live version of "Iron Maiden", with Bruce doin' the vocals, is the Maiden fans number 1 track ever! I sure had thought "Run To The Hills" had gotten much higher on this list, and that no Blaze era songs would be included. Oh well, guess I'm not the average Maiden fan! (he he)

BRAVE NEW WORLD (2000) EMI

The Wicker Man Ghost Of The Navigator Brave New World Blood Brothers The Mercenary Dream Of Mirrors The Fallen Angel The Nomad Out Of The Silent Planet The Thin Line Between Love & Hate

Line-up: Steve Harris - Bass Bruce Dickinson - Vocals Dave Murray - Guitars Adrian Smith - Guitars Nicko McBrain - Drums Janick Gers - Guitars

YES! Finally Bruce Dickinson returns. And he brings Adrian Smith back with him. A revitalized Iron Maiden releases their best album in over 10 years! I already heard the first single, "The Wicker Man", prior to the release of 'Brave New World', and thought it was a fantastic return to the glory days. Easily crafted in the same mold as older songs, such as "Be Quick Or Be Dead", "Run To The Hills" or "The Trooper", "The Wicker Man" is a typical fast Iron Maiden number, that will stick to your memory after just one listen. The album doesn't continue in the same manner as the single track, but rather as a mix of everything Maiden has released in the past. The aforementioned single sounds like it came from, say 'Piece Of Mind', while "Blood Brothers" just as easily could be on 'Virtual XI'. "Ghost Of The Navigator" is a close relative to "The Rime Of The Ancient Mariner" from 'Powerslave'. Get the picture? There's an excess of longer, more epic tracks, on 'Brave New World'. And this is allowing the members songwriting skills to really shine. And, much like red wine or beautiful women, 'Brave New World' continues to get better with age! It's a bonafide modern day classic, and stand alongside all the earlier albums from Iron Maiden's golden era in the mid 80's.

Killer tracks: The Wicker Man, Ghost Of The Navigator, Blood Brothers, The Nomad, Out Of The Silent Planet

ROCK IN RIO (2002) EMI

'Rock In Rio' is a world renowned festival. Many are the bands that have visited this rock 'n' roll institution thru the years. But only Iron Maiden have done it twice! This live recording is from the bands headlining spot on Rock In Rio 3, recorded in front of at least 500.000 fans on January 19th, 2001!  Still on the 'Brave New World' Tour the set list is of course heavily infused with songs from that album. And since I've become quite fond of said album, I've quite like this live effort as well. "Blood Brothers" really comes to greater heights with the massive crowd singing along to the chorus. And the title track from already mentioned album also gets a new life on this live recording. The 10 minute plus rendering of "Sign Of The Cross" is another high point. It's always fun to hear the different singers go through those other vocalists songs.

I've given Iron Maiden a fair amount of flack for releasing new live-albums in-between every studio effort. It seems so unnecessary. Over time though, I really think its cool to own these pieces of the bands history. And 'Rock In Rio' does give me, as a fan, yet another documentary of 2 important pieces of Iron Maiden history. It was the first tour sporting new material with the reunion line-up, and it was, after all, Rock In Rio! I don't have the DVD also released from this concert as of yet. But I'm really enjoying this double live CD.

The last track on each of the CD's are enhanced videos. Both features clips from the DVD release of the concert.

EDWARD THE GREAT - THE GREATEST HITS (2002) EMI

Run To The Hills The Number Of The Beast Flight Of The Icarus The Trooper 2 Minutes To Midnight Wasted Years Can I Play With Madness The Evil That Men Do The Clairvoyant Infinite Dreams Holy Smoke Bring Your Daughter To The Slaughter Man On The Edge Futureal The Wicker Man Fear Of The Dark (Live At Rock In Rio)

Another compilation. Just what we need after 'Best Of The Beast' and 'Ed Hunter'! It's only the stupid collector in me that keeps buying these. An ok booklet to boot, but really nothing new at all.

DANCE OF DEATH (2003) EMI

Wildest Dreams Rainmaker No More Lies Montségur Dance Of Death Gates Of Tomorrow New Frontier Paschendale Face In The Sand Age Of Innocence Journeyman

Line-up: Steve Harris - Bass Bruce Dickinson - Vocals Dave Murray - Guitars Adrian Smith - Guitars Nicko McBrain - Drums Janick Gers - Guitars

Just as I sat down to write about the metal heroes new offering, they aired the TV-ad for 'Dance Of Death' on one of the Norwegian channels. The ad claim that this album is their best in over 20 years! Well, while this is not really the case, it is not that far from the truth either. Iron Maiden have once again delivered a killer album. With Bruce and Adrian back in the ranks it seems they are unable to fail. And I dare say that this album is even better that it's predecessor. 'Brave New World' was the right "comeback"-album, but it lacked that little something to make it a real classic. 'Dance Of Death' has that little something, and it's called "Montségur"! This track alone is worth the admission. But low and behold, we get even more. "Paschendale" is another stand out song, as well as acoustic "Journeyman". The band (or was it the record company?) picked "Wildest Dreams" as the first single, and while it is easily the radio flirt on the album, it's certainly not one of the better songs. '

Killer tracks: No More Lies, Montségur, Dance Of Death, Paschendale, Face In The Sand

DEATH ON THE ROAD (2006) EMI

Iron Maiden seems to deliver a new compilation album, and a new live album, in-between every studio release these days. So after 'Dance Of Death', we now get the double live album, 'Death On The Road'. Do we really need this? NO! But is it a good listen nonetheless? YES! Iron Maiden has always been a great live act, and these 2 CD's reminds us of that once again. The track list reflects the album the band was touring for, of course. But for a long time fan, like me, it's actually better to listen to the band roar through some newer tracks, then to listen to the same old classics over and over in new live tapings. "Journeyman" for example. Do you think we will ever get to hear that one in concert again? Listening to Bruce Dickinson sing "Lord Of The Flies", from Blaze Bayley's first Maiden album, 'The X-Factor', is also a pretty cool. But in the long run, I'm not sure I'll pull out this effort when I want to treat myself to some live Iron Maiden on CD.

A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH (2006) EMI (Limited Deluxe edition w/DVD)

CD: Different World These Colours Don't Run Brighter Them A Thousand Suns The Pilgrim The Longest Day Out Of The Shadows The Reincarnation Of Benjamin Breeg For The Greater Good Of God Lord Of Light The Legacy	Line-up: Steve Harris - Bass Bruce Dickinson - Vocals Dave Murray - Guitars Adrian Smith - Guitars Nicko McBrain - Drums Janick Gers - Guitars
DVD: The Making Of 'A Matter Of Life And Death' The Reincarnation Of Benjamin Breeg (Video) Studio performance footage of "Different World" Photo Gallery

After the "reunion" with Bruce and Adrian, Iron Maiden have continued to increase their popularity. They are now one of the few classic metal bands that enjoy respect also in the mainstream music press, gaining fans widely outside the common metal communities. And with this new CD, the third studio effort since the "comeback", they seem to have become the biggest metal act around. It is rather strange though that the mainstream suddenly lend their ears to a band that has been around for 30 years, and have never backed away from the musical formula they have had since day one. They have always sounded like Iron Maiden, no matter what year it was, or no matter who was in the band. Some might say that this is more of a return to the 80's sound they had, but did they have these long progressive songs in the mid-80's? NO! I'd say that 'A Matter Of Life And Death' is more of a logical follow up to 'Brave New world' and 'Dance Of Death' than it is to let's say 'Piece Of Mind'. It's simply yet another Iron Maiden album. The lads have delivered one of their strongest albums. I have to agree with that. But there is nothing groundbreaking new with it, nor is it a nod back to their heydays. There are no "The Trooper" or "Run To The Hills" here, so the galloping favorites from back then are not present. And at first I had a hard time finding songs that I instantly grew familiar with. But as is the case with many timeless classics, repeated listens will let you digest it's content, and a wonderful world of stellar music opens up. I'm so glad to say that there are no bad tracks on this CD. All of the material sounds fresh on every listen. I also find myself changing favorites now and then, as new details are popping into my head. I like the flow of the album, and the overall feel. The boys have done an outstanding job with arrangements, and the "live" recording of the album have really captured the band at their best. There have been some things said about the lyrical content of it being darker than usual. But if you watch the DVD that comes with this Limited Edition, you will get a rundown of every single track on the CD, and the meaning behind them. What some people call satanic, is the lyrical author's idea of a fun twist of context. Besides, what is Iron Maiden without a little controversy, right? 'A Matter of Life and Death' is a contributor to a top 5 spot on my 2006 list of favorites. My only complaint is the cover art. Why on earth can't they use Derek Riggs again?

Killer tracks: All of them, but "The Greater Good of God" tops them all.

THE FINAL FRONTIER (2010) EMI (Mission Edition) 

'The Final Frontier' is Iron Maiden's 15th studio album. Steve Harris has mentioned in the past that he envisioned Iron Maiden to release 15 albums, and then be laid to rest. This statement, and the title of the album, led to rumors that this was to be the last Iron Maiden album. Rumors like this was quickly put down by the band members though.

'The Final Frontier' is in many ways the epitome of Iron Maiden. Production wise it is pretty classic sounding. And many of the songs here could have easily been scattered throughout the bands entire back catalogue. However, this band is never content with just living in the past. It's members need to venture on to try new things, to keep the momentum of the band. So 'The Final Frontier' also gives the listeners a few surprises along the way. And nothing is more surprising then starting the album with a 4 1/2 minute intro! "Satellite 15" sounds more like some rejected soundtrack material from a forgotten sci-fi movie than an actual Iron Maiden song. Now, this would have been all that bad, if they hadn't attached it to the first real song on the album, the title track. As it stands now, you have a useless intro, that you cannot skip, ruining the title track on the CD! Thank your higher powers that "The Final Frontier" isn't exactly the strongest song on the album, and it can also be skipped, if you so choose.

The next song, "El Dorado" was released as a free download single prior to the release of the album. Iron Maiden usually release a 4 minute fast track as the first single. So with a running time of nearly 7 minutes, "El Dorado" is a surprising choice. Turns out it isn't the catchiest number on 'The Final Frontier' either. Track number 3 is where it really starts for me. "Mother Of Mercy" starts of dark and slow, and builds up with a very driving rhythm. "Coming Home" is next. I'm instantly reminded of Bruce Dickinson's solo efforts, as this song could have fit on "Accident Of Birth" or "Balls To Picasso". A fantastic mid-paced song, that is the closest thing to a ballad here. And speaking of the singers solo material; the next song also shares its title with a number Bruce released on his 'Chemical Wedding' album, namely "The Alchemist". "Isle Of Avalon" is an insignificant number, that clocks in at over 9 minutes, while "Starblind" may be the hidden gem on the album. Reminiscent of the 'Somewhere In Time' era sound, this number is overlooked in just about every review I've read. "The Talisman" starts with as an acoustic ballad, but bursts into yet another classic Iron Maiden metal romp. A favorite on the album. "The Man Who Would Be King" is yet another long number that starts slow, only to build towards a faster climax some minutes later. It's another classic sounding, epic Maiden song, but I miss a catchier chorus. "When The Wind Blows" ends the CD. This 11 minute epic song is almost progressive in nature. The song works almost as a slower "The Rime Of The Ancient Mariner".

As a whole I find "The Final Frontier" to be a mixed affair. It has a more classic overall feel then some of the recent predecessors. At the same time it also has some of those long songs that seems to go nowhere. It is clear that the band is seeking back in time, and are trying to write music that is close to their hearts. Long, epic and progressive numbers were the kind of songs their heroes from the early '70's wrote. Bands like Wishbone Ash, Deep Purple, Rainbow and Uriah Heep were all influences on a young Steve Harris, and probably the rest of the Maiden boys also. At first I was very excited with this CD. But now that I have lived with it for some time, the "flaws" are more apparent. While the brother part of the album is very good, it grates on my patience when most of them clock in at over 6-7 minutes. Still, any long time fan of Iron Maiden will find loads to salivate over on 'The Final Frontier'. It's just not one of their best albums.

Killer tracks: Mother Of Mercy, Coming Home, The Talisman, The Man Who Would Be King, When The Wild Winds Blows

Iron Maiden also appear on:  

V/A - 'Rock Aid Armenia'

Bruce Dickinson guest appearances:

Ayreon - 'Universal Migrator Part 2'

Warrior - 'The Code Of Life' (as writer)

Dave Murray guest appearances:

V/A - 'Hear 'n Aid: Stars'

Adrian Smith guest appearances:

V/A - 'Hear 'n Aid: Stars'

Michael Kiske - 'Instant Clarity'

Related artists: 

Bruce Dickinson, Blaze, Psycho Motel, Wolfsbane, Desperado

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