Just when we thought Heavy metal and Iron Maiden were slowly dying, life gave us Brave New World, the album that features the triumphant return of singer Bruce Dickinson and guitarist Adrian Smith. The classic line-up that produced classics like Number of the beast, Piece of mind, Powerslave, Somewhere in time and the best album of all-time 7th son of a 7th son, was back plus Janick Gers who replaced Smith in the realy 90's.

This album is simply brilliant and proved that good music can still be made despite the horrible decade that was ending (the nineties). Here is a review of all the songs on the album :

1- Wickerman : Maiden is back ! Great opener. Very near the quality of Aces high and Moonchild. 10/10
2- Ghost of the navigator : Very nice follow-up. Brings a new dimension to the traditionnal Maiden. The riff is very similar to Ozzy's I don't know. 9/10
3- Brave New World : Beautiful song. Bruce's voice is stronger than ever. 10/10
4- Blood brothers : Another Steve Harris classic. 9/10
5- The mercenary : A fast rocker that, even though, is not a classic, does the job. 8,5/10
6- Dream of mirrors : A "new" Maiden kind of song. A great epic. Bruce's voice is almost over the edge. 9/10
7- Fallen angel : One of the reasons we love Adrian Smith, a good rocker with a great solo. 9/10
8- Nomad : A great epic with a wonderful instrumental break. This song could fit easily on Piece of mind. 9/10
9- Out of the silent planet : A fresh new Maiden song with a great acoustic intro. 9/10
10- The thin line between love and hate : The weakest song on the album. Some parts are very good, some are just OK. 7,5/10

Overall, the gift that die hard Maiden fans didn't expect. The band is stronger than ever, more mature, and Bruce's voice never sounded better. Also, the addition of Adrian Smith gives a boost to the quality of the solos that were a bit sloppy since his departure. If you liked Maiden in the 80's, buy this album, it's the same quality transposed in the second millenium.