Brave New World

This is some of the best stuff Maiden has done, easily on par with their earlier material. That being said, it’s great without being the same. Because although the songs are well written and well produced, they lack some of the signature Maiden points of the past. The harmonized guitars and galloping bass lines that used to be the main focus, have become less important. Center stage is now being taken by song structure, timing and vocal melodies. Only the most hardcore fans will notice the shift, or care, because the bottom line is, it’s still Maiden, and it’s still good. The Kings of progressive metal have returned to claim their throne. Long live the Kings... --Scott