Alright, here's some first impressions I have of the album.
In general, what stands out to me is the lack of repetitive choruses, the baffling sound of most of the songs (read: how un-Maiden and yet Maiden they sound at the same time), and the lyrics. Especially the lyrics on this album stand out as first class. Which is in itself unusual, because for me Maiden has always been most about the melodies and the lyrics come second. But here it seems like the lyrics have been given a deal more thought and reverence.
I read a Swedish review of this album where the journalist said that Maiden dared to redefine themselves even in their old age. I would tend to agree. This album has the signature of Maiden (because Maiden just has that special sound by which we can recognize even the most obscure songs composed by Maiden) but at the same time it is the antithesis of classic Maiden as defined by anything they've produced until now. I can almost picture Steve sitting everyone down and telling them that this new album is not going to be a redo of the 80's, because they've been there and done that. It's also not going to be another AMOLAD. It's gonna be 'future' Maiden. And because of their age and experience I think Maiden took many liberties in redefining themselves. They know that their fans, the true ones, can take it. And I think that while it is a look to the future in many ways it is heavily influenced by Maiden's beginnings. I would venture to say its Maiden's take on prog, which is what they grew up with, and I think Steve even said in an interview that in their old age they have returned to the things that influenced them in the very beginning. This is not to say that the album isn't heavy, or metal. It is. Because it's Maiden.
As to the length, yes it is long, but not unnecessarily so. Precisely because there is so little repetitive chorus and the lyrics progress very much in each song, when the ending comes, it feels appropriate. The only song that I think could be (even) longer due to the lyrics is The Talisman. Anyway, having said all this, this is an album that requires much listening to, and in-depth reflection. So I will come back with more thoughts a bit later, as well as an opinion on some songs.
But overall at first take it strikes me especially as an album melded together from The X Factor and A Matter of Life and Death, with glimpses from some of their more epic productions (The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, for example).
I love that song all the way around. 
I really enjoyed AMOLAD but i think the new album is a bit more of the same but not done nearly as well there is a distinct heard it all before feel to the album with far too many slow plodding intros that sound overly familiar and last too long i just feel that there are too many long drawn out tracks that simply dont really need to be as long!yes there are some great typical Maiden galloping moments and some great guitar, drum and bass work and Bruce is fine too but overall its not one of thier best i feel but maybe its a grower? what worries me though is that the previous reunion albums had an immediate impact on me and i loved them straight away this one im not so sure does anyone else feel the same?
