Part of the reason (aside from the disgusting screamo vocals) I can't get into today's metal is it seems every band is trying to outdo each other by being faster, louder and more brutal. Mile a minute power chords and super speed double bass shit is not music. There's no melody or even attempt at playing a melody. Hence, all the songs sound exactly the same and these bands will fade into oblivion in the coming years. On the other end of the spectrum, you have the Nightwish type bands from Europe who have the right idea of trying to write music that is pleasing to the ears, but it all sounds the same after awhile. Keyboards or piano with some classically trained chick singing and way too distorted guitars playing power chords underneath; maybe a boring, uninspired solo in the middle.
Iron Maiden occupy a totally unique part of the spectrum. This is something that few bands ever pull off. Beatles, Stones, Led Zeppelin, etc. What all these bands have in common is that, first, they're all legendary household names, but second and more importantly, they all have a unique, instantly recognizable sound. In Maiden's case, on the surface, it would seem Bruce is the reason. Nobody sounds like him. But I think it goes beyond that. All three guitarists, especially Dave, have a unique tone. Nobody drums like Nicko. And nobody plays bass quite like Steve. Combined, this sound transcends the actual music. Maiden could try their hands at a country western record and we'd still know it was them.
My point? Wanting an iconic band to never change the style of song they write is absurd. If Maiden never changed things up, we'd be listening to the 16th album by some forgettable punk-metal band. Wait... no we wouldn't. At least I wouldn't. Number of the Beast is not the be all, end all of metal music or Iron Maiden. It achieved fame due to overzealous religious fucktards protesting it. Now all the little kiddies listen to the title track or Run To The Hills out of rebellion. I love the album, don't get me wrong, but Maiden have produced far better, more melodic songs than anything on that album. Including Hallowed. And yes, melody is that important. It comes before speed or aggressiveness or riffs or anything. Empire of the Clouds is amazing because of its melodies. It doesn't need massive riffs to make it memorable. On the contrary, it would be weakened by too much guitar work. Bruce understands that as a singer and musician. If you don't, then you don't understand music. Melody, and to a lesser extent harmony, is everything. End of story.
I'm not an old timer. I'm 31 and found Maiden via Guns N Roses. Not knowing anything about Maiden, I bought the debut and was underwhelmed. Not wanting to give up on a band I saw people raving about on the internet, I bought Killers because it was the next in line and the cover kicks ass. I was blown away. So much better than anything GnR ever released (though I still love Appetite). And that's just the start of my journey. Some ten or eleven years later I'm still in love with this band and the epic, amazing music they produced and continue to produce.
We are witnessing the end of one of the greatest, most accomplished musical acts in the history of western civilization. Long after we are dead and buried, people will still be discussing Iron Maiden. A few might even enjoy the music as a novelty of 20th and 21st century culture. All those speedy, sound-alike bands you so crave will be as forgotten as each one of us on this forum. We should be fucking grateful we get to enjoy this ride along with six great guys. The car is running low on gas. Wisely, Maiden isn't flooring it to reach their destination. They're taking their time, coasting along as the road leads them where it may. If you wanna bail out, fine. Don't come crying when the car leaves you in the dust.
Stomp?!
And Bruce did say that he hopes it isn't the last so that's good to hear. And we don't know what they're capable of doing next. I wondered if they had reached their creative peak with TFF, but I was proven wrong with this amazing new album. And look at what Bruce is capable of with EOTC! He has a TON of creativity left in him!
