Thoughts on the Final Frontier (Iron Maiden)?

MA: It does sounds, really, really good, but I haven't had a clear favorite emerge yet. I think "El Dorado" is still winning for me out of the album overall, but I haven't had as much time with these tracks on your Q. Of course longtime fans like myself will always pine for the galloping riffs off the early Bruce era albums, but they're definitely keeping themselves sharp, musically.

BA: still working on it.

BA2: I'm admittedly not as strongly familiar with this era of the band. (I had my whole Maiden collection pulled out from under me in a breakup several years back, and of course the early stuff was a higher priority for re-acquisition.) I know Brave New World really well, but overall this Final Frontier material is looking promising for my favorite of the last decade (or more.) And of course I already mentioned the cover art!

BA3:

Hmmmm... Priest has kind of oddly mirrored Maiden's arc from about the mid-80s:

1) Very weak album showing up late 80s (Turbo/No Prayer for the Dying)

2) Followed by an excellent return to form (Painkiller/Fear of the Dark)

3) Immediately interrupted by the vocalist's departure and two critically reviled albums

(Jugulator & Demolition/X Factor & Virtual XI)

4) Meanwhile, said vocalist releases two excellent albums with help from Roy Z

(Resurrection & Crucible/Accident of Birth & Chemical Wedding)

5) Lineup reassembly and much better received "comeback" albums

(Angel of Retribution/Brave New World)

6) Readjustment phases and slower release rates of material.

I think it's pretty clear from this material (Final Frontier) that Maiden's running a little stronger than Priest (although Angel of Retribution is one my current favorite metal albums), but I find the parallels interesting.

The only other act that came immediately to mind for sheer teeth-gritting, sleeves-rolled-up, keep-our-noses-to-the- grindstone longevity in metal is Overkill. Some of the other thrash guys have stuck around in their way, like Slayer and Megadeth, assuredly, but Overkill are the real deal: never a breakup, never a gap, never a dip in quality. They've released 15 albums starting in 1985, never stopped touring, and they still sound completely f*cking bad-@ss.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XliNG39D0y4 (2005)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WRSc94rBEpY (2007)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVqEGTKRN-M (2010)

MA: Ummm... what can I say? Disappointing, to say the least. I mean, other than the vocals and the solos perhaps, there's almost nothing about the album that screams Iron Maiden. Now, I know that a band can't stick to one style forever but at they should least retain some of the elements that made the band so great in the first place. I wasn't expecting another Killers or Seventh Son, but there aren't nearly enough galloping riffs, soaring vocal lines, kickass melodies, pounding drums or energy in general. For a band that gives their all in a live performance (I haven't even seen em live, just clips), it's not cool to hear them have less than half of that in a studio recording. And yes, I like all the post reunion albums, but I don't know about this one. A lot of those songs sound like incomplete ideas. Sure, there are a few interesting moments but I'm just not genuinely enjoying it for the most part. Maybe it'll grow on me. I dunno... not impressed at all at the moment.

BA: The Alchemist... it reminds me a bit of old school Maiden and doesn't sound as... errr... under done as the others.

BA2: Dance Of Death for me too.

BA3: I think Judas Priest has held it together well till now. Even though many people dislike Nostradamus, I think without the filler it's a great album.

firesign: Completely agree about Overkill. Amazing to think that a 30 year old band released the thrash fest that is Ironbound.

I refuse to listen to them. Although I am excited you posted them here (really, thanks) I am waiting until tomorrow, when I shall buy the album. I've heard El Dorado and The Final Frontier, but that's it. I am taking a day off simply for Iron Maiden \m/

MQ: Have they ever made a bad album? Oh, wait... Virtual XI. Anyway, I know it'll be great, just by hearing two songs and seeing the joy of fans,

BQ: Not sure, though The Alchemist does sound sweet in theory.

BQ2: I love Brave New World, and A Matter of Life and Death... I can't choose.

BQ3: No one is still going as strong as Maiden for as long as Maiden. That's coming from a Megadeth fanboy, too.

\m/(^.^)\m/

I hadn't heard any of the tracks yet! Doesn't come out till the 17th here ;) It's awesome! But of course, it is Maiden. The only album I've been remotely disappointed in would be SSOASS. And there only remotely.

But Maiden could never sell out, because as I saw on one video 'they dare to presuppose a higher level of intelligence on their audience'. Yeah!

Though I do think Bruce's voice sounds a little different...maybe it's just age. And I agree that while none of the songs (of those I have already heard) seem like they would make good singles, it seems that they are complex, well-though-out, and deep (as usual) and therefore unsuitable for the purpose ;)

BQ- I'd have to listen to them all a few more times, but the Alchemist sounds pretty nice. Alot like classic Maiden if you ask me.

BQ2- Dance of Death so far! I liked the single from A Matter Of Life And Death also...The Reincarnation of Benjamin Breeg :D

BQ3- MEGADETH! Sure, Dave may be the only original member still in the band...but they are still putting out great stuff! Listen to Endgame, it'll blow your f*ing mind!

!!!!~UP THE IRONS~!!!!

I dint like the single El Dolrado (check spelling) that much..it sounded quite average to me...i've listened to the entire album 2 times only..and based on that id give them a 6/10 ...it might change with a few more listens...but i liked their previous album a bit more i guess (again..ill find out after a few more listens)

BA : The Talisman and Coming Home

BA2 : Hmm...tie between Dance OD and A matter of L&D

BA3 : well...can i put in Dream Theater? :) they've been around for 25+ years now...and imo they put out a magnificent album last year!! they have been one of the most consistent bands of all times B-) (yeah...go ahead and laugh all u want)

MA: Best overall album since the reformation, agreed

BA: The Man Who Would Be King

BA2: Overall? This one

BA3: Priest is 90%. The rest including Metallica lag severely. None are nearly as creative as Maiden though. Changing and evolving after this long is terribly impressive

Oh man the links are right there.... you make it so tempting to click!! but yes, as I've said in your other (epic) questions, I am waiting just a few more days to bless my ears with The Final Frontier.

BQ2: Dance of Death, but Brave New World takes a close second. Although who knows, after listening to Final Frontier, I might make that number one!

BQ3: Not quite.. I mean you *could* say Judas Priest, but they are not nearly as strong as Maiden.

\m/ UP THE IRONS!

PS: I've never tested my patience so much before... must. wait. until. release. of. Final. Frontier.

Holy hell this is epic. I'm definitely gonna buy this cd at some point, hopefully soon. I actually haven't listened to much of Maiden's recent stuff, and this is a big change from their older stuff. I love it though. It feels almost like a different band, but its a damn good one.

Iron Maiden is,,, was ,,, will always be,,, one of the best bands to epitomize everything that is good in metal imo,,

MQ- you just cant say anything bad about the ol Maiden can u guv?? haha,, one of my favorite bands of all time,,, great music,,great songs,,, to this day there shows have and still shred with the best of them,, Maiden ef'n rules

BQ- the man who would be king

BQ2- a matter of life and death

BQ3- no,,,, as strong?? no,,,, i still like JudasPriest but to say there go'n as strong as Maiden wouldent be fair

"Won't you come into my room, I wanna show you all my wares.

I just want to see your blood, I just want to stand and stare.

See the blood begin to flow as it falls upon the floor.

Iron Maiden can't be fought, Iron Maiden can't be sought."

awwwww yeaaaaaaa

i saw the tour live it was great and the music vid fantastic