Iron Maiden - The Final Frontier

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After a career spanning some thirty odd years and tens of millions of album sales, it is a wonder that Iron Maiden are left standing, let alone still producing albums.

Their fifteenth studio effort The Final Frontier ploughs through ten elaborate yet instantly recognisable Maiden tracks and, although offering a few gems along the way, tends towards the more overblown end of the spectrum.

However the moments that shine prove to be some of the band’s strongest material in years. The dark electronic-tinged opening stanza of ‘Satellite 15…is a welcome foray into new territory, before kicking into the bombastic title track which delivers a meaningful statement of intent. The trademark galloping rhythms of lead single ‘El Dorado’ pick up from where the title track leaves off.

The searing twin lead guitars of ‘The Alchemist’, which explode into its epic chorus, is a mid-album highlight and a timely remainder of the band’s melodic prowess. Vocalist Bruce Dickinson is in fine form throughout, employing his trademark high pitched wail to great effect on tracks such as ‘Mother of Mercy’ in particular.

It's unfortunate then that these stand-out moments are often surrounded by padded out material which takes away from the overall punch of the album.

Overall, this is a solid effort which teeters over the edge of spectacular on more than one occasion. Although it is unlikely that ‘The Final Frontier’ will capture an army of new fans, it is sure to keep the legions of Maiden faithful satisfied until the world tour rolls into town.

UNFORTUNATELY WE CAN'T EMBED A CLIP HERE. READ SOME POTENTIAL REASONS WHY HERE.

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