12 '00s Hard Rock Albums All Fans Should Own
10. Iron Maiden - Brave New World
Comebacks are tricky things, especially when you’re talking about bands who’ve been kicking for 25 years and are struggling to emerge from a period in the deep wilderness. The ‘90s hadn’t been kind to Maiden, whose attempts to shift things up had not been successful. So, as such bands often do, they reverted to type, bringing back original vocalist Bruce Dickinson.
What could have been a lazy attempt to prolong their careers actually worked wonders, as Brave New World was their best record in years (and arguably one of the best full stop). The songs are bold, progressive, and performed with typical technical skill and verve. "Dream of Mirrors" is doomy and experimental, while "The Fallen Angel" is full of typical Maiden excitement, with fantasy allusions and rampaging lead guitars.
Mostly it’s great to hear Dickinson back, as his vocals, rangy but controlled and crisp, are as integral to Maiden as any other aspect. A monumental return to form for a band threatening to become a mere legacy act.