Side 2 certainly starts out with more energy than side one. In contrast with the gloomy If Eternity Should Fail, Death Or Glory is dynamic and powerful, yet a bit unusual for an opener. The song is written in 12/8 time, creating a triple-note feel that is common in heavy metal, from the days of legends like Rainbow to modern metal pioneers such as Lamb Of God. However, the tempo, articulation, and phrasing integrate an almost blues-like swing feel in much of the song. This drives in the direction of more “rootsy” music, the type of tendency that I wanted to see in this album, proving Death Or Glory to be one of the most original and proficient songs on Book Of Souls.

Track 8 is called Shadows Of The Valley, and is the first in a series of 2 fairly forgettable tracks. It is similar in style to their previous piece Paschendale off Dance of Death.

Track 9, Tears Of A Clown, is, musically speaking, another ignorable filler song. The guitar solo is by far the worst on the album, and feels at many times awkward. This felt like a song with the sole purpose of extending the length of the album. Musicianship aside, the context of the song is quite interesting. Tears Of A Clown was actually written as a tribute to the late comedian and actor Robin Williams. Bassist Steve Harris dedicated the song to Williams, and though this track may not contain the best musicianship it demonstrates the power and importance of laughter and happiness.

Track 10, Man Of Sorrows, was similar in nature to the first track, If Eternity Should Fail, in the sense that it was a lament. However, it was more reminiscent of Rainbow-style blues rock, and was slightly slower. It features some great soloing, and as the album comes to a close, a true monster of a track emerges as easily. It was the most memorable on side 2, the album, and quite possibly the band’s career. Empire Of The Clouds, Iron Maiden’s Magnum Opus, is exactly 18 minutes and one second long and is by far the longest song in their discography. The track impressed fans greatly in many ways.

Overall Book Of Souls was a great listening experience. It packed a lot of variety and musicianship that satisfied both my enjoyment of slower, more powerful classic heavy metal and my enjoyment for more modern complex, almost progressive metal. It even stacks up favorably against what is arguably Maiden’s best album of all time. Featuring the powerful hits Aces High and Two Minutes To Midnight, wildly compelling improvisation on the title track, and an energetic instrumental piece, 1984’s Powerslave is a classic heavy metal album and my personal favorite Maiden album. Rime Of The Ancient Mariner was up until last September, the longest song Iron Maiden had written, clocking in at 13:34. The song contains several distinct sections that differ in tone, lyrical themes, and a myriad of other musical aspects. The song is based on British poet Samuel Coleridge’s 1798 piece, The Rime Of The Ancient Mariner. Book Of Souls contained many of the same elements as Powerslave. From the powerful hit, Speed Of Light to the slower Man Of Sorrows and the epic Empire of The Clouds, the album proves to not only rival Powerslave, but to perhaps top it.
In short, Iron Maiden’s newest album Book Of Souls was a pleasant listening experience, and I strongly recommended it to rock and metal fans with just a bit of patience.