Official thread for Final Frontier discussion
- Thread starter Travis The Dragon
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MadMax
Invader
Re: Official thread for Final Frontier discussion (Spoilers inside)
After preordering the Mission Edition and even choosing Amazon Prime delivery, I was expecting the album to arrive yesterday, on the German release day. Well, it didn't. Needless to say I sent a critical message to the Amazon staff because I've had this delay twice now, and it never happened before then. BUT I waited patiently for today, when it finally arrived (I know, "finally" is still earlier than the rest of the world).
I just copied the disc to my hard drive so I wouldn't have any DVD drive noise, then hit play and let it run, while looking at the bonus content (the photos and especially wallpapers are amazing - the "debriefing" video was fun while it lasted
). Now I've listened to it ONCE in a row and stopped. I'm now taking a break from it until tonight, when I will give it its second run. I feel as with any new Maiden album, I have to take it in small doses to really appreciate every single song. It's simply too much input to grasp it all if you put it on constantly from the get go!
What I've noticed so far is... this album is amazing. The two openers rock (and the intro to El Dorado works like I expected it would!) and then it becomes this huge journey, very straightforward at first, then getting more progressive as we tag along. But it never becomes as dark or depressing as AMOLAD, not to me at least.
Hmm, I don't know... I've heard it only once and the beginning as well as the ending just made me smile. It was like, "yeah! this is what Maiden is all about!" But I haven't dived into the lyrics yet; will do that later. By the way: I was right after all... "if you knew the story" was the correct line in El Dorado
Now if they had just made the case wide enough to actually accomodate the booklet without pinching the edges...
But otherwise... brilliant. I love the artwork; can't find why other people give the cover bad ratings! And the photo on the back, while the typical Maiden band pose, rocks with the lighting.
Now I'm REALLY looking forward to the tour. Especially Coming Home, that will surely be a live favourite!
After preordering the Mission Edition and even choosing Amazon Prime delivery, I was expecting the album to arrive yesterday, on the German release day. Well, it didn't. Needless to say I sent a critical message to the Amazon staff because I've had this delay twice now, and it never happened before then. BUT I waited patiently for today, when it finally arrived (I know, "finally" is still earlier than the rest of the world).
I just copied the disc to my hard drive so I wouldn't have any DVD drive noise, then hit play and let it run, while looking at the bonus content (the photos and especially wallpapers are amazing - the "debriefing" video was fun while it lasted
). Now I've listened to it ONCE in a row and stopped. I'm now taking a break from it until tonight, when I will give it its second run. I feel as with any new Maiden album, I have to take it in small doses to really appreciate every single song. It's simply too much input to grasp it all if you put it on constantly from the get go!What I've noticed so far is... this album is amazing. The two openers rock (and the intro to El Dorado works like I expected it would!) and then it becomes this huge journey, very straightforward at first, then getting more progressive as we tag along. But it never becomes as dark or depressing as AMOLAD, not to me at least.
Hmm, I don't know... I've heard it only once and the beginning as well as the ending just made me smile. It was like, "yeah! this is what Maiden is all about!" But I haven't dived into the lyrics yet; will do that later. By the way: I was right after all... "if you knew the story" was the correct line in El Dorado
Now if they had just made the case wide enough to actually accomodate the booklet without pinching the edges...
But otherwise... brilliant. I love the artwork; can't find why other people give the cover bad ratings! And the photo on the back, while the typical Maiden band pose, rocks with the lighting.Now I'm REALLY looking forward to the tour. Especially Coming Home, that will surely be a live favourite!
Black Wizard
Pleb Hunter
Re: Official thread for Final Frontier discussion (Spoilers inside)
Well my copy arrived this morning from hmv.com. I only just finished listening to it as I was listening to the football all afternoon.
After one listen I can't say it does anything for me. The first three songs seem to have rehashed 'Somewhere in Time' riffs but the title track and 'El Dorado' are decent songs at least. The fourth track 'Coming Home' sounds like it should be on Bruce's solo album 'Accident of Birth' - it's so similar to the space-themed songs on that album. 'The Talisman' is a fairly good song and hasn't been badly affected by the startling decline in Bruce's voice which I think is even less impressive than the previous album. Of course, when one has been singing like Bruce has for thirty years it's only to be expected The final song, 'When the Wild Wind Blows' confuses the hell out of me: the opening and closing instrumental passages sound like 'Blood Brothers' cast-offs and the rest of the song is just plain odd because musically and in terms of Bruce's delivery it is fine but I find the concept and lyrics very poor for Iron Maiden. 'When the Wild Wind Blows' reminds me a lot of Dream Theater's 'The Count of Tuscany' in that respect: the music and vocals are fine, but the concept and lyrics are poor.
I don't like how many of the tracks are long either. In the past, seven minute plus, epic Iron Maiden songs used to be something to look forward to, appearing only once or twice per album, but now they're to be expected and the quantity of these type of songs has somewhat devalued them in my opinion. It also seems apparent that Maiden aren't capable of writing "hits" anymore, not that the UK music industry would allow a metal band to have a hit anyway. The songwriting skills don't seem to be there any longer either. They were in evidence on 'A Matter of Life and Death' and out in force on 'Dance of Death' for 'Paschendale', but I think thirty years has taken it's toll on the band so that they just don't have anything like the creativity they used to.
I'll listen to album some more though and it will probably grow on me, but I can't think of any positives to say about the album yet.
Well my copy arrived this morning from hmv.com. I only just finished listening to it as I was listening to the football all afternoon.
After one listen I can't say it does anything for me. The first three songs seem to have rehashed 'Somewhere in Time' riffs but the title track and 'El Dorado' are decent songs at least. The fourth track 'Coming Home' sounds like it should be on Bruce's solo album 'Accident of Birth' - it's so similar to the space-themed songs on that album. 'The Talisman' is a fairly good song and hasn't been badly affected by the startling decline in Bruce's voice which I think is even less impressive than the previous album. Of course, when one has been singing like Bruce has for thirty years it's only to be expected The final song, 'When the Wild Wind Blows' confuses the hell out of me: the opening and closing instrumental passages sound like 'Blood Brothers' cast-offs and the rest of the song is just plain odd because musically and in terms of Bruce's delivery it is fine but I find the concept and lyrics very poor for Iron Maiden. 'When the Wild Wind Blows' reminds me a lot of Dream Theater's 'The Count of Tuscany' in that respect: the music and vocals are fine, but the concept and lyrics are poor.
I don't like how many of the tracks are long either. In the past, seven minute plus, epic Iron Maiden songs used to be something to look forward to, appearing only once or twice per album, but now they're to be expected and the quantity of these type of songs has somewhat devalued them in my opinion. It also seems apparent that Maiden aren't capable of writing "hits" anymore, not that the UK music industry would allow a metal band to have a hit anyway. The songwriting skills don't seem to be there any longer either. They were in evidence on 'A Matter of Life and Death' and out in force on 'Dance of Death' for 'Paschendale', but I think thirty years has taken it's toll on the band so that they just don't have anything like the creativity they used to.
I'll listen to album some more though and it will probably grow on me, but I can't think of any positives to say about the album yet.
Suicidehummer
Trooper
Re: Official thread for Final Frontier discussion (Spoilers inside)
I'm sorry, but it's just absolutely ridiculous to try to judge this album after ONE listen.
Black Wizard said:Well my copy arrived this morning from hmv.com. I only just finished listening to it as I was listening to the football all afternoon.
After one listen I can't say it does anything for me. The first three songs seem to have rehashed 'Somewhere in Time' riffs but the title track and 'El Dorado' are decent songs at least. The fourth track 'Coming Home' sounds like it should be on Bruce's solo album 'Accident of Birth' - it's so similar to the space-themed songs on that album. 'The Talisman' is a fairly good song and hasn't been badly affected by the startling decline in Bruce's voice which I think is even less impressive than the previous album. Of course, when one has been singing like Bruce has for thirty years it's only to be expected The final song, 'When the Wild Wind Blows' confuses the hell out of me: the opening and closing instrumental passages sound like 'Blood Brothers' cast-offs and the rest of the song is just plain odd because musically and in terms of Bruce's delivery it is fine but I find the concept and lyrics very poor for Iron Maiden. 'When the Wild Wind Blows' reminds me a lot of Dream Theater's 'The Count of Tuscany' in that respect: the music and vocals are fine, but the concept and lyrics are poor.
I don't like how many of the tracks are long either. In the past, seven minute plus, epic Iron Maiden songs used to be something to look forward to, appearing only once or twice per album, but now they're to be expected and the quantity of these type of songs has somewhat devalued them in my opinion. It also seems apparent that Maiden aren't capable of writing "hits" anymore, not that the UK music industry would allow a metal band to have a hit anyway. The songwriting skills don't seem to be there any longer either. They were in evidence on 'A Matter of Life and Death' and out in force on 'Dance of Death' for 'Paschendale', but I think thirty years has taken it's toll on the band so that they just don't have anything like the creativity they used to.
I'll listen to album some more though and it will probably grow on me, but I can't think of any positives to say about the album yet.
I'm sorry, but it's just absolutely ridiculous to try to judge this album after ONE listen.
Re: Official thread for Final Frontier discussion (Spoilers inside)
If you are a Maiden fan already I find it hard to believe you won't find something you like after a few listens.
If you're into old-school '80s stuff, concentrate on The Talisman, The Alchemist and the Final Frontier.
If you like the more ambitious sound of AMOLAD, try Starblind, or Isle of Avalon.
I'm starting to think it may be their best album ever.
If you are a Maiden fan already I find it hard to believe you won't find something you like after a few listens.
If you're into old-school '80s stuff, concentrate on The Talisman, The Alchemist and the Final Frontier.
If you like the more ambitious sound of AMOLAD, try Starblind, or Isle of Avalon.
I'm starting to think it may be their best album ever.
Rivet_Head
Invader
Re: Official thread for Final Frontier discussion (Spoilers inside)
Black Wizard,
"It also seems apparent that Maiden aren't capable of writing "hits" anymore, not that the UK music industry would allow a metal band to have a hit anyway. The songwriting skills don't seem to be there any longer either. They were in evidence on 'A Matter of Life and Death' and out in force on 'Dance of Death' for 'Paschendale', but I think thirty years has taken it's toll on the band so that they just don't have anything like the creativity they used to"
First of all they never wrote hits. Second - I'll bet you will be eating these words in the very near future.
It took me almost 3 days of non-stop spins to finally understand this stuff. Your comment regarding "creativity" could not be further from the truth. Yep, tracks 6-10 are long.. Each one being an amazing musical journey, that could finish(end an album) anyone of their albums since NPFTD. This is without a doubt as creative and inspired they have been since SSOASS.. Just my opinion, and to each their own...
"Yesterday is History, and Tomorrow is a Mystery"
Black Wizard,
"It also seems apparent that Maiden aren't capable of writing "hits" anymore, not that the UK music industry would allow a metal band to have a hit anyway. The songwriting skills don't seem to be there any longer either. They were in evidence on 'A Matter of Life and Death' and out in force on 'Dance of Death' for 'Paschendale', but I think thirty years has taken it's toll on the band so that they just don't have anything like the creativity they used to"
First of all they never wrote hits. Second - I'll bet you will be eating these words in the very near future.
It took me almost 3 days of non-stop spins to finally understand this stuff. Your comment regarding "creativity" could not be further from the truth. Yep, tracks 6-10 are long.. Each one being an amazing musical journey, that could finish(end an album) anyone of their albums since NPFTD. This is without a doubt as creative and inspired they have been since SSOASS.. Just my opinion, and to each their own...
"Yesterday is History, and Tomorrow is a Mystery"
Travis The Dragon
AFTERGLOW!!!
Re: Official thread for Final Frontier discussion (Spoilers inside)
Another thing I'm loving about this album: Unlike AMOLAD's slow intros which only have Bruce singing one part, this one has him singing 2 or 3 separate parts.
Another thing I'm loving about this album: Unlike AMOLAD's slow intros which only have Bruce singing one part, this one has him singing 2 or 3 separate parts.
Cap Maronis
Trooper
Re: Official thread for Final Frontier discussion (Spoilers inside)
Travis, I agree.
The major difference in my eyes between AMOLAD and TFF is that in AMOLAD it seems like they were trying to make a point. In TFF they're reverting to what they do best, tell stories.
Travis, I agree.
The major difference in my eyes between AMOLAD and TFF is that in AMOLAD it seems like they were trying to make a point. In TFF they're reverting to what they do best, tell stories.
Travis The Dragon
AFTERGLOW!!!
Re: Official thread for Final Frontier discussion (Spoilers inside)
I'd like to quote Forostar in a very interesting point:
I'd like to quote Forostar in a very interesting point:
And he was right! And even though I said what I said about WTWWB, after even more listens, I'm sort of starting to hear it the way others are and see why this song is so amazing.Forostar said:
Re: Official thread for Final Frontier discussion (Spoilers inside)
I just got TFF today. If you are living in the U.S and don't have it just go to your independent record store and ask for it. They will most likely give it to you. I'm so glad I didn't preorder it. I don't think I could've wait until tuesday.
I just got TFF today. If you are living in the U.S and don't have it just go to your independent record store and ask for it. They will most likely give it to you. I'm so glad I didn't preorder it. I don't think I could've wait until tuesday.
Zeppelin88
Trooper
Re: Official thread for Final Frontier discussion (Spoilers inside)
Given the album some spins now. My favorite tracks are Final Frontier, Mother of Mercy, Coming Home, Isle of Avalon, and Talisman. To other songs are also very good. A very strong album!
Given the album some spins now. My favorite tracks are Final Frontier, Mother of Mercy, Coming Home, Isle of Avalon, and Talisman. To other songs are also very good. A very strong album!
Re: Official thread for Final Frontier discussion (Spoilers inside)
Just got the cd , a few hours ago and...wow !!! I've already posted some of my thoughts on the album based on the 192kbps mp3 leak but damn this album is even better when listening to the real thing !! The production is by far the best they've had with Shirley and the album sounds majestic .
Just got the cd , a few hours ago and...wow !!! I've already posted some of my thoughts on the album based on the 192kbps mp3 leak but damn this album is even better when listening to the real thing !! The production is by far the best they've had with Shirley and the album sounds majestic .
Re: Official thread for Final Frontier discussion (Spoilers inside)
Maybe you didn't understand the concept.
Black Wizard said:
Maybe you didn't understand the concept.
Travis The Dragon
AFTERGLOW!!!
Re: Official thread for Final Frontier discussion (Spoilers inside)
I am currently uploading high quality scans of the entire CD booklet to photobucket.
And, here you all go!: http://s31.photobucket.com/albums/c352/ ... TFF-scans/
I am currently uploading high quality scans of the entire CD booklet to photobucket.
And, here you all go!: http://s31.photobucket.com/albums/c352/ ... TFF-scans/
Re: Official thread for Final Frontier discussion (Spoilers inside)
Have a praise, Travis!
Have a praise, Travis!
Bombusbombus
Nomad
Re: Official thread for Final Frontier discussion (Spoilers inside)
So, I actually got the record yesterday even though it shouldn't be released until monday over here. THAT is amazing =) I've listen to it a lot and so far it's been the greatest first number of impressions since BNW for me. This evening I just sat and listen through the whole album sipping some red wine illuminateing the booklet with some candles only. God it's amazing =) The thing I noted (sorry if it's old news) is that the last five songs are actually an epic written by each of the five "writing" members (sorry, Nicco
)with Harris added to them all, as he usally is, and with Smith giving Dicknson a hand on his song. maybe it's just a coincidennse, but it doesn't feel that way for me. And I'm so, almost silly, happy for not listening to any leaks and waiting until I got it. Extremly worth it =)
So, I actually got the record yesterday even though it shouldn't be released until monday over here. THAT is amazing =) I've listen to it a lot and so far it's been the greatest first number of impressions since BNW for me. This evening I just sat and listen through the whole album sipping some red wine illuminateing the booklet with some candles only. God it's amazing =) The thing I noted (sorry if it's old news) is that the last five songs are actually an epic written by each of the five "writing" members (sorry, Nicco
)with Harris added to them all, as he usally is, and with Smith giving Dicknson a hand on his song. maybe it's just a coincidennse, but it doesn't feel that way for me. And I'm so, almost silly, happy for not listening to any leaks and waiting until I got it. Extremly worth it =)
Travis The Dragon
AFTERGLOW!!!
Re: Official thread for Final Frontier discussion (Spoilers inside)
I'm still dying to know how I went from 1 to -50 in just one day.
Thanks!LooseCannon said:
I'm still dying to know how I went from 1 to -50 in just one day.Cap Maronis
Trooper
Re: Official thread for Final Frontier discussion (Spoilers inside)
I dunno. I've been sending you a praise about once a day, because even though you post a lot, the majority of your posts at least have substance to them, so I don't feel like you're a spammer or anything.
I dunno. I've been sending you a praise about once a day, because even though you post a lot, the majority of your posts at least have substance to them, so I don't feel like you're a spammer or anything.
Re: Official thread for Final Frontier discussion (Spoilers inside)
SMX and I kicked you down for being post happy when you were going for 500.
Travis_AKA_fonzbear2000 said:Thanks!
SMX and I kicked you down for being post happy when you were going for 500.
Travis The Dragon
AFTERGLOW!!!
Re: Official thread for Final Frontier discussion (Spoilers inside)
Thanks Cap.
Thanks Cap.
Ah, I see. You evil mods!LooseCannon said: