BRAVE NEW WORLD

Iron Maiden: Bruce Dickinson (vocals); Adrian Smith (guitar, background vocals); Dave Murray, Janick Gers (guitar); Steve Harris (keyboards, bass); Nicko McBrain (drums). Recorded at Guillaume Tell Studios, Paris, France. "The Wicker Man" was nominated for the 2001 Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance. Personnel: Bruce Dickinson (vocals); Dave Murray , Janick Gers, Adrian Smith (guitar); Steve Harris (keyboards); Nicko McBrain (drums). Audio Mixer: Kevin Shirley. Recording information: Guillaume Tell Studios, Paris, France (??/1999-04/2000). After playing to packed houses in 1999, the reformed and revamped Iron Maiden now satisfies their fans' hunger with a new collection of material. Vocalist Bruce Dickinson and guitarist Adrian Smith rejoin the fold, which is now a six member, three guitar sonic assault. Produced by Kevin Shirley (Aerosmith, The Black Crowes), BRAVE NEW WORLD is Maiden's finest album in 12 years. "The Wicker Man" is a heavy, yet accessible tune with a memorable chorus propelled by Nicko McBrain's double bass drum thunder. "Blood Brothers" is a melancholy song featuring strings and lush arrangement, while the title track shows that Dickinson's pipes are in fine form; the man can belt out a song like no one else. "Dream of Mirrors" begins acoustically and builds to a mammoth, grandiose blockbuster. Master bassist Steve Harris also lends his keyboard prowess to the nine-minute epic, "The Nomad." Iron Maiden is proudly still waving the metal flag; there's no group more fitting to lead a heavy rock revival. An album of conviction, BRAVE NEW WORLD shows a band still at the top of its game.

• Genre: Heavy Metal
• Format: CD
• Released: 5/30/2000