Iron Maiden - Dance Of Death
2003 Columbia
by Horatio

Quick Summary:
Brave New World didn't live up to the potential Iron Maiden are capable of, especially with the return of Dickinson and Smith, the songs leaden-footed and tending to drag.  Many feel Maiden haven't lived up to their potential since 1984, though, so that's a statement that can be construed any way you like.  With every Maiden release there's a crude hope they will return to the sound of 'Killers', but seeing as that's as likely as Dennis Stratton returning to the fold, such ludicrous thoughts must be banished.  Dance Of Death is an extension of the sound Maiden have pursued for some time now, epic tracks with slow intros and faster moments, mixed with a few shorter, punchier numbers.

I admit to becoming bored with Maiden's penchant for eight minute epics, but finally they have realized any ambitions they have harboured for this direction since it began in earnest with 'Afraid To Shoot Strangers' in 1992.  The structures are ambitious, very much in the progressive metal mould, such tracks in this vein including the title cut, 'Paschendale', 'Journeyman' and 'No More Lies'.  'Montsegur' is the most blatant traditional metal throwback, a galloping tour de force that would fit on any Maiden album past and present.  'Rainmaker' and 'Age Of Innocence' feature some very modern choruses and guitar work, although still firmly metal.  It's good to see Maiden aren't afraid to try something new, even at this stage of their career.  For once Harris also manages to avoid writing some movie based dud as well.  A fine effort, Maiden's best in a long time, although the nay sayers will no doubt find fault with the overall lack of devastating heaviness.  At this point Maiden have become metal for adults, and this is reflected in this often challenging, marvelously executed album.

Website:  www.ironmaiden.com

Song Summaries:

1. Wildest Dreams - This is perhaps Maiden's best single since 'Tailgunner', a relentlessly catchy chorus it's main strength, with some exuberant riffs.  All the energy of the 'Somewhere In Time' era is there, and I'd be lying if I didn't admit to singing this out loud to myself on the odd occasion!  Vintage Maiden.  A
2. Rainmaker - This and 'Wildest Dreams' are the only three minute excursions, and like the latter relies on an immediate hook for effect, although this has a more serious tone, and could be an addition to modern rock radio.  Sounds shocking perhaps, but it still SOUNDS like Maiden.  B+
3. No More Lies - At seven minutes, the first of the longer numbers, starting with the now familiar slow intro complete with some orchestration, which remains heavy through the whole album.  Picks up the pace, of course, and Bruce is in fine voice.  Unlike so many of the dull plodders of yesteryear, this gets to the point fairly quickly.  B
4. Montsegur - Maiden can still cut it old school whenever they please, and here the results are as savage as anything that graced 'Piece Of Mind'.  For once you can actually hear the power of the guitar trio, as they combine for some mighty riffs.  Metal that puts bums like Motörhead to shame, simply because Lemmy is 58 and still writing songs about staying out of jail.  A
5. Dance Of Death - At eight and a half minutes this is a bloody journey.  Actually, I sympathize with someone on their first listen who might become pissed off and scream 'just let it rip already!!' as they have plundered this style more than humanly possible.  But this works.  When the lads get up a head of steam no one can stop them, and waiting for such results make the results worthwhile.  Plus the fact Maiden can conjure up such wonderful imagery adds to the atmosphere.  Some segments remind me of 'The X Factor', probably due to the familiar keyboards.  B+
6. Gates Of Tomorrow - At five minutes this could be considered short, and it's energetic and punchy throughout, the riffs upfront, and again with a fine sense of melody.  Nice to hear those almost 80's guitar harmonies as well.  B+
7. New Frontier - McBrain's first credit on any Maiden album is worth the wait, the man claiming he wrote this with his buddy Danny Spitz (although that midget's name is nowhere to be found, of course).  Another pacey, heavy workout, this should satisfy any Maiden fan.  When you really listen closely, their sound is still basically the same, just the production values have changed.  B
8. Paschendale - Another eight minutes plus composition, this time a subtle World War One tale, with staggering sleights of hand, one minute wistful and contemplative, the next a wall of noise.  The use of orchestration is heavy, but never overshadows Maiden's basic power.  Heavy going, but the arrangements are so well conceived, that it's essential listening. A
9. Face In The Sand - Easy to become weary of that orchestral backdrop with this one.  Dilutes things to a degree.  C+
10. Age Of Innocence - The chorus here is unlike anything I've heard from Maiden, very modern, and at odds with the pounding verses, which are stock metal riffing.  But it's well handled, good melodic hard rock.  Maiden are very adept at being able to diversify their guitar sound when it suits them.  A blend of the old and new.  B
11. Journeyman - I had to check for a minute if I wasn't listening to King Crimson, Dust or even Kansas when I first heard this.  Very much in the style of early 70's progressive rock, with evocative acoustic work and the omnipresent symphonics.  A stroke of genius in my books, I can just picture some minstrel in the forest.  A

Average Song Rating:  B
Overall Album Rating:  A

Also be sure to read:
Iron Maiden - A Real Dead One Quick Reviews by Horatio
Iron Maiden - Fear Of The Dark by Horatio
Iron Maiden - Killers by Horatio
Iron Maiden - No Prayer For The Dying by Horatio
Iron Maiden - Number Of The Beast by Horatio
Iron Maiden - Powerslave by Horatio
Iron Maiden - Somewhere In Time by Horatio
Iron Maiden - The X Factor Quick Reviews by Horatio
Iron Maiden - Virtual XI by Horatio