The 10 track, 70-minute effort, 'Brave new world'is resolutely heavy, yet stirring and ambitious. This album is a collection of the most happening heavy metal/ hard rock tracks from Iron Maiden after a gap of six years since their last effort. More than an album, its a call to arms a reminder of the righteous power of metal from a band who have continued as defenders of the faith while those around them have either withered or denied their roots.

The eagerly anticipated new music from the six man line up will be the first that the band recorded since vocalist Bruce Dickinson and guitarist Adrian Smith rejoined the band in February 2000.

The album's opening track and first single, The Wicker Man' is a bold statement of intent which is both hooked-filled and unashamedly heavy. Nicko's gun drumming is loud and so is Dickinson sharp vocals.

Tracks like the fired-up Fallen Angel and the stomping The Mercenary showcase Maiden's cut ' n ' thrust style. The brooding nine minutes plus of Dream of Mirror sees the band in epic form, while the percussive drive of Nomad is a soaring piece of Steve Harris penned melodrama.

The Beast as they say, is well and truly back. And the timing is perfect. Flying the flag for metal against all odds, in the last 30-odd years, Maiden have never given a damn about what's cool and what's not. Never have, never will.

Rating: ****

Reviewed By Verus Ferreira