Storming back to the scene and making a triumphant comeback, British heavy-metal act Iron Maiden aimed its sights at recapturing the scene. Billed as the first album of the "21st Century Maiden", Brave New World was an amazing comeback and marked the first time the entire band reunited since 1988's Seventh Son of a Seventh Son. With the addition of third guitarist Janick Gers, the band was complete and here they made a greatly layered album with a flurry of mind-blowing guitar solos and some truly aesthestic moments.

     Iron Maiden has been recording music for over twenty years and by the time Brave New World was released, it had been exactly two decades since their debut album. If anything, I think, like a fine wine as they say, has this band gotten better with time. They only sound more professional, and tighter, and have benefited from the more modern ways of record production. The sound now is much more refined and entirely cleaner than some of Maiden's earliest works. Of course, a production can only do so much for a band as they must actually perform well on their own - which they do! I've always respected Iron Maiden's ability to not simply write great songs, but compose these metal masterpieces - they are so intricately layered. Songs like "Dream of Mirrors", and "Brave New World" are perfect examples of this. The albums best track, "Ghost of the Navigator", is another terrific example of their composition prowess.

     Another wonderful element of this album, and for Iron Maiden's career, is their ability to remain consistent. Brave New World is a defining example of this career long consistency that they are so blessed with. There is not really one dud on this entire album as they all seem to have something to offer one way or another. It really is a treat to listen to. The musicianship itself is very strong as well throughout, and the timeless pipes of Bruce Dickinson sound as strong here as they ever have before.

     I like this sort of "21st Century Maiden" because they not only made a comeback, but made one with a vengence, and with a mission to take back the metal world. They have accomplished so much and gone through a few ups and downs along the way, and it makes this newer album all the sweeter. There is a definitive brand of focus that is unmistakable here on Brave New World.

     I highly reccomend this album to any heavy metal fan, and I think any fan of rock music would really appreciate it. I'm not sure how broad an audience this particular album could reach, but I would say that Iron Maiden certainly has a lot more range than some of its contemporaries, and while this album has some heavy moments, it executes every moment with that aforementioned focus and a sense of grace. Also, it also gives you a great bang for your buck as it is a lengthy 67 minutes without ever feeling too long. Brave New World is one of their best efforts, and for this critic, it is my personal favorite in the Iron Maiden discography.

TRACK HIGHLIGHTS:

"Ghost of the Navigator"

"The Wicker Man"

"Brave New World"

"Out of the Silent Planet"

"Dream of Mirrors"

-Kurt L.

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