Satellite 15....The Final Frontier
Two separate, very different tracks, one block of text. Satellite 15 begins, and feels like just an demonstration from Maiden of how different the album is going to be. Then, as Bruce's voice comes in, I find myself somehow taken away, as if I, too, was living my last moments alone in the space, trying to get contact to someone so I could be saved, even if I knew it's not going to happen. On the other hand I feel like the track was useless, and on the other I think it contributes to the album in it's way. Hard to decide!
As I said, S15 feels like Maiden is hoping to show to the listener that they are changing, and this album is going to be something new; thus it's quite ironic that The Final Frontier is a basic Iron Maiden rocker, which could in my opinion fit on many Iron Maiden albums without feeling out of place. Lyricwise, however, it's more about new Maiden, due to the theme and the repeated The Final Frontier in the chorus. There's basically nothing wrong with the song, but it doesn't surprise or astonish either. 5/10 For S15 and 6.5/10 for TFF.
El Dorado
This is the slowest grower, it would seem. At first when it was released it caused only negative feelings in me, and now, after repeated listens, I'm finding it a bit better. I like the melody, lyrics (which I've liked from the beginning really) and the "spoken" verses, but still I haven't fully grasped it yet. It's a song that I always want to skip the most, but I think it'll get to me... eventually. I've heard it's better live, and I'd like to believe that, but I'm not sure I would like to see it played on the next tour.
6/10
Mother of Mercy
To repeat words typed many times already, this song would fit on AMOLAD. But only for the lyrics, and then it has it's own distinct feeling with those too, specially in the chorus. The chorus is excellent; some could say Bruce sounds strained in it, but I feel it fits the kind of out of energy, out of will to live and and fight on- atmosphere of the song. Kind of marching-song feeling to it a couple of times also. Catchy one, and nice ending.
8.5/10
Coming Home
Great atmosphere, emotional song, good guitars, lyrics, etc... I think this song has been covered thoroughly already. Feels like an incredible live-song indeed.
8.75/10
The Alchemist
Also covered nicely. Great fast paced heavy rock.
8.5/10
Isle of Avalon
First lengthy song on the album. Feels like it lasts 9 minutes, which isn't a bad thing however. Fine lyrics, melodies, Bruce sounds excellent! If I had to mention a part of the song that feels a bit out of place, it would be "I hear her crying the tears of an angel..." somehow there's not just such a flow in the change from the faster part. I also dislike the ending. Overall it's quite mystic song that I think immerses the listener very well.
9/10
Starblind
Best song on the album. I can't really give any objective review of this, it sounds too good. Decent intro, great verse, awesome pre-chorus; the way Bruce sang Starblind made my jaw drop down and go through the floor until the end of the song for the first time. There's just that something in this song, that made it such a magical experience for me.
10/10
The Talisman
A song that still needs more listening. The intro is mostly boring in my opinion, and the first listen was very, very much unlike with Starblind. I could have had trouble picking up my jaw after the excellent previous song, but The Talisman brought it back and nearly crushed my upper jaw - I found Bruce's singing incredibly annoying. There was a post about that song, so I'll just quote a part of it:
Forostar said:
Riding the waves and the
storm is upon us.
The winds lash the sails but
The ropes keep them tight.
Off in the distance a
Dark cloud approaching.
None could imagine what
There Was to come.
I've gotten used to it, though, and I suppose I'm hearing the song a bit more like those who love it by now. I like the lyrics, Maiden knows how to do this sea-stuff; atmosphere is good. I believe I will grow fond of this with time.
7/10 as of now, though it has potential.
The Man Who Would Be King
Good chorus is a thing that comes first to my mind when I think of this song. I really like that. The verses also have kind of tired feeling, which fits the lyrics of the song. It's least surprising of the songs in the end, feels a bit uninspired, but not a bad one regardless. Good guitars, though there's this annoying "aaaaaaaaa...." at the background after about 4:00. I truly enjoy the chorus anyways.
8/10
When the Wild Wind Blows
Fantastic melody, fantastic song overall, again something that has been gone through many times. Fantastic and powerful lyrics, delivered in such a great, a bit calm manner. "
He sees a picture on the wall/It's falling down, upside down...".
10/10
The album was top notch, I love the new sounds here and there, and the lyrics too. It could be called almost coherent in it's incoherence - you'll learn to expect new and different twists. The album also seems to be getting better with every listen. Also it shouldn't be compared to the 80s stuff (like Powerslave etc.) in my opinion, it's too different. Suppose some people will do that anyways.
Overall I'd give it 9.5/10
LordMaiden said:
"The main problem is that the band has struggled to make a truly memorable song on this album."
This guy is an idiot.
Don't blame him. The album is just too filled with great songs to have special ones that stand out all the way, and he didn't realize this.
. 
