A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH - IRON MAIDEN
After 30-odd years, Iron Maiden’s sound is so ingrained, the deaf can hear it. Charging guitar runs, trilling hooks, burning solos — it’s all about the six string. It’s gotta be since the band juggles three guitarists in its lineup. “A Matter of Life and Death” does get repetitive, although that doesn’t keep it from being cool. Maiden makes its usual headlong dash into songs that are epic in scale and ambition, setting the background for wartime tales of blood and honor. Six tracks exceed seven minutes, but that suits “For the Greater Good of God” (one of the best cuts) and the throbbing groove of “These Colours Don’t Run.” It occasionally veers into overkill, but that won’t hurt these cats. Billboard
