Welcome year 2000 and it was time for ’BRAVE NEW WORLD’ - the next instalment in Maiden’s rich and varied history. More than an album, ’BRAVE NEW WORLD’ is a reminder of the power of metal from a band who have continued as defenders of the faith. ’BRAVE NEW WORLD’ is proof of that and, it’s an album that set to reaffirm Maiden’s position as one of the greatest metal/heavy rock bands of all time.A listen to the album will tell you that.’BRAVE NEW WORLD’ also boasts a sparkling production job courtesy of Kevin Shirley who took the charge of engineering and mixing the album.
The album’s opening track and first single, ’The Wicker Man’, is a bold statement of intent which is both hooked-filled and unashamedly heavy. McBrian’s gatling gun drum onslaught, Steve’s skull-walloping bass thump, and the renewed six-string bliztkrieg from the Murray/Gers/Smith axis are all present and correct, topped by a fine display of vocal-power from Dickinson.
A 10 track, 70 minute effort, ’BRAVE NEW WORLD’ is both resolutely heavy, yet stirring and ambitious. Tracks like the fired-up ’Fallen Angel’ and the stomping ’The Mercenary’ showcase Maiden’s cut ’n’ thrust style. The brooding ’Dream Of Mirrors’ sees the band in epic form, while the percussive drive of ’The Nomad’ is a soaring piece of Steve Harris-penned melodrama. Elsewhere, ’Blood Brothers’ is set against a backdrop of strings and lush orchestration, and topped by a rousing chorus. The title track and ’The Thin Love Between Love And Hate’ are both equally progressive and cerebral, while ’Ghost Of The Navigator’ and ’Out Of The Silent Planet’ boast a grandiose feel. To me it sounds like the best Iron Maiden record you ever heard.
’BRAVE NEW WORLD’ is another up at the Maiden from a band who don’t know the meaning of the word ’compromise’. On the strength of the aptly titled ’BRAVE NEW WORLD’ Maiden is out to take the world. The Beast, as they say, is well and truly back. And the timing is perfect.
Released May 30, 2000
Vocals-Bruce Dickinson
Guitar-Dave Murray, Adrian Smith, Janick Gers
Bass-Steve Harris
Drums-Nicko McBrain