Unlike the previous track, “The Nomad” is unmemorable, the guitar riff is nothing groundbreaking, the song could’ve been shortened from nine minutes to five minutes, and let’s just say, I’m sick of the word “nomad” thanks to this song. “The Fallen Angel” is all killer and no filler, meaning no weird tempo changes and no instrumental sections that go on for five minutes it’s a no bullsh*t and high-energy driven track. A lot of the verses felt useless and I think the band could’ve shortened the song from nine minutes to about four minutes. “Dream of Mirrors” drags on forever and the increased tempo change from the five minute and 50 second mark to about the eight minute mark did not help the song one bit.

“The Mercenary” is another track that resembles classic Maiden with orchestrated guitar parts, a catchy hook, and flavorful drumming. It has a triumphic feel, yet, the lyrics are somewhat depressing (“And as you look all around at the world in dismay / What do you see, do you think we have learned? / Not if you’re taking a look at the war-torn affray / Out in the streets where the babies are burnt”). The guitar riff for “Blood Brothers” has a classical music vibe to it and the song is very soothing that the listener can sway their head back and forward to it. It just repeats “brave new world” over and over again some songs can get away with repeating a line over and over again, but it depends on the pace of the track and how repetitive it is.

The title track has a cool guitar solo and I love the lyrics in the verses as they fit the theme of the song (“Dying swans twisted wings, bring this savage back home”), but the chorus is lazy.

Brave new world iron maiden