How Iron Maiden reclaimed their heavy metal throne with a literary comeback
In short: Released in 2000, Brave New World marked a pivotal reunion for Iron Maiden. By bringing back iconic members Bruce Dickinson and Adrian Smith, the band expanded into a six-piece powerhouse. This album not only revitalized their sound but also cemented a legacy that critics and fans continue to celebrate decades later.
The album, which arrived on 29 May 2000, represented a significant shift for the group. It was the first studio project to feature the return of lead singer Bruce Dickinson and guitarist Adrian Smith, who had departed in 1993 and 1990, respectively. With Janick Gers remaining in the lineup, the band recorded as a six-piece for the first time. The production process also saw a major change, as the group collaborated with producer Kevin Shirley and opted to record live in the studio for the first time at Guillaume Tell Studios in Paris.
The title and artwork draw inspiration from Aldous Huxley’s famous novel. While the music was generally well-received, reactions were varied. Publications like Kerrang! praised the record’s bombastic energy, while Sputnikmusic ranked it among the band’s finest work. Conversely, outlets like NME were dismissive, suggesting the band appeared outdated compared to newer acts like Slipknot. Despite these mixed critical assessments, the album achieved commercial success, peaking at number seven on the UK Albums Chart and earning Gold certification.
Several tracks have endured long after the album’s release. The song Blood Brothers, written by Steve Harris, became a staple of live performances, frequently serving as a tribute to various global events and individuals, including the 2011 Christchurch earthquake and the 2011 Norway attacks. A live version of the track even received a Grammy nomination for Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance in 2012. Over the years, the album has maintained its stature, appearing on numerous lists of the best metal records of the 2000s, including rankings by Metal Hammer, Decibel, and Loudwire.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Brave New World (Iron Maiden album)
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