Are we all as excited as me??

[Southy]

New Iron Maiden this week, I expect a least some kind of conversation here about it right....

 

[Winmar]

Yes! Out on Friday, right?

 

[Shadow298]

I think we're all Big Kev right now but I have to wait until next week to get it.

 

[The Amazer]

I'm more excited for this Maiden release than I have been since Dance Of Death.

 

[phlogiston]

I've listened to the leak. It's pretty good.

 

[Southy]

I try my best to avoid leaks from the bands I really want to hear, Iron Maiden, Metallica, Slayer and so on. It seems easier these days than when leaks were first the prevalent thing.

 

[Lord Tim]

It's decent but the production still feels rushed (and vocally really dry) and like most later Maiden stuff, I think it could do with some fat trimming.

Pretty great moments in places though. I think I need to give it a few more listens to fully appreciate it though.

 

[Southy]

The production has been pretty rushed/dry since DoD I think

 

[Spiff]

I've listened to it a bunch of times. A great album and it grows on me every day.

Shall pop into JB this afternoon to see if it's there early, as is tradition. I'll be buying the deluxe edition and have pre-ordered on iTunes.

 

[Winmar]

They've gone for a live sound, haven't they? Stripped back production etc.

 

[phlogiston]

So? General verdicts now it out and all? I like it, but I after repeated listens think I like AMOLAD better. Maybe even TFF. It's very solid with some outstanding *bits*, but there's something that just doesn't sit right as a whole.

 

[Spiff]

I love it. It's longer than it needs to be - I'd cut Tears of a Clown, When the River Runs Deep and Shadows of the Valley - but otherwise I can't really fault it much. Bruce's voice has seen better days though.

 

[Winmar]

I got the book version thingo this evening. Only up to song 5, so will save my thoughts for later.

 

[Southy]

I prefer the second disc, I am a sucker for a good epic, so Empire.. is really up my alley. The piano is lush, and a beautiful element to the song.

 

[Blitzkrieg]

Fucking Bruce. What a boss. His 2 songs are highlight and the vocals are great. I like the sound overall. As for where it sits amongst the rest of the catalogue, more listens are in order first.

 

[Southy]

Moar LISTENS!!!!

 

[Shadow298]

The lyrics of the final track are cheesy and stupid as all out but fuck me if it isn't an utterly epic song overall.

That just shows the craft that they have masters after 30 or so years playing.

 

[Spiff]

Lyrics have never been Maiden's greatest strength.

 

[Southy]

One of a handleful of bands to whom the lyrics account for next to nothing IMO. I love everything about the band, the lyrics are just a very small part of that, some of the greatest story tellers of our time I think

 

[Blitzkrieg]

I think the lyrics to Empire are great. If Steve had have tackled it he might have cheesed it a bit (like When The Wild Wind Blows) but Bruce handled it with class. Amazing epic.