John Q's obviously a very knowledgeable metal guy but i have to disagree with him on the new Maiden album. I think it's great and I'm a massive Maiden fan possessing all their records. And I can tell you critically it's been received exceptionally well - I have at least 20 magazine reviews and the only lukewarm one was the Terrorizer review - 7 out of 10. By the same token out of my 20 or so metal mates who have heard it only 2 dislike the album. My only criticism is the bass playing of Steve Harris being less prominent than usual but it's easily the best thing they've done since 1988 Seventh Son. I would rate it better than"Somewhere in Time", and on a par with my favourites Piece of Mind and Powerslave. Vocally, Bruce sounds great and songs like "The Wicker Man" are as catchy as anything they've done. It's also got a certain raw, live feel to the production reminiscent of their early work which works a treat. Anyways, buy it and see what you think. Cheers. KAOS FAN...