Iron Maiden, one of the world’s biggest and most influential heavy metal bands, have returned with a new opus titled A Matter Of Life And Death. Produced by the talented Kevin Shirley, it is the English veterans’ 14th studio album.

Maiden have once more opted to take a song writing approach similar to that of the previous two releases, and that means only one thing, long epic songs with many hooks, key and time changes.Certain political powers have once more made the world a fearful place and turned the middle east into a bloodbath, and like many other bands and in particular Slayer, Maiden have incorporated war into their latest release, as is suggested by the cover of the album. And what would an Iron Maiden album be without an awesome cover? This time, Maiden opted for the artistry of Tim Bradstreet and the cover features Eddie atop a military tank with five skeletal soldiers of war [no doubt a representation of the six Iron Maiden lads] leaving a trail of death far behind them. The cover sets the tone for the album.

Although there is a theme of war that runs through most of the tracks on the album, it is not a concept album and many of the lyrics are quite abstract as we have come to expect from Steve Harris, Bruce Dickinson and the lads.

Like Dance of Death and Brave New World before it, the opening track on A Matter of Life and Death is a four minute rocker. Different World along with The Pilgrim [complemented by a trademark dual guitar intro] are the only tracks on the album that are reminiscent to that of past Maiden singles that you simply raise the metal horns and bang your head to. The remainder of the album sees slow build ups and much more dramatic songwriting take centre stage.

The slow build ups and acoustic introductions to most of the songs may put some fans off at first however this album, unlike many before it, requires a few listens before you truly begin to appreciate its genius.

Maiden, although sticking to the tried and true formula that has served to maintain and grow their huge legion of fans for over 26 years, have incorporated a heavier edge into their sound and it has paid off as is evident on Brighter Than A Thousand Suns and The Longest Day. The former seems to jump out of the speakers when the band electrifies its artillery after a patient acoustic build up.”On the shores of tyranny, you crashed a human wave, paying for my freedom with your lonely unmarked graves”

Lyrics like these from These Colours Don’t Run are what really make the album, complimented by equally exceptional music. As for the band, Bruce Dickinson’s voice is as good as ever whilst the triple axe attack of Dave Murray, Adrian Smith and Janick Gers has never sounded better, maturing like a fine wine. Out of the Shadows is a somewhat less inspiring track, with an unimaginative acoustic piece running through the track with a done to death riff underlying the chorus. The solo saves this song, however I do find myself reaching for the skip button halfway.

History lessons are something that Maiden have always had an interest in giving to their fans via their music and this album is no different as the tale of The Reincarnation of Benjamin Breeg is told. However, this is a history lesson of a totally different kind. In a marketing ploy of sorts, a Benjamin Breeg website and a Wikipedia entry was set up by the band to get fans questioning who Benjamin Breeg is. Should the track have been called The Reincarnation of Eddie you would have your answer.

Another interesting fact about this song is that it clocks in at 7 minutes and 21 seconds and was not eligible for UK charting due to its duration, but was still released as the leading single anyway. You’ve got to love Maiden, always going against the grain. It’s not like they need singles anyway and the decision was no doubt a symbolic one, with little to no promotion and radio play, the album debuted inside the Top 10 of most major charts and debuted at number 12 here in Australia.

For the Greater Good of God, the longest and perhaps the most epic track on the album sees many twists and turns treat the listener to an education in true metal as the triple axe attack is used to full effect. War once more plays an integral part to the track with Bruce asking with convincing desperation what life, love and war are. There is also an evident folk influence in this track and the many time and mood changes remind me of 1986’s Alexander the Great, off the Somewhere in Time album.The closing tracks, Lord of Light and The Legacy are equally inspiring as the band once again subscribe to the slow build up approach and execute it to perfectionIt is said in The Legacy that we live in a world of uncertainty, however one thing remains clear, Iron Maiden are still the real kings of metal and with the success of this release have once again raised the obligatory middle finger to the shallow music business in which manufactured, bubblegum music reigns.

I would really like to hear some more short classics next time, however having said that, this is the band’s best work since Fear of the Dark in 1992 surpassing their past two efforts with Bruce back on vocals.But don’t take my word for it, get out there, buy the album and lets hope and prey that the beast visits our shores soon!