Dance of Death Definitely Delivers!
Being a long time Maiden fan and embracing their return to form with 2000's Brave New World, I was unsure whether they could repeat the strength and power with thier latest offering "Dance of Death." Well, they have done it, and then some! With a mix of classic heavy metal crunch and the progressive rock influences of Yes and Jethro Tull, Maiden have come full circle since the debut studio album Iron Maiden in 1980, followed by a string of strong records in Killers (1981), Number of the Beast (1982), Peace of Mind (1983), Powerslave (1984), Somewhere In Time (1986), Seventh Son (1988). Axe slinger Adrian Smith departed just before the No Prayer For The Dying sessions in 1990. A few years later, Smith was followed by lead singer Bruce Dickinson shortly after the album Fear of the Dark (1992). Maiden continued on, tapping Wolvesbane front man Blaze Bailey and released The X-Factor (1996) and Virtual XI (1998). These albums had thier moments, but could not sustain the magic of the 80's. After a reunion tour in 1999, and the triumphant return of both Smith and Dickinson, Maiden were now a group of six, with a three guitar attack of Murray, Smith, and Gers. Brave New World was a return to greatness for Maiden and included an album of musical epics and crushing guitar riffs. With Dance of Death, they have picked up where BNW left off. Soaring harmonies, atmospheric orchestration, solid riffs, and tenacious vocals by Dickinson make this a heavy metal resurrection of sorts! Without boring you with a song by song review, DOD simply delivers! Pick it up today and you will not put it down! Brian Shepherd
These guys can't dance
Being a washed-up 80's bass player, Iron Maiden is, and has always been, high on my list of inspirations. But after listening to Dance of Death several times now, I've grown a bit tired of waiting for these guys to put something out that'll win back their American audience. We'll never again hear a Maiden capable of writing outstanding music comparable to Number of the Beast or Powerslave, and here's why: Janick Gers. I gotta hand it to them - it's great that they can all reunite in the classic lineup with Bruce and Adrian and still have the decency not to just dismiss Janick because he's served his purpose as a replacement guitarist. But the three guitar attack is just way too much. It overwhelms Steve's bass, which used to be galloping right out in front relentlessly. Now you can barely tell it's there. Janick needs to go. His playing style is way too flashy and poser (if you've ever seen him live you know what I mean). That said, I was skeptical about this album after hearing the pre release of Wildest Dreams-OK song, lame chorus. There are, however, some gems here. Rainmaker is a good, catchy piece that has meaningful lyrics. Most of the rest of the beginning of the album is average. The title track could've been great, if not for the extremely silly "Riverdance" guitar solos. But hold on - make it to the end of the disc and you'll be treated to some great songs. Paschendale is one of the best from them I've heard in a long time with it's epic story, great vocals, and very somber and creepy, almost computer-like opening guitar part. Face in the Sand started out very similar to boring stuff they've done countless times before, and I nearly skipped over it, but then Steve's bass of Iron Maiden Old came pounding through along with a double bass stomping from drummer Nicko that just blew me away. Add to that a very produced yet rocking Age of Innocence and the epic Journeyman, and you have a pretty good album that starts iffy, but ends well. And as a final note, would somebody please rehire Derek Riggs to draw these guys a decent album cover? As a digital artist myself, I just have to say that all this 3D modeling computer garbage is fine for video games, but as a still piece looks really untextured, boring, lazy, and is no substitute for the hand-drawn masterpieces of their past records.
HARD!
This is THE BEST album from THE BEST BAND EVER!!! Wildest Dream is pretty good, No More Lies is freaking cool (check out their video for it-it's bad!) Dance of Death is probably the best song of all time, Paschendale is amazingly cool, and so is Face in the Sand. The other songs are really cool too. Seriously, this is the best CD I have ever listened to.
Maiden lost
The last fun song Maiden wrote was Holy Smoke on No Prayer for the Dying. Their albums in the 80's were fun. All songs sounded differently and you could sing along and enjoy the whole album. This album is boring. Theres no great melodic chorus to enjoy like Can I play with Madness, and theres no triplet beats like The Trooper or Somewhere in Time. Sad to say, but maybe theyve exhausted their creative effort.
Iron Maiden continues to keep metal alive
I've been an Iron Maiden fan since the late 80s and the album "Dance of Death" is a more-than-worthy addition to the Maiden catalog. My favorite cuts off this record are "Rainmaker", the title track, "Paschendale", "Age of Innocence", and (the all-acoustic) "Journeyman", though all the tracks are strong. Bruce, Steve, Dave, Janick, Adrian, and Nicko are still at the top of their game. I recommend this CD to all music fans. 'Tis a shame that Metallica and Priest caved in to the atrocious nu-metal trend.
