Perhaps the biggest comeback in Metal! And this is no understatement, the departure of 'Blaze Bailey' sees the true voice of 'Iron Maiden', 'Bruce Dickinson' returning, along with guitar legend 'Adrian Smith'. Additional guitars are also added by the introduction of 'Janick Gers' to form a three pronged axe attack. I eagerly awaited this release and I certainly wasn't disappointed, I wouldn't go as far as to say it's their best release, but in my opinion 'Brave New World' is their strongest album since 'Seventh Son of a Seventh Son' way back in 88'. If I had one mute point it would be that a couple of the songs are drawn out a little too much, as seven out of the ten tracks could be described as epics and exceed six minutes. What I do like about this cut however is the back to roots, true old school 'Maiden' sound, no major experimental stuff, they are just doing what they did best back in the 80's and I have little doubt that if you liked 'Maiden' back then, you are sure to get something from this release.

The opening track is just pure bliss to 'Maiden' fans, as 'The Wicker Man' could have been from almost any 'Dickinson' era album, this is simply their trademark sound. The tempo is fast with the all important gallop present, vocals are the power laden crispness that made the band so distinctive, while the guitaring is relentless and rigorous. All the components come together on this magnificent opener to make this my favoured cut. Next up is the first epic 'Ghost of the Navigator' and they don't disappoint on this winding tale, which cleverly varies tempo and incorporates some cracking lyrics. Slightly less potent is the title track and although it commences as an intelligently layered number, it regrettable turns out a little too repetitive with it's trite chorus. The pace is dropped for the well written anthemic 'Blood Brothers', personally I find the chorus a little overused again, but I can overlook this for the fine vocals, subtle guitar work and clever arrangements. Even better though is 'The Mercenary', a punishing belter, that I believe would have made a good single release, again this is in the true old school 'Maiden' approach with plenty of heavy guitars, relentless drum and bass work and marvellous 'Dickinson' soaring vocals. The tempo is dropped for the accomplished 'Dream of Mirrors' a structured epic, that cleverly picks up speed throughout, until becoming a fast paced rocker, laced with blistering fret work and more fantastic vocals. The strong run continues with the stomping 'Fallen Angel', a hard hitter with exceptional lyrics and a cutting chorus, overall this has the feel of 'Dickinson's' solo material, although the penmanship is courtesy of 'Smith' and 'Harris'. While the ensuing epic 'Nomad' has some sweet 'Powerslave' style rhythm work, it comes unstuck lyrically and turns out far too repetitive and long winded at over 9 minutes. Better is the second single release 'Out of the Silent Planet' a mystical intro gives way to a rollicking rocker that is both enjoyable and in the classic 'Maiden' style. Last up is the slower paced 'The Thin Line Between Love and Hate', not one of my favourites as its too drawn out, but there are some fine moments hidden away, regrettable the chorus is not one of them.

If you had given up on 'Maiden', think again 'Bruce' and 'Adrian' are back and 'Brave New World' proves they still have plenty more to offer- A fine comeback!