Iron Maiden's New Album Is A Matter Of Life And Death

06/23/06 6:00pm

by Max Hayman (CHARTattack)

Heavy metal icons Iron Maiden plan to release their first new studio album in three years, A Matter Of Life And Death, in early September via EMI.

The band began writing songs for the album late last year while taking a break from festival appearances throughout Europe and North America. Following the holiday season, the songs were completed and recording began with producer Kevin Shirley (Aerosmith, The Black Crowes, Silverchair) at Sarm West Studios in London, England.

This is the third time that Shirley has co-produced a Maiden studio album alongside band bassist Steve Harris. The duo also teamed up to produce two of the group's recent live DVDs and albums.

"I feel from the outset we all clicked on this one," says Shirley of the two-month recording process. "There have only been a couple of occasions in my career when the entire process of recording felt so complete — and it is on display here."

As on previous Maiden records, all of the tracks were performed live with the band members all together in one room and without the use of click tracks, computer tightening or manipulation.

"The whole process of writing through to recording was very natural," says Harris. "I think, in terms of the material, we've also pushed our boundaries yet again and I think it will please our fans, but also really surprise a lot of people as well."

Maiden have announced Japanese and European tour dates for later this year and plan to include many of the new songs in their sets.

Here are the tracks on A Matter Of Life And Death:

"Different Worlds"
"These Colours Don't Run"
"Brighter Than A Thousand Suns"
"The Pilgrim"
"The Longest Day"
"Out Of The Shadows"
"The Reincarnation Of Benjamin Breeg"
"For The Greater Good Of God"
"Lord Of Light"
"The Legacy"