I got the limited edition version which is called the 'Mission Edition' that comes in a tin case. It allows you to gain access to bonus content via the web by visiting the IronMaiden.com website and inserting your CD. I haven't tried this yet but will probably have a look over the weekend Apart from the case and online content there are no other features to take note of, basically what you get is the tin case, the CD and the booklet.
It's been four years since the excellent 'A Matter of Life And Death' was released and the band have spent much of that time touring the world aboard 'Ed Force One' piloted by Bruce Dickinson, playing to millions of adoring fans.
I've never really written a review as such so this is just gonna be my thoughts on the tunes as I listen to them for the first time.
First things first, you get your money's worth with this album...with a total runtime of around 76 minutes it is Maiden's longest album by over three minutes. With the shortest track being 04:29 and the longest being 10:59 it is fair to say that this album will not receive much radio airplay, nor will it need to as this band has such a loyal following that will surely send it to the top of the charts in many countries.
Let's get things started! The disc is in the player and we will start with Track One:
Satellite 15...The Final Frontier (08:40)
Satellite 15 is basically the intro to the title track. It starts off with a kind of industrial wail of drums and guitars which seem to be building into some sort of a crescendo...then Bruce joins in the cacophony of sound which breaks from the awaiting explosion and slows things down a little, now things are building again! This would be a fitting intro to the live shows on the current tour.
Four and a half minutes later we are greeted with the intro track which many a loyal Maiden fan has already heard via the release of the video premiere last month. I have listened to this tune over and over and can say "I fucking love it!". It has that awesome Maiden recipe for a great tune...it rocks from the first note...builds into a pre-chorus then showcases Bruce's excellent vocal ability with a thumping chorus that will have countless fans singing along to it.
El Dorado (06:49)
This tune was made available via a free digital download in June so many of you will already have had time to make up your own minds on it. At first I was not hugely impressed and thought that it did not bring anything new to the table. After listening to it a number of times I can honestly say that I'm converted...It's another meaty number that has a powerhouse of a chorus.
Mother of Mercy (05:20)
This tune has an old Maiden vibe to it. It almost reminds me of something from the Piece of Mind album where it begins with a subdued guitar intro overlayed with Bruce's finest storytelling vocals then kicks into some fine thumping riffage that will have you nodding along to on your first listen.
Coming Home (05:52)
I'm liking this intro...as the song builds it reminds me of something from Brave New World, again Bruce's vocal makes the tune with the guitars and drums almost taking a back seat to the story he so wonderfully illustrates.
The Alchemist (04:29)
The shortest track on the album and probably the most Maiden-esque tune on the album so far. A fast paced number that could almost would have perfectly fitted on the Powerslave album had that made that today and not in 1984...If you get what I mean?? So far this is one of my favourite tracks on the album and I've played it a few times whilst writing this!
Isle of Avalon (09:06)
Time to bring out the heavyweights...the second longest song on the album. Starts a little more upbeat than their usual epic titles. Ahh yes, now were into epic territory...Bruce's fast paced vocals combined with solid back up from Steve, Dave, Adrian, Nicko and Janick. This tune seems to break out into spontaneous musical outbursts quite reminiscent of the Somewhere in Time era...which is never a bad thing!
Starblind (07:48)
Another tune that starts with a whiff of the Somewhere in Time album. That notion is soon dispelled when the song comes to life. This is different, anything Maiden play is always going to be Maiden...it can't be anything else, but this tune has some different touches to it. It's not a million miles away from anything else they've done but it is a definite attempt to give us something new.
The Talisman (09:03)
Here we go again...another nine minute plus opus? A familiar folky type introduction which is soon replaced by a power packed verse and a thumping chorus. Maiden can pull this off so well and almost every album featuring the vocal talents of Bruce Dickinson seems to have a track like this on it. This would make a great live tune as the whole band combine together to produce a masterful number.
The Man Who Would Be King (08:28)
After the melancholy intro fades away you can hear the influence this band has on many other metal bands. The opening riff some people will say sounds a bit like a subdued Bullet For My Valentine...In fact it is the other way around, and B.F.M.V. would not argue with you. This track takes a number of musical journeys before it reaches it's final destination including a fine solo overlayed with some nice harmonious vocals by Bruce. This tune represents what this band has become...a solid tune which tells a powerful story and manages to entertain the listener without being pretentious or confusing.
When The Wild Wind Blows (10:59)
The longest track on the album at almost eleven minutes. Is this going to be this album's Rime of the Ancient Mariner? This song is based on the novel of the same name by author Raymond Briggs and tells the tale of a post-nuclear future.
Although as bleak as the subject matter is this song is not a dark ear challenging dirge, in fact it comes across as an atmospheric and melodic finale to a powerful album. This tune has many musical layers and touches that soothe the listener and will have them wondering why it seems much shorter that the running time suggests. That was eleven minutes that seemed to go by in a blur of almost musical psychedelia.
Well, those were my ramblings and thought on my first listen of this album. I havent read it back and changed anything, if parts of it didn't make sense I dont give a shit! Parts of it may seem totally biased, I agree, it was all totally biased...I am a huge Maiden fan and they can do no wrong by me!!!
If anybody doesn't agree with my comments I also don't give a shit. If you feel you can do better buy the CD and write your own fucking review! Lol
Thanks for taking your time to read this and I hope it made sense?!
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