Alright now, after listening to the album again and again, I'm ready to write a small review.
This album lacks both the continuity and intensity of The Chemical Wedding. While there is a general lyrical theme present (the destiny of mankind, as Bruce commented) that do create some sort of relation between the songs, they do not add anything to each other as in TCW.
That having said, in contrary to most opinions I've read from Maidenfans regulars (which, although interesting to read, have been worth a wet fart to mine), I think the album is fucking great.
It begins with a haunting intro, which however fails to reflect the mood of the album, as the listener will learn later. Abduction is a fairly standard opener, not bad, but not particularly great, if you know what I mean; it's a good, nice heavy metal song.
Soul Intruders is a fun piece, but also not particularly noteworthy in comparrison with the rest of the albums material. However, I have to say the chorus is great.
Then comes the real treat- the holy trinity of Kill Devil Hill, Navigate The Seas Of The Sun and River Of No Return.
Kill Devil Hill is one of the most dramatic pieces of music I've heard in a while. You can really hear the mans passion for flight on this song.
The next song, Navigate The Seas Of The Sun is my favourite of the album, and the one I play the most. It has been in my head for nearly a week now, almost consistantly, and i just can't get enough of it.
River Of No Return is almost as good, more on the heavy side, but to me, it still goes together with Navigate...
The Power Of The Sun is a fairly standard rocker, much like Abduction and Soul Intruders- good, but not particularly great.
Devil On A Hog is also a nice song, very catchy, but not as great as some others on this album.
Now, BeliEvil is what you could call the albums let-down track, if only because it is the least memorable of the albums songs. This is really nothing special, and it is also a bit boring.
A Tyranny Of Souls is a return to the path of glory left after River Of No Return, a great song with great lyrics that is a worthwhile close to this indeed worthwhile album.