In the beginning there was rock and roll and then there was Iron Maiden. In the late ’70s and early ’80s a new brand of metal began to take hold. Combining a raw feel and intense, aggressive songs, this New Wave of British Heavy Metal would forever change rock and roll and allow bands like Iron Maiden to take the world by storm. With epic songs, elaborate stage productions, artistic album covers, and “Eddie” the most famous mascot in rock, Maiden is clearly in a league of its own. The iconic metal band is back with their 16th and first ever double studio album, “The Book of Souls.”
Disc one opens with “If Eternity Should Fail” which begins with Bruce Dickinson’s signature voice along an otherworldy intro before it kicks off into overdrive and ends with the eerie spoken words of the “harvester of souls.” The catchy riff of the single “Speed of Light” is next before launching into “The Great Unkown” with all its lyrical imagery as only Iron Maiden can do. The classic galloping bass of Steve Harris is front and center on “The Red and The Black,” one of my favorite tracks on the record. The guitar work of Dave Murray and Adrian Smith is exceptional, as always, especially on “When The River Runs Deep” and the elegant intro of “The Book of Souls.”
“Death or Glory” starts off disc two in classic Maiden fashion and the trend continues on “Shadows of the Valley,” both of which really took me back to the “Piece of Mind” album. “Tears of a Clown” focuses on the issues of depression and is dedicated to the late Robin Williams. No one can belt it out quite like Dickinson and his vocals are a standout on “The Man of Sorrows.” Closing out the album is the longest Maiden track ever, clocking in at just over 18 minutes in length, the epic “Empire of the Clouds.” It is beautiful and theatrical featuring Bruce Dickinson on piano before the guitars take over almost midway through taking it to a new level before softening things back up with the piano and softer guitars for the close.
“The Book of Souls” is not only a blistering and electrifying jolt of metal but it’s also a majestic and moving piece of art. My advice is to pick up a case of “Trooper” beer, turn up your stereo, and enjoy this monumental adventure from Iron Maiden.
