Iron Maiden - A Matter Of Life And Death

A must have

I can't believe that there are currently 11 reviews giving one star for this album. All I can say to that is: don't review an album you don't understand.

This is a true masterpiece. It is the best, and most consistent album Iron Maiden has ever released.

It is not like the 80's albums, although you recognize the typical Maiden-sound. Bruce Dickinson's voice is one in a billion, and the band performes at it's best. Don't expect anything like Dance of Death or Seventh Son of a Seventh Son, it's very different from them. No disrespect to those albums, as they are also great, but this one is THE Maiden album of the decade. June 29, 2008

I can't believe they played this WHOLE album in concert (bllleeaahhhh)

First of all, I'd just like to say that I'm glad Iron Maiden are still together and putting albums out. I thought 2003's DANCE OF DEATH was a fine modern Maiden CD with great cuts like "Paschendale," "Rainmaker," "Dance of Death" and a few others. I like the fact that Maiden has their own highly unique sound and refuse to jump on stylistic bandwagons. Iron Maiden is Iron Maiden.

I'd also like to point out that I had owned and digested their debut album and KILLERS before Bruce Dickinson made his premier as vocalist and they subsequently made it big in America.

With that understanding, I bought A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH when it came out in 2006 and I've given it numerous listens since then. I'm sorry but this isn't a very good Maiden album. It's okay. There are some good parts here and there and a couple of fine songs, but that's about it.

What's wrong with the album?

-- For one the production isn't all that great for a modern CD. I'm not a big Evanescence fan or anything, but the production on their 2006 album THE OPEN DOOR was incredible. The thing is, Evanescence are a relatively new band while Maiden has been releasing albums since 1980. Since Maiden have WAY more experience shouldn't their CDs sound significantly better than a group of young bucks? The best way I could describe the production on LIFE AND DEATH is that it's raw. Even though this is so, it wouldn't matter to me personally if the songs were great (after all, I'm a huge fan of rawly produced albums like those by Bathory). But that's hardly the case.

-- Bruce is a fine metal vocalist and has numerous stellar moments with Maiden, but on LIFE AND DEATH he too often sounds like he's straining to stay in key and it grates on the nerves (some places worse than others). What's interesting is that Bruce is a much better vocalist on his solo material. This indicates that he's likely pushed to do things against his better judgment in Maiden. Perhaps his judgment gets squelched by the democratic Maiden proccess machine. Who knows? All I know is that he comes across annoying on LIFE AND DEATH too often. I realize this is sacriledge to uber-Dickinson fans who automatically rate any Maiden CD a masterpiece as long as he's on vox, but I don't share such mindless exuberance. In fact, some of my favorite Maiden albums are without Bruce -- the debut, KILLERS and even X-FACTOR. But, don't get me wrong, I love Bruce; I just can't stand it when he grates on your nerves.

-- There aren't that many good songs on a WHOLE. "The Legacy" is nigh stellar (except the boring post-chorus section) and there are a couple of other decent tunes like "Different World" (notice I said decent, not great) but by and large the songs don't work as whole numbers. For instance, the beginning of "The Longest Day" is creative and catchy but it's ruined by most of the rest of the piece, especially the chorus. Despite this fact, you'll hear numerous shining MOMENTS interspersed throughout the CD, such as the chorus of "For the Greater Good of God."

BOTTOM LINE: A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH ranks with Iron Maiden's weaker efforts, but it's thankfully no where near as bad as VIRTUAL XI. Regardless, there's quite a bit to like and respect here if you're a Maiden fan. But, be warned, it's a real hit and miss affair.

3/5 Stars is generous. Grade: C

P.S. I finally gave my copy away after numerous chances at redemption. June 6, 2008

Iron Maiden : A Matter of Life and Death

This album is incredible. Don't listen to the people who whine about how it's not like their 80's material. "These Colours Don't Run", "Brighter Than a Thousand Suns" and "Lord of Light" are powerful tracks that only a band like Maiden could pull off. I rank this album in the top 5 Maiden albums. Get it! May 23, 2008

MASTERPIECE!!!

Iron Maiden gives us an amazing album. This is Iron Maiden essence: creative, powerful, heavy, and with intelligent lyrics. I have to admit that I wasn't a huge fan of them, I have always listened the "holy trinity" of classic Maiden (The Number of the Beast, Piece of Mind, Powerslave), but I must admit that "A Matter of Life and Death" catched me as one more "trooper", is a great heavy metal album with strong progressive influence. Some people are saying that is not classic Maiden but that is not true: all the songs have the "classic Maiden" ingredients and you will not get tired of listen the album again and again.
All the performances are outstanding, they are without any doubt very talented musicians, but I think Dickinson is out of this world in this album, he is singing better than ever. After this masterpiece, what can we expect from Iron Maiden? May 14, 2008

Disappointing

I LOVE Iron Maiden. I own everyone of their albums, I think they're great and everything. But I'm very disappointed with this album. I "tried" liking it, but Mmmmm sorry, they must be under pressure from the record company to put out the album. May 7, 2008

More reviews at Amazon.com ...