A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH

I feel this is Maidens strongest effort since 1988s 7th Son album. Production wise it is scaled down to a level reminiscent of Piece of Mind or even No prayer. The drums sound like cannons and the album hits hard cranked up but I do think the only problem with Bruces voice on this album and on Dance of Death is a lack of production. Ever since Martin Birch retired and Kevin Shirly came aboard for Bruces return, the vocals haven't been quite right in my opinion. For the most part they sounded great on Brave New World and on Dance of Death they made them less polished and here, they are even less polished. It's not an issue with Bruce, but an issue with the producer not knowing how to handle his vocals. On many parts of this album they sound completely dry and when you're hitting some of the highs Bruce hits you need some studio assistance to properly integrate them into the mix. Case in point, compare Bruces vocals on his solo works such as tyranny of souls. Maybe they should have Roy Z produce the next Iron Maiden album. It would sound a hell of a lot better.

The vocal production isn't my only beef though, as the guitars sound a bit dry and muddy as well. I hate to complain about one of my favorite bands on one of their best albums they've done in a long time, but I want these guys to be produced better and I know they can be. I know Steve Harris has a lot to do with this because he gets involved with everything in the studio. For instance, Steve decided not to master the album because he liked the mix as it was. Was he right? Who knows. I don't think mastering changes a whole lot anyway, but it does polish the record a bit.

I shouldn't have so many criticisms considering Maiden is doing very well and this album was #8 in the USA. I saw this tour and they played the whole album and it was awesome. I know I've bitched a lot here, but this is a great record and the best since 7th son. I can't wait for the next one. Every song on here is good or great. It's also important to note, that this is the hardest Maiden album to sing since 7th Son as well. You would think as Bruce got older he'd tone it down a bit, but this is a bitch to sing!

Up the Irons!