Best since Powerslave
Nice recovery after what I viewed as a bit of a let down with Dance of Death. This album is all Maiden. From the classic guitar riffs of Murray and Smith, to the resounding vocals of Bruce, and the bass lines from "Arry" The album contains the requisite Maiden "epics" as well as more mainstream sounding, similar to the "Trooper" on Piece of Mind. Looking forward to future efforts from the greatest metal band of all time.

Guess what, people?
IRON MAIDEN STOPPED USING THEIR SIGNATURE 80's STYLE A LOOOOOOOONG TIME AGO!!!!!!

I expect you people to have figured it out with the release of their past 2 albums, Dance of Death and Brave New World, but no, you guys are dumb and uninformed as always. Maiden aren't gonna release another Powerslave, so get over yourselves people. This is one of Maiden's best.

With 10 solid tracks, you can never go wrong. Starting off the album is "Different World" a catchy song, reminiscent of Wildest Dreams and ending is the song that Maiden's all about, The Legacy. There are lots of songs on here I could tell will be considered classics once in a while, especially The Longest Day.

My favorite track is definitely Brighter Than A Thousand Suns, an 8-minute epic about The Manhattan Project. Also soaring in are the beautiful ballad Out of the Shadows, the beautiful song The Reincarnation of Benjamin Breeg, and Lord of Light.

So if you can get past the fact that Maiden will never release an album like Powerslave or Somewhere in Time again, You're bound to enjoy this one. I've loved this album from Day 1 that I heard it.

The Best is yet to come SOLID ALBUM
I never intended to write a review on this cd but.......... I felt I must stress something that no one has touched base on. The overall effort from this album campaired to the last two Dance of death and Brave new world. Starting with BNW their direction was trying to stop making songs lasting 3 mins and catchy, and turn the tide towards immortality status. BNW or DOD didnt not hit the target for that status. A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH DID!!!!!!!!!!

I'm talking about longer songs too about all of em campare to the greats of classic rock Skynyrd, Cream, Zeppelin, Allman Brothers etc. All using great concepts and able to make a song long and enjoyable. The format and concepts of each song on A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH, are well put together, and solidifies this being perhaps their greatest album. Yeah believe it or not I said that.

However Maiden still keeps their signature sound on this album. Those who don't agree don't know Maiden. Clearly on THE PILGRAM track #4 thats vintage Maiden. "BRIGHTER THAN A THOUSAND SUNS" track #3 would be my personal favorite on the album and think it is the strongest song..
FOR THE GREATER GOOD OF GOD track #8 is also a personal favorite A ballad like song Asking the meaning of life,love,war, and life again.

"Please tell me now what life is
Please tell me now what love is
Well tell me now what war is
Again tell me what life is"

insanely great song!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

IF YOU WANT ARGUABLY MAIDENS MOST WELL PUT TOGETHER WORK BUY THIS ALBUM

The beast has grown up, but still rocks
Heavy Metal led a whole generation of young people to a more intense aural experience. Bands in their mid- twenties crafted the records that, in the 80's, defined and developed the movement. Now, 30 years after, a few warriors survived band personnel and industry changes, and the grunge, rap-metal and emo eras. In the case of Iron Maiden, they even managed to stay true to their long-time fans while becoming mature persons and now can deliver a more message-conscious face of their music, without losing the energy that once overwhelmed those young audiences.
2006's A Matter Of Life And Death is, overall, a darker, more reflective and epic record. The opening track, Different World is the only short, radio-oriented tune, but its sheer power recalls us of the early Maiden sound. These Colours Don't Run, Lord of Light and Brighter Than a Thousand Suns are marvelous, extended songs that have a critical message about war and humanity, and push a little bit the limits for what we have listened from this band. The Legacy is a rhapsodic track that opens with mysterious acoustic passages, For The Greater Good Of God is one track that, in my opinion, could make it to the regular IM set list for its catchy, anthem-like melodies, amazing riffs and guitar leads, sometimes it reminds me of 1995's Sign Of The Cross. The Reincarnation of Benjamin Breeg is another standout, for its heavy, dark riffs and unforgettable chorus.
Bruce Dickinson's voice is unique for how intact its range and timbre have remained through the years, the overall recording-mixing sound of the album and the musicians performance are outstanding.
Although AMOLAD continues to bring elements from the band's different eras, it still manages to bring a new color into the IM palette. After all, Iron Maiden is not a band that earned people's respect for reinventing itself on every record; they are a legend for simply been themselves through all these years.
4.5 stars

ageless Iron Maiden
I've been a fan of Iron Maiden since the early 80's-- what has surprised me about them: they they have managed to produce 14 studio albums (a dated word I realize) in almost 30 years of existence, selling (from the reports I've read) about 70 million units (cds, cassettes, albums) during that span. This is a remarkable feat.

Added to this that after each new cd, in most cases they toured for months and months to promote it. That's a lot of touring.

The other surprising aspect is that, for the most part, the quality of all their work has maintained a high standard for all these years. I've always considered Maiden a 'thinking man's' metal band- their lyrics are intelligent, and sophisticated, exploring history, politics, warfare, culture, religion, literature, the paranormal. And the awesome music speaks for itself.

Buy this cd, and the other 13 studio cds in their catalog to fully appreciate their music.