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Iron Maiden – The Book of Souls – Album Review

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Iron Maiden
The Book of Souls
‎Parlophone/Warner Music Australia
Release Date: Out Now
Review by Matt Bolton

Iron Maiden can do no wrong when it comes to releasing classic metal records. The magic is back, capturing the same feel as with their Brave New World album in 2000, recording at Guillame Tell Studios in Paris, where the latter was also recorded. Opening track, If Eternity Should Fail, has classic Maiden written all over it with the dual guitar and galloping bass we have grown to love. You would be easily mistaken for thinking it was a song from the ‘80s with second track, also the first single, Speed of Light. Just check out the amazing video. They sure don’t make videos like that anymore.

The Great Unknown has some refreshing guitar solos thrown in and Bruce’s vocals are top notch. The band proves to be tight as ever and the man can still hit those high notes. Bruce’s distinct voice shines throughout and on personal favourite of mine, The Red and the Black, which has me banging my head to the infectious riff and the “whoa, oh, whoa, oh…” reminding me of The Wicker Man, the opening track off Brave New World.

Title track, The Book of Souls, shows a slower hard hitting riff with a certain groove to it. Iron Maiden shows their dark side on this one. Bruce showcases some more powerful vocals, which lead to some nifty guitar solos and the band taking up the tempo. Other highlights for me were Death or Glory and Tears of a Clown. With 2 discs and panning in at 92 minutes, it really is an epic release and is appreciated more listening in full. For the die-hard Maiden fan there is something there for everyone. Closing track, Empire of the Clouds clocking in at just over 18 minutes, it is the longest song Maiden has recorded and it just shows what these legends are capable of.

Metal lives! Up the Irons!

 

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