(Disclaimer: This is a review for a local magazine, which means it has a very short word limit, and content restrictions. Take my word when I say Maiden’s new album is fucking awesome, and much better than 90% of the shit being released by bands half their age. Horns high!)
If you’re talking band
s that have stood the test of time, you’re talking Iron Maiden. One of the dominant forces during the British metal invasion of the early 1980’s, Maiden has survived 40 years in the rock world and continue to prove themselves one of the mightiest bands in the land.
Last month, the metal gods looked down, smiled upon their children of rock and offered their 16th studio album. “Book of Souls” fully displays Maiden’s best quality: Having a sound that is instantly recognizable while remaining totally inspired. Maiden is not repetitive. It’s comfortably familiar while remaining powerful, and thought provoking. From the opening of “If Eternity Shall Fail”, to the 18 minute “Empire of the Clouds”, this album is a journey through themes of mortality and the eternal nature of the soul.
Truthfully, there is no proper way to review a Maiden album in such a short column. It’s too complex, and it rocks too hard. However, one thing is certain. While these hard rockers of the highest magnitude could not be blamed at this point for resting on their laurels, the extraordinary vision and powerful execution presented on “Book of Souls” clearly indicates that these veterans have plenty left in their tank.
On a 5 rock goblet scale, “Book of Souls” receives 4.5 goblets of rock raised toward the heavens.
J. Robert Lobeck
mrlobeck 