Brave New World (CD - 2000)

Recorded at Guillaume Tell Studios, Paris, France.

"The Wicker Man" was nominated for the 2001 Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance.

Personnel: Bruce Dickinson (vocals); Dave Murray , Janick Gers, Adrian Smith (guitar); Steve Harris (keyboards); Nicko McBrain (drums).

Audio Mixer: Kevin Shirley.

Recording information: Guillaume Tell Studios, Paris, France.

The return of Iron Maiden's "classic" Dickinson/Harris/Murray/Smith/McBrain lineup (plus third guitarist Janick Gers) in 1999 led to an incredibly successful world tour that saw the New Wave of British Heavy Metal legends commanding stages with the same unmitigated power and authority as they had during their mid-'80s heyday. But the question remained as to whether the reconstituted group would be able to carry this momentum into a studio setting and recapture the songwriting chops of its glory years. This question made Brave New World one of the most highly anticipated metal releases of 2000, and thankfully, the eventual answer to that question was a resounding "YES!" In fact, the album pretty much picked up right where the "classic" lineup had left off on 1988's Seventh Son of a Seventh Son: with a faithful rediscovery of Iron Maiden's best-loved sonic aesthetic and compositional quirks, updated only insofar as was necessary to measure up to new-millennium recording standards. In every other respect (and much like Seventh Son of a Seventh Son), Brave New World's meticulously orchestrated three-guitar attack still allowed for a greater sense of space than early Maiden albums (as well as the use of subtle keyboard textures in a supporting role), while boasting a beefier, in-your-face mix à la Piece of Mind or Powerslave. The remarkable pipes of singer Bruce Dickinson actually seemed to have benefited from a less grueling touring schedule over the previous decade, and his renewed songwriting partnership with bassist Steve Harris (and other assorted bandmembers) yielded several new Maiden live standards such as punchy first single, "The Wicker Man," and the positively anthemic title track. Also worthy of special mention were Harris' emotional solo copyright, "Blood Brothers," Adrian Smith's distinctive solo licks throughout "The Fallen Angel," and six-string stalwart Dave Murray's Arabian-flavored contributions to "The Nomad." These highlights notwithstanding, a more lucid appraisal revealed that Brave New World was no Number of the Beast, once the initial euphoria died down. But as comeback albums go, its excellence was undeniable, and announced not only Iron Maiden's triumphant return, but an important turning point in heavy metal's long, arduous climb back to respectability after years of critical abuse. ~ Eduardo Rivadavia

After playing to packed houses in 1999, the reformed and revamped Iron Maiden now satisfies their fans' hunger with a new collection of material. Vocalist Bruce Dickinson and guitarist Adrian Smith rejoin the fold, which is now a six member, three guitar sonic assault. Produced by Kevin Shirley (Aerosmith, The Black Crowes), BRAVE NEW WORLD is Maiden's finest album in 12 years.

"The Wicker Man" is a heavy, yet accessible tune with a memorable chorus propelled by Nicko McBrain's double bass drum thunder. "Blood Brothers" is a melancholy song featuring strings and lush arrangement, while the title track shows that Dickinson's pipes are in fine form; the man can belt out a song like no one else. "Dream of Mirrors" begins acoustically and builds to a mammoth, grandiose blockbuster. Master bassist Steve Harris also lends his keyboard prowess to the nine-minute epic, "The Nomad." Iron Maiden is proudly still waving the metal flag; there's no group more fitting to lead a heavy rock revival. An album of conviction, BRAVE NEW WORLD shows a band still at the top of its game. minimize