Sorry Devin, but at least Synchestra comes in as a close second.

A Matter Of Life And Death is a world-class album from start to finish, 26 years into Iron Maiden's (recording) career, stunning! A very mature and introspective album for music connaisseurs with an attention span longer than the average I-want-the-eighties-back (US-american) "fan".

Add to that a HUGE production by Kevin Shirley; this time no outsider fucked with their production and overcompressed everything during mastering à la Dance Of Death. And Nicko tuned his snare down again, first time since Fear Of The Dark! Most likely best Maiden album since Seventh Son (give me a couple more listens). I love it.

Iron Maiden = the best metal band ever. That's an axiom.

Not a fan. Plus, the new song they released a while ago was notably worse than their old stuff, so I don't know how you can say this is the best album of the year unless it's the only album you've heard this year

You obviously did NOT read carefully. I've heared Synchestra at the very least. And beside that, everybody who comes up with Eminem instead of Opeth on this board (see the "another game" thread) is not qualified to comment on Iron Maiden.

I did read carefully. It just seems to me like something only someone obsessed with Maiden would say. That's like saying OMG NEW METALLICA = BEST ALBUM THIS YEAR... Metallica (and Maiden, for that matter) stopped being original a while ago.

No comment on the Eminem thing. I'm not completely brushing off your opinion because you listen to Maiden, though, am I?

EDIT: and by the way, I prefer Eminem to Opeth... So sue me

more like a matter of cashing in before someone dies!

bazing!

I'd also say you haven't heard much if you think its the best album of the year .

^ Meh, younglings.

ALBUM OF THE YEAR

ALBUM OF THE YEAR

I second that .

Shit, I almost forgot!

I heard three of the songs. Not impressed.

(although on a good note, I got Steve Harris' autograph last week, woo!)

I bet I'd actually like the Paris Hilton more

although on a good note, I got Steve Harris' autograph last week, woo!

Cool, on what kind of occasion? Promo tour? Or at a local East London pub? Or anyhing?

His son was playing at a local club near me (he lives in the next town from mine). He came along with his younger daughter to come see him play. I just asked his autograph and shook his hand.

Typical metal fashion, he was at the bar a lot.

This year so far, it looks like The Mars Volta have done it with Amputechture.

^