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Iron Maiden - The Final Frontier



7.3 | 1406 votes |
Release date: 16 August 2010
Style: Heavy metal

Owners:

1293 have it
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01. Satellite 15... The Final Frontier
02. El Dorado
03. Mother Of Mercy
04. Coming Home
05. The Alchemist
06. Isle Of Avalon
07. Starblind
08. The Talisman
09. The Man Who Would Be King
10. When The Wild Wind Blows

Featured in "Getting Into: Iron Maiden"

Additional info
Produced by Kevin Shirley.
Co-produced by Steve Harris.
Mixed by Kevin 'Caveman' Shirley.
Recorded at Compass Point Studios, Nassau, Bahamas.
Engineer: Jared Kvitka.
Studio Technician: Terry Manning.
Additional recording and mix at The Cave, Malibu, CA.
Studio Technician: Brent Spear.
Assistant: James McCullagh.
SSL Duality Technician: Philip Scholes.
Mastered by Bob Ludwig at Gateway Mastering, Portland, ME.

Art Direction & Design by Peacock (Stuart Crouch, Andrew Yap, Anthony Dry, Rob Wallis).
Cover Illustration, working drawings and sketches by Melvyn Grant.
Photograph by John McMurtrie.
Background images pages 4/5 and 8/9 by Darkside Animations, background image pages 10/11 by Hangman.

Staff review by
Daniell
Rating:
7.2
Iron Maiden have had ups and downs, but they consistently stuck to their unique style. 2006's A Matter of Life and Death saw a serious departure from that style towards a darker, more progressive sound - it was only a partial success. Unfortunately, Steve Harris and Co. felt encouraged, and decided to go further in their departures. The first 4 songs on The Final Frontier rank among the worst this band has ever committed and most of the time sound nothing like the Iron Maiden everyone knows. Departure from style my ass. If they wanted to depart again, the previous album was the way to do it.

Read more ››
published 16.08.2010 | Comments (255)

Guest review by
Death To Posers
Rating:
9.5
It seems like it's become trendy to dislike any music that becomes even somewhat mainstream. I am by no means bitter; I'm guilty of this prejudice quite often. So, when I saw the album votes go the way they did for The Final Frontier I wasn't shocked. But, in all honesty, I thought this album was pretty hard! This is one of Maiden's most successful albums to date and for a damn good reason. While it does sound different from anything they've done before, that doesn't make it worse. Do you really want three albums that sound exactly like Brave New World?

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published 18.01.2011 | Comments (46)

Guest review by
omne metallum
Rating:
6.6
An album that skirts the title of worst album in Iron Maiden discography by fortune of existing in a world where Dance of Death exists, The Final Frontier is a well-intentioned album that seems stuck on autopilot for the most of its running time, bravely going where the band had not gone before... mediocrity. If you want a quick and concise description of this album, think "The Angel And The Gambler" in seven new guises!

Read more ››
published 15.04.2020 | Comments (2)

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Comments page 7 / 16

Comments: 471   Visited by: 2533 users
14.08.2010 - 02:45
Rating: 2
RavenKing
Written by HallowedBeMyName on 14.08.2010 at 02:31

I'm just saying that it is stupid to dislike something without providing reason. All I'm asking for is just a simple reason, that's all.


You seem reasonable and not like the other guy. I will tell you why I didn't like Blaze in Maiden. I think his voice didn't suit the band at all. His pitch was all over the place and he could not even come close to the notes Bruce could reach in the 80s (which is something Bruce himself is not able to do either nowadays).

As to why "The Final Frontier" and every Maiden album after SSOASS sucks from my point of view, I told it already: songwriting. If you compare anything post-SSOASS to the 80s stuff, it sounds so simple, basic and uninspired compared to the complexity and originality of the old days that it pales in comparison. Also, there's nothing left of the rawness and intensity of old. No energy at all.
----
They shake your hand and they smile and they buy you a drink
They say we'll be your friends we'll stick with you till the end
But everybody's only looking out for themselves
And you say who can you trust I'll tell you nobody
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14.08.2010 - 02:46
Written by RobotPolarBear on 14.08.2010 at 02:39

Quote:
I'm just saying that it is stupid to dislike something without providing reason.


But it's apparently not stupid to like something without providing reason?


OK. I like Blaze because he had a unique style and technique of vocalization that fit 90's Maiden. His vocals were full of emotion, they were dark, low, and it was perfect for the time period. However, I feel his vocals can't match up to that of Bruce, but he still deserves his share of praise.
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14.08.2010 - 02:46
Rating: 10
LordMaiden
Written by RavenKing on 14.08.2010 at 02:28

Written by Angelic Storm on 14.08.2010 at 02:22

That is far too simplistic an explanation. I genuinely like quite a lot of the music Maiden made after 88'. Nostalgia has nothing to do with it. At least not for me. In fact, you could turn that on it's head, and say its exactly because of sentimentality and nostalgia which prevents some old school Maiden fans from liking anything aside from the 80's stuff.


It can be turned the other way around, indeed. In fact, I had exatly this thought when I wrote the post you quoted. But it is not a matter of nostalgia in my case (as to why I dislike post-SSOASS Maiden).


@LordMaiden : I enjoy reasonable discussions with people who have different opinions but I have no time for fanboys like you. You can choke in your blood, for all I care.


Why do you have to be such a big meenie? You can't stick your flagpole into the intelligent mound while saying stuff like that. It makes you look silly.
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14.08.2010 - 02:48
Rating: 10
LordMaiden
Written by RavenKing on 14.08.2010 at 02:45

Written by HallowedBeMyName on 14.08.2010 at 02:31

I'm just saying that it is stupid to dislike something without providing reason. All I'm asking for is just a simple reason, that's all.


You seem reasonable and not like the other guy. I will tell you why I didn't like Blaze in Maiden. I think his voice didn't suit the band at all. His pitch was all over the place and he could not even come close to the notes Bruce could reach in the 80s (which is something Bruce himself is not able to do either nowadays).


Because all Maiden fanboys must love the Blaze era.
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14.08.2010 - 02:48
Quote:
You don't understand what is going on here. It starts with the initial "they suck".


You assume I haven't read all the comments.

Quote:
It's my job to tell you you're an idiot. Then the fun begins.


No, it's your job to act like the defensive, butthurt fanboy you are, and provide entertainment for all of us who can keep a more level-headed perspective on things.

Quote:
OK. I like Blaze because he had a unique style and technique of vocalization that fit 90's Maiden. His vocals were full of emotion, they were dark, low, and it was perfect for the time period. However, I feel his vocals can't match up to that of Bruce, but he still deserves his share of praise.


Fair enough. What's your opinion of The Final Frontier, then?
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14.08.2010 - 02:49
Rating: 10
LordMaiden
Written by Angelic Storm on 14.08.2010 at 02:39

Written by HallowedBeMyName on 14.08.2010 at 02:31
I'm just saying that it is stupid to dislike something without providing reason. All I'm asking for is just a simple reason, that's all.


It's not stupid. Because even if a reason is provided, if you dont agree with it, you'd likely call the reason "illigitemate". Everyone has reasons for liking/disliking certain albums/bands. But it's not really a thing that can be universally agreed upon. Therefore, asking for people to give "reasons" for disliking certain music is a pointless excercise.


Illegitimate
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14.08.2010 - 02:50
Rating: 10
LordMaiden
Written by RobotPolarBear on 14.08.2010 at 02:48

Quote:
You don't understand what is going on here. It starts with the initial "they suck".


You assume I haven't read all the comments.

Quote:
It's my job to tell you you're an idiot. Then the fun begins.


No, it's your job to act like the defensive, butthurt fanboy you are, and provide entertainment for all of us who can keep a more level-headed perspective on things.

Quote:
OK. I like Blaze because he had a unique style and technique of vocalization that fit 90's Maiden. His vocals were full of emotion, they were dark, low, and it was perfect for the time period. However, I feel his vocals can't match up to that of Bruce, but he still deserves his share of praise.


Fair enough. What's your opinion of The Final Frontier, then?


By all means avoid the other points I made. You know, the ones that mattered.
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14.08.2010 - 02:52
Rating: 2
RavenKing
Written by LordMaiden on 14.08.2010 at 02:46

Why do you have to be such a big meenie? You can't stick your flagpole into the intelligent mound while saying stuff like that. It makes you look silly.


Are you really too dumb to understand? I've been clear enough: you don't worth my time. From now on, feel free to quote me as much as you want, knowing in advance you won't receive any answer. Douchebag.
----
They shake your hand and they smile and they buy you a drink
They say we'll be your friends we'll stick with you till the end
But everybody's only looking out for themselves
And you say who can you trust I'll tell you nobody
Loading...
14.08.2010 - 02:53
Rating: 7
Angelic Storm
Melodious
Written by LordMaiden on 14.08.2010 at 02:49
Illegitimate


That was actually a typo, Im quite aware that is the correct spelling of the word.
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14.08.2010 - 02:53
Rating: 10
LordMaiden
Oh now I'm a douchebag? Just like you affection for Maiden, your insults are copyrighted from 1985.
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14.08.2010 - 02:54
Rating: 10
LordMaiden
Let me ask you, what is there NOT to like about TFF? Want to tell me or are you afraid of the raging fanboy?
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14.08.2010 - 02:54
Rating: 10
Papa_Ray
No energy? Please.
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14.08.2010 - 02:54
Written by RavenKing on 14.08.2010 at 02:45

Written by HallowedBeMyName on 14.08.2010 at 02:31

I'm just saying that it is stupid to dislike something without providing reason. All I'm asking for is just a simple reason, that's all.


You seem reasonable and not like the other guy. I will tell you why I didn't like Blaze in Maiden. I think his voice didn't suit the band at all. His pitch was all over the place and he could not even come close to the notes Bruce could reach in the 80s (which is something Bruce himself is not able to do either nowadays).

As to why "The Final Frontier" and every Maiden album after SSOASS sucks from my point of view, I told it already: songwriting. If you compare anything post-SSOASS to the 80s stuff, it sounds so simple, basic and uninspired compared to the complexity and originality of the old days that it pales in comparison. Also, there's nothing left of the rawness and intensity of old. No energy at all.


Thank you for your opinion. My thoughts on post-SSOASS, I agree, Fear of the Dark and No Prayer for the Dying were quite uninspiring and rather bad albums. But I can't say the same for the X Factor or 00's Maiden. To say the writing is simple and basic is not a decent analyzation. The Legacy, PASCHENDALE, Brighter Than A Thousands Suns, Out of the Silent Planet, these are some very well-written songs, musically, and especially lyrically. Paschendale, at least give that one a try.
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14.08.2010 - 02:55
Quote:
By all means avoid the other points I made. You know, the ones that mattered.


I'm not trying to actively participate in the discussion over whether Blaze and The Final Frontier suck or not. I'm just making random comments (DURR HURR SO WHY AM I POSTING).

Quote:
Oh now I'm a douchebag?


You come onto a forum and call everyone an idiot... and you're apparently not a douchebag? Wow.
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14.08.2010 - 02:55
Rating: 10
LordMaiden
I like how you make an issue of songwriting not being complex enough on their most complex album. You're not very smart.
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14.08.2010 - 02:56
Rating: 10
LordMaiden
I also like how you edit quotes by taking all the funny stuff out. That's king of cruel, really.
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14.08.2010 - 02:57
Rating: 10
LordMaiden
And I also also like how you didn't quote my point about them playing classics in 2008.
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14.08.2010 - 02:58
Rating: 10
LordMaiden
And I also also also also like how you avoid these points altogether, while clinching your white flag because you don't know how to wave it.
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14.08.2010 - 02:59
Quote:
I also like how you edit quotes by taking all the funny stuff out. That's king of cruel, really.


Were you referring to me? Because if you are: yes, I am the king of cruel. Worship me.
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14.08.2010 - 02:59
Rating: 7
Angelic Storm
Melodious
Written by HallowedBeMyName on 14.08.2010 at 02:54
Thank you for your opinion. My thoughts on post-SSOASS, I agree, Fear of the Dark and No Prayer for the Dying were quite uninspiring and rather bad albums. But I can't say the same for the X Factor or 00's Maiden. To say the writing is simple and basic is not a decent analyzation. The Legacy, PASCHENDALE, Brighter Than A Thousands Suns, Out of the Silent Planet, these are some very well-written songs, musically, and especially lyrically. Paschendale, at least give that one a try.


...And once again, my point about the opinions on the validity of Maiden's post 88' material not being black and white is proved. lol xD

IMO "No Prayer For The Dying" is far from being uninspiring, or bad. I think it's a great album. "Fear Of The Dark" though, yes, I found that one to be rather patchy. Musically, I like some of the Blaze era material, but again, the albums are patchy. Blaze did his best, and I certainly dont have an aversion to his voice, but he was the wrong choice to replace Bruce. Not least, because he struggled terribly with the Bruce era material live.
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14.08.2010 - 03:00
Rating: 10
LordMaiden
Written by RobotPolarBear on 14.08.2010 at 02:59

Quote:
I also like how you edit quotes by taking all the funny stuff out. That's king of cruel, really.


Were you referring to me? Because if you are: yes, I am the king of cruel. Worship me.


Oh, look who's trolling.
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14.08.2010 - 03:02
Quote:
Oh, look who's trolling.


What else am I supposed to do, actively participate in the discussion?
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14.08.2010 - 03:02
Rating: 10
LordMaiden
Hey, I think I asked you to tell me what sucks about TFF. I think I asked you to explain your complex songwriting claim too.
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14.08.2010 - 03:03
Rating: 10
LordMaiden
Let me quote because you have ADHD...
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14.08.2010 - 03:03
Yes, actually explain why you think the album sucks.
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14.08.2010 - 03:03
Rating: 10
LordMaiden
Written by LordMaiden on 14.08.2010 at 02:55

I like how you make an issue of songwriting not being complex enough on their most complex album. You're not very smart.
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14.08.2010 - 03:04
Rating: 10
Papa_Ray
The Final Frontier is insanely complex and very well played. As for energy, Bruce's vocal performance in The Talisman could light several large cities.
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14.08.2010 - 03:04
Rating: 10
LordMaiden
Something tells me you popped in TFF and hit eject not even an hour into it.
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14.08.2010 - 03:06
Rating: 10
LordMaiden
See, the fake Lord is a little pissant who probably ripped down his Maiden posters when they decided not to play classics anymore.

Because they made more complex songs, even though the fake Lord wants them to.
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14.08.2010 - 03:08
Rating: 10
LordMaiden
Otherwise, fake Lord would say something, rather than sticking to my older posts which ironically, means something considering his yearning for the past.
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