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THE REVIEW
Tenth studio work for one of the most prolific, beloved, and imitated Heavy-metal bands to ever grace our planet, the Iron Maiden!
Our five musicians with this tenth album (excluding singles, live, and compilations) give a twist to their career, or at least attempt to, because this new adventure of the Iron Maiden with Blaze Bayley behind the microphone will only be a brief phase that will close after just two works, poorly received due to the darker sound and the difference between Blaze and the former singer Dickinson. But I must say, in all honesty, that I found this album far superior to the previous "No Prayer For The Dying," and Blaze's performance is exceptional. Sure, he and Dickinson have two entirely different vocal timbres, but this isn't enough to undermine the new singer, who at times resembles Paul Di'Anno from Maiden's first two albums.
In this work, the heaviest absence in my opinion is Adrian Smith's guitar, but now I'll proceed to analyze the album track by track, highlighting "Sign Of The Cross," "Man On The Edge," and "Fortunes Of War." "Sign Of The Cross" opens the CD and is introduced by a Gregorian choir, being the longest track at over 11 minutes, a recurring feature in the album, meaning long duration, a slow and subdued beginning before reaching the song's climax. "Lord Of The Flies" is the only track without a slow intro and continues fast-paced throughout its entirety, "Man On The Edge" is the most famous song of the album and is supported by the excellent work done by the two guitars, followed by "Fortunes Of War" which returns to the slow and cadenced intro introduced by Harris's bass. It is succeeded by "Look For The Truth" which flows pleasantly for all its 5 minutes, "Aftermath" which follows the trend of the previous one and explodes in all its power in the central part, and finally "Judgement Of Heaven", "The Edge Of Darkness", "Blood On The World's Hands", "2 A.M.", and "The Unbeliever" close this excellent work. These are dark tracks of medium-high duration, showcasing Blaze filling each vocal line with emotion.
In conclusion, I can state, in full possession of my mental faculties, that this is not the worst work by Iron Maiden, that Blaze Bayley is an excellent singer, and I would divide my rating into two parts, giving an 8 to the first 3 songs plus "Blood On The World's Hands", and the rest 6.5!
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Summary by Bot
The X-Factor marks Iron Maiden's tenth studio album with Blaze Bayley as lead vocalist, offering a darker and heavier sound. Despite differences from previous works, the reviewer finds it superior to the prior album and praises Blaze's vocal performance. The album features long, dramatic tracks with highlights like 'Sign Of The Cross' and 'Man On The Edge'. The absence of guitarist Adrian Smith is noted but does not detract from the overall experience. The reviewer rates the album above average, recommending key standout tracks.
Iron Maiden
British heavy metal band formed in 1975, led by bassist and principal songwriter Steve Harris. Famous for epic studio albums, theatrical live shows featuring vocalist Bruce Dickinson, and the mascot Eddie.180 Reviews
Other reviews
By Vabbè
Bruce Dickinson, in my opinion the best and most complete singer in the Metal scene, is fully dedicated to his solo career and is replaced by the mediocre Blaze Bailey, with a flat and monotonous voice.
An album that is more than sufficient but nothing more... The change of pace is not convincing, too moderate and syncopated, and the absence of a certain Bruce Dickinson is sorely felt.
By Brui
Have Iron Maiden finally found the X Factor? Without a doubt.
He adds a darkness to the sound that Dickinson did not know how to give.
By thetrooper
I emerged with a white smoke, I’ve finally found a Maiden album I don’t like!
This record, which is full of bland songs, an expression of Maiden’s worst career moment.
By Starblazer
"'Sign Of The Cross' explodes in all its potency and epicness, the best song by Iron Maiden."
"Anyone who sees TNOTB as the ultimate artistic expression of Iron Maiden has as much chance to appreciate this ABSOLUTE MASTERPIECE as the Nanowar have of signing a contract with the Magic Circle."
