Dance of Death - Iron Maiden

We get a follow up to 2000's Brave New World. BNW was in my opinion, the best Maiden album since the early mid 80's heyday. Is this as good? That's hard to tell, but I can say this.. The first day I had it, I listened to the album 6 times, including 5 times in a row (finish it, just restart it). It's a bit "catchier" than BNW, but is still very strong in the things that make an Iron Maiden album an Iron Maiden album. Standout tracks are Wildest Dreams, Rainmaker, Dance of Death, & Journeyman). There isn't really a weak track here, but those are my early favourites. If you like good metal, it's a definite pickup.

Update: As I update this page in 2005, I have to say this album has really grown on me. When I did an update for the 2000 album Brave New World, I called that possibly the best Maiden album ever - I have to say that I now feel that Dance of Death is a more solid album front to back, and is better than that. Makes me hope that the next studio album they're going to do in 2006 is even better!