"'The Final Frontier' has promised to be a controversial record since the cover art was unveiled, actually. This new, comic booky Eddie in space stirred up a strange sense of dread among fans, not offset by the fact that “El Dorado”, the first track released, was a bit of a grower to the say the least. And that’s a good analogy for how the record begins, “Satelite 15…” is without a doubt the weirdest thing that Iron Maiden has ever included on a record, complete with distorted bass and a drum machine that lead right into what is probably the most straight forward rock song Maiden has ever written in their career, “The Final Frontier”. However, the track flows right into an in context “El Dorado” and suddenly the record is flying. And, really, it stays in air for the next 42 minutes...
Starting with “Mother of Mercy”, The Final Frontier really starts to kick some ass. With the reintroduction of the gallop and some of the darker lyrics that the band has written, going right in hand with 'A Matter of Life and Death' and themes from 'Dance of Death' as well. “Coming Home”, a track about Dickinson’s flying, is actually a surprising stand out. While the song itself is pretty simple and practically a power ballad, it sports one of the catchiest choruses that the band have ever written and has an anthemic quality that will serve the live show very well. “Isle of Avalon”, “Starblind” and “The Talisman” are all songs that sport classic late-Maiden riffs and choruses and are great (“Isle of Avalon” especially so), but the standout track from the middle of the record for me is easily “The Alchemist”, written by the ever-maligned Janick Gers with Harris and Dickinson. This track is the best song on the album, it’s got classic Maiden quality, speed, melodies and some fantastic lyrics...
'The Final Frontier' is... a kick ass group of songs which showcases that the band is still one of the best heavy metal bands in the world...
This is Iron Maiden in its some of its finest post-'Brave New World' form and definitely competing for the best of the four. So, Up the fucking Irons! (And buy the fucking record!)" - Angry Metal Guy
Compact Disc
Tracklisting:
1. Satellite 15... The Final Frontier
2. El Dorado
3. Mother Of Mercy
4. Coming Home
5. The Alchemist
6. Isle Of Avalon
7. Starblind
8. The Talisman
9. The Man Who Would Be King
10. When The Wild Wind Blows
