August 2010 – ProgSnobs

Iron Maiden‘s 15th studio album, The Final Frontier continues much of the same sound that has preceded them throughout the first decade of the millennium. For some this a travesty; to others, this is a move in the right direction. There is no doubt that the 2008-2009 Somewhere Back in Time World Tour had some influence on the album’s sound. It is a blessing for fans of Maiden’s 1980s sound, and a treasure for fans of the band’s entire discography.

The album begins with a “Satellite 15…The Final Frontier”, acting as both an opening montage of sounds that quickly turns into a catchy, straight-forward Maiden tune, very reminiscent of Somewhere in Time and Seventh Son of a Seventh Son era offerings. Some bass drum triggers bring back much of the dated 1980s sound, as well as reversing the trend that has spilled into the current decade. Yet the 2nd half of this song returns to much of the band’s progress made during the A Matter of Life and Death.

When describing progressive rock legends RUSH, there are certain reactions from fans and music reviewers that are usually given; incredible musicianship, drum solos, high-pitched vocals, eerily long epics and yes, a bit of quirkiness.

It goes without saying that 2010 and 2011 are going to be on the biggest years in Rush’s history. Not only is the Canadian trio touring across North and South America, their popularity is sky rocketing to new found heights now in the 36th year of their existence. Recently, the long awaited documentary, Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage directed by Sam Dunn/Scott McFayden was released to an enthusiastic response, the band released two new songs in June; “Caravan” and “Brought up to Believe”, formerly called “BU2B.”