Bruce and the boys return for their first ever studio double-album, and their first new LP in five years. A few short songs, but there are some epic, near Dream Theater length songs. I think the album finale, Empire of the Clouds, clocks in around 20 minutes. Next to Dance of Death, Book of Souls is the best Maiden album since Bruce rejoined the band 15 years ago.
This is Slayer's first new album in 6 years. Since then, drummer Dave Lombardo left the band (again), and founding guitarist Jeff Hanneman died. Much as I love Lombardo's drumming, it's Hanneman's presence I miss the most. He wrote many of Slayer's classic songs, and he brought a symphonic dissonance to the band that made Slayer the great band they are. Gary Holt, also of Exodus, is a serviceable replacement. He gets the sound. But it's the writing that's missing most. I still like it, but there are way better Slayer albums out there.
Some of the songs on this album sound like they'd easily fit in with mainstream FM rock radio, if that's still a thing. Anyway, great stuff. Russell Allen is one of the best metal vocalists of the last 25 years. And Michael Romeo will bleed playing his guitar for you. It's very metal.
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