The Book of Souls [CD]

If you are a Maiden fan, chances are you'll pick this up regardless of what anybody says (and you should!). This cd is a monster. Two disks. All super long songs (several over the 10 Minute mark, one being their longest song to date -- 18 minutes!) For me, I love the super progressive direction Maiden has taken lately. I love music like that. There's always a ton to soak in and it never gets old. Its more "mature sounding". Upon my first listen of "Book of Souls", I found myself loving the material (make sure you follow along with the lyrics! Always helps with monstrous songs).. but after my first listen, it was draining. I had to put it down. And Im only able to listen to it once per day. I knew instantly it was going to be one of those cds that takes time to "soak in" completely. (a grower). It wasn't a bad cd by any means, I freaking loved it! But it wasn't one of those cds that I instantly had to hit repeat and listen to it 50 more times right there on the spot. For me, these kinda cds take time for me to grow attached to and absolutely love and listen to over and over. And thats just simply me. There is A TON of stuff there to absorb. But by anyways, by all means---- GO OUT AND GET IT!!!

I was a bit leery at first, hearing only Speed of Light first. I bought the album day one and have ordered the vinyl copy as well. I simply am amazed at the varying pace, rhythm, and speed of each track. Nothing is recycled, and Bruce sounds much better here than on The Final Frontier, which is also a great album. I've been a fan since the beginning and can honestly say this easily compares to their earlier, Dickinson era, work. It's no Number of the Beast, but it puts Iron Maiden back in the spotlight with a newer, often heavier sound, with excellent musicianship from all members. The only thing I do not care for, about this album, is the monologue at the end of If Eternity Should Fail. It's hard to understand in the voice effects used, and its really unnecessary. There is only one difference between the Deluxe Version and this standard version and its the cover. The deluxe is basically the hardback book version of the cover and linear notes. Save the few bucks; the music is exactly the same. Now I can't wait to hear the Vinyl when it gets here!

Wow, I was surprised how good this album is. I have recently bought some of the classic 80's Iron Maiden albums and I decided to try this new album. I had never listened to an Iron Maiden album from any period other than the 80's. This album sounds great and has a lot of excellent hard rock songs. "Empire of the Clouds" is phenomenal (and 18 minutes long, if you like long rock songs). "If Eternity Should Fail" and "Death or Glory" are both very strong rockers, but since most of the songs on the double-CD album are well over 6 minutes, it's no surprise it got little airplay. "Tears of the Clown", which is the shortest song, and did get released as a single, is weaker than other tracks that were simply too long. Bruce Dickinson's voice is a little worn in places, but the music sounds great and inventive. It's definitely more complex than most of their 80's songs. Very enjoyable.

I was happy to have this CD on hand to keep me company on a long drive. I think this is a good CD, not their best, but a good album never less. I'm not sure if the album tops their last Studio effort, but I am still listening and I find that their albums grow on me over time. A few things that I have heard: This to me is a album that leaves some of the blemishes on the album. I'm not one that supports perfection, but I do hear some things from time to time which draws my ear to them. I won't get into what and which songs these are, but I think it was left raw, possibly due to Bruce's cancer, but not everything I hear is from Bruce. This does not detract from the strength of the album in my opinion. This is just an observation. They are still a gifted band and this album rocks!

I feel I've said "This is one of Maiden's BEST!.." after listening to every one of Their albums the first time. Yes I have them ALL! But every Iron Maiden fan knows that EVERY album They make is a piece of art! Simply because They are such great musicians! Now , after 40 years, "Book of Souls" has to be rated amongst the BEST FIVE! Yes I said it-right up there amongst POWERSLAVE, PIECE OF MIND, SEVENTH SON OF A SEVENTH SON, A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH..aw he!!, ALL OF THEM!

I've been a Maiden fan forever and have enjoyed hearing them evolve throughout the years while maintaining that music writing formula that sets them apart from every other band and makes them recognizabe. This album is no different, you get fresh new music with the classic Maiden feel. One thing though is that this album has taken me several listens to get into but I find myself liking it more and more every day! Not sure if it will end up being as classic as some of their other recent albums but only time will tell.

I am hoping it grows on me. The last time I said that about an Iron Maiden album (Matter of Life and Death), it did, in fact, grow on me and now I really like it. It is just that the majesty that makes Iron Maiden Iron Maiden was noticeably lacking on this album. It seemed like just straight-forward Heavy Metal that was missing many of the great riffs and ornamentation that Iron Maiden is known for. I have only listened once so I will need to listen a few more times to know for sure.

this is the best CD yet by these legendary hard rockers, wow, so many great songs, one about Robin Williams, another on the beginning of man and his evil, the best is the closing turn, Empire of the Clouds, an 18 minute true masterpiece, spectacular in every way, BOOK OF SOULS is their best , guitars, harmonies, lyrics, Nicko McBrain, all works, works and WORKS n rocks!! EYE cannot wait to see what songs they pick for upcoming tour