The Final Frontier
by Iron Maiden
  • Record Label: EMI
  • Release Date: Aug 17, 2010
User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 103 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 86 out of 103
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 103
  3. Negative: 3 out of 103
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  1. KundK
    Aug 19, 2010
    4
    I'm one of those old timey Maiden fans who thinks their absolute creative peak was "The Number of the Beast" and their last really good album was "Seventh Son". Since then they were producing auto-cloned and sub-par versions of their own music, progressively less interesting as the years went by. Listenable in a pinch, but why would you want to listen to weak Maiden when you have the firstI'm one of those old timey Maiden fans who thinks their absolute creative peak was "The Number of the Beast" and their last really good album was "Seventh Son". Since then they were producing auto-cloned and sub-par versions of their own music, progressively less interesting as the years went by. Listenable in a pinch, but why would you want to listen to weak Maiden when you have the first seven strong albums? This time, they don't even sound like themselves and you might feel that's a good thing, but it isn't. Instead of the uninspired and tired music you kind of like, you get uninspired and tired music you might not necessarily like as much.

    Still, even here, with the "new sound" we get the obligatory syncopated "Alexander the Great" clone and the assortment of adolescent, movie and history channel inspired themes understandable when the musicians are barely legal, but kind of sad when coming from the 45+ lot. This is their third consecutive album which I have listened to once and never had the need to listen to again. Even the album cover is among the worst in their discography. I love Maiden and they will always have a special place in my heart but this is just not good. As ever: Up the Irons!    … Expand
  2. FilFestuccia
    Sep 6, 2013
    6
    Iron Maiden's 15th studio album is their usual prog-rock epic, with little to no memorable riffs, a lot of interesting melodies and the general concept that everything has to be repeated at least five times (like Flaubert said, but on paper it works better). Most songs are just too long and would benefit from a "radio edit". Bruce Dickinson steals the show: he delivers top-notch lyricsIron Maiden's 15th studio album is their usual prog-rock epic, with little to no memorable riffs, a lot of interesting melodies and the general concept that everything has to be repeated at least five times (like Flaubert said, but on paper it works better). Most songs are just too long and would benefit from a "radio edit". Bruce Dickinson steals the show: he delivers top-notch lyrics with convincing energy, even if from time to time he seems to be showing off. Production is decent at best, with some volume changes that are nothing short of cringeworthy.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

39
#39 Most Discussed Album of 2010

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. Rolling Stone
    60
    Maiden have long had a knack for the lung-busting chorus, but what impresses here are the complicated arrangements.
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  2. Kerrang!
    80
    Only Iron Maiden know if this is their last hurrah. But if it is, they're going out the same way they came in: fearless, adventurous, and with a record that'll still bowl you over in a decade's time. [7 Aug 2010, p.50]
  3. Drowned In Sound
    60
    While sometimes The Final Frontier seems to mine the Maiden groove until the canary chirps its last, the better songs are an indication that they aren't yet trading solely on their reputation.
    Read full review
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