Iron Maiden--Brave New World

Iron Maiden--Brave New World (2000/Portrait) Rating--8.3

The return of Bruce and Adrian!! Ok... that's the good news. I'll get to the bad news a bit later...
The "golden-era" Maiden unit is once again fully represented, and the keeping of six-stringer Jannick Gers now gives the band a three-guitar attack-- quite a rarity for a metal act. That approach isn't terribly noticable on the studio tracks, but should prove more noteworthy in the live arena.
The overall sound is immediately more vibrant than the last two CD's. The guitars are once again crisp and "alive," and Bruce's voice inevitably takes the band back a full decade.
Several songs follow the 'X-Factor' format of a slow, building intro, whilst others rock out like the band hasn't done in awhile. Harris' bass is still mixed too much in the front... but oh well. That will probably never change.
Ok then..... Now the bad news. Yes, Bruce and Adrian are back. But.... Bruce only co-writes four tracks, and Adrian only two. And get this-- Adrian's tracks are the heaviest and best on the disc! Why not more?? Ahh well, though... Maiden is back, and that's the bottom line. There's many a grin spread over classic metalheads' faces this day...
Lead single "The Wicker Man" is strong and driving, with a smooth, chunky chorus. Songs such as "Ghost of the Navigator" and "Out of the Silent Planet" have tinges of 'Somewhere in Time' and 'Seventh Son' material, with the latter track being quick and slashing.
Both "The Mercenary" and "Dream of Mirrors" are good, and the thumping, driving "The Fallen Angel" is a top highlight.
TRACK LIST: The Wicker Man/Ghost of the Navigator/Brave New World/Blood Brothers/The Mercenary/Dream of Mirrors/ The Fallen Angel/The Nomad/Out of the Silent Planet/The Thin Line Between Love and Hate

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