Iron Maiden: The Final Frontier

You really can't dispute the significant role Iron Maiden have had in the world of heavy metal, as one of the most successful bands ever with a massive following. At this point in their career I wasn't expecting to experience Maiden's best ever release, of which their 15th album The Final Frontier isnt, but I would have no complaints if they do keep on going and releasing albums of this quality. This is an easy one to like and more consistent than their last two, although for many The Final Frontier could take additional playtime to appreciate, unlike many previous albums all the gems don't surface straight away. But it's not totally different as this newest Iron Maiden album still has those Maiden familiarities like Nicko McBrain's drum fills, Steve Harris and his galloping bass, prominent guitar playing from their three players, song titles starting with 'The' and of course Bruce Dickinson. Fans of Maiden's more epic songs will be impressed as many of The Final Frontier's tracks have quite lengthy durations.

But it's not all familiar as The Final Frontier does have some differences, before the vocals of one Bruce Dickinson cut in on "Satellite 15….The Final Frontier" you would be hard pressed to identify who the band playing actually is, as Iron Maiden are experimenting much more and this certainly isn't your normal Maiden introduction. "Satellite 15….The Final Frontier" does go down a more familiar rocking Maiden road as it progresses, my only gripe is that this doesn't eventuate until over halfway through and maybe they should have made it sooner. The lyrics tell of one lost in space and drifting off course getting close to the sun, trying to communicate with those back home while there is still time but to no avail.

The track that gave us the first taste of this new album, "El Dorado", is one of the more traditional Maiden style of heavy and upbeat catchy numbers as are "The Alchemist" and "The Talisman". "Mother Of Mercy" builds into a powerful song with a thumping beat thanks to combo of Steve and Nicko. I really like "Coming Home", a ballad like track which alters in intensity and complemented by a great solo section, and "Isle Of Avalon" is another very impressive song thanks to some wonderful music. "Starblind" wasn't a favorite after multiple listens but that may still change over time, and "The Man Who Would Be King" has some more great music thanks to their very able guitarists. The Final Frontier has many lengthy songs and one of the best, "When The Wild Wind Blows", is also the longest at eleven minutes, based on the post nuclear fallout graphic novel by author Raymond Briggs. It's these kinds of epic songs that Maiden excels at, and once again they have on The Final Frontier.

Could The Final Frontier be the final studio release we get from Iron Maiden, after so many great ones? It's hard not to read into the album title, anyway I suppose we will just have to wait and see. If this is to be the finale of which I have my doubts then The Final Frontier is a top album to go out with, showing that Iron Maiden are still in very good form.

Track List:
1. Satellite 15….The Final Frontier
2. El Dorado
3. Mother Of Mercy
4. Coming Home
5. The Alchemist
6. Isle Of Avalon
7. Starblind
8. The Talisman
9. The Man Who Would Be King
10. When The Wild Wind Blows

Added: December 20th 2010
Reviewer: Scott Jessup
Score:
Related Link: Band Website
Hits: 5183
Language: english

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