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A Matter of Life and Death is the fourteenth studio album by English heavy metal band Iron Maiden. It was released on 25 August 2006 in Italy and Finland, and 28 August worldwide, excluding the US, Canada and Japan on 5 September. It is the first album in Iron Maiden's career to enter the US Billboard charts in the top 10, achieving significant chart success in many other countries as well.[1]

A Matter of Life and Death
Studio album by
Iron Maiden
Released25 August 2006 (2006-08-25)
Recorded1 March – 4 May 2006 (2006-03-01 – 2006-05-04)
StudioSarm West (London)
GenreHeavy metal
Length71:53
LabelEMI
ProducerKevin Shirley
Iron Maiden studio albums chronology
Dance of Death
(2003)		 A Matter of Life and Death
(2006)		 The Final Frontier
(2010)
Singles from A Matter of Life and Death
  1. "The Reincarnation of Benjamin Breeg"
    Released: 14 August 2006
  2. "Different World"
    Released: 14 November 2006

While not being a concept album,[2] war and religion are recurring themes throughout, as well as in the cover artwork.

The A Matter of Life and Death Tour was the tour in support of the album, during which they played the record in its entirety.


Overview


Iron Maiden began writing new songs near the end of 2005, after a break following their hugely successful festival dates in the US and Europe during the Eddie Rips Up the World Tour.[3] After taking time off over Christmas, the songs were completed and the band began recording at Sarm West Studios in London, with their regular producer, Kevin Shirley.[3] The album was recorded from 1 March to 4 May 2006.[4][5]

To provide a more "live" sound, the album was not mastered.[6] Shirley said, "Spoke to 'Arry (Steve Harris) on Friday, who has decided against mastering the Iron Maiden album ... It means that you will get to hear the new album exactly as it sounded in the studio, no added EQ, compression, analogue widening, etc., and I must say, I am pretty happy with the end result."[7]

Iron Maiden during the A Matter of Life and Death Tour, in which they performed the album in its entirety.
Iron Maiden during the A Matter of Life and Death Tour, in which they performed the album in its entirety.

Speaking to Metal Hammer in September 2006, lead vocalist Bruce Dickinson commented that "Everyone was up for pushing things as far as they'd go, but the record was so easy to make." Dickinson went on to claim that they "finished the record with two months to spare," with Harris adding, "A lot of what you hear are first time takes." Speaking about the record's musical style, Harris states that "It is heavier than we've ever been, but also very progressive. And I don't mean that in the modern sense, but like Dream Theater, more in a 70s way."[8]

This is the band's fourth studio record not to share its name with a song, following Piece of Mind, The X Factor and Virtual XI. Drummer Nicko McBrain and guitarist Janick Gers claim that the band originally intended to name the album after one of its tracks, with both "The Pilgrim" and "The Legacy" being considered. According to Gers, "sometimes a title will just leap out at you as the obvious choice, but it didn't this time for some reason", so the band decided on A Matter of Life and Death, which, according to McBrain, was amongst "two or three ideas which we were kicking around". Neither Gers nor McBrain can remember who came up with the title, which they state was thought up by either Harris, Rod Smallwood (the band's manager) or "Drew" (an engineer at Sarm West Studios).[2]

The album cover was created by Tim Bradstreet, an American artist, best known for his work on the Hellblazer and Punisher comics. A lifelong Iron Maiden fan, who drew much influence from Derek Riggs' artwork for them, Bradstreet described the opportunity as "one of my wildest dreams".[9] He had a tight schedule, receiving for reference the songs to listen to and key art done by Peacock Designs UK, who directed the booklet's artwork. Along with redrawing a few of the original elements – which featured the tank described by Bradstreet as "Korean War era but with a twist" as the gun barrel is patched over from another vehicle – Bradstreet added Eddie as a general leading an army of skeletons. Bradstreet's colourist partner Grant Goleash finished the art, which was then retouched by Peacock. The back cover would originally feature Eddie shot on the back, but then the band opted to instead feature a detail of the tank icon featuring Eddie's head along with crossed guns.[10][11][12]

During the 2006 leg of the A Matter of Life and Death Tour, Iron Maiden performed the album in its entirety, which received a mixed response.[13] The band still supports their decision to play the record in full,[14] with McBrain commenting that "I think that this is the best album I've ever made with this band" and that "a lot of people [were] very happy to hear this album in its entirety",[15] while Dickinson says that doing so contributed to the fact that "the fans are attracted to us because we are still an active musical force".[16]


Single details


The first single to be released from the album was "The Reincarnation of Benjamin Breeg", released on 14 August 2006.[17] On 10 August, "Different World" was made available for public streaming on the band's website,[18] as was "Brighter than a Thousand Suns" the following day.[19] "Different World" was the second single,[20] receiving airplay on many rock radio stations.[21] The song also features an animated video, similar to that of "Wildest Dreams".[20]


DVD documentary


In addition to the standard CD release, A Matter of Life and Death was also released in a limited edition version containing a bonus DVD. The DVD, which has a total runtime of nearly one hour, contains a half-hour documentary, plus videos and photos all shot while the band were making the album. The documentary, entitled "The Making of A Matter of Life and Death", directed by Matthew Amos (director of The Early Days and Death on the Road DVD documentaries), features candid video footage shot largely by Kevin Shirley himself during the recording of the album giving a behind-the-scenes look at life in the studio. The bonus DVD also features the full video promo for "The Reincarnation of Benjamin Breeg", and a special filming of the band recording "Different World" in the studio. The album was also released as a limited edition double picture disc vinyl in gatefold sleeve, and as a digital download.[22]


Critical reception


Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
About.com[23]
AllMusic[24]
Blabbermouth.net5.5/10[25]
BW&BK6.5/10[26]
Classic Rock9/10[27]
Entertainment WeeklyB−[28]
IGN8.3/10[29]
Metal Hammer10/10[30]
PopMatters8/10[31]
Sputnikmusic5.0/5[32]

The album was met with highly positive reviews from music critics. Metal Hammer rated it 10 out of 10, stating that "Iron Maiden have utterly surpassed themselves" and that "it makes for a riveting listen."[30] Sputnikmusic also gave it full marks, commenting, "A Matter of Life and Death contains everything fans want to hear; be it exciting, Maiden-style story telling; aggressive riffs; impressive solos; or melodic harmonies." BBC Music praised the band for "their uncanny ability to write great lyrics wrapped around guitar orchestration that rock fans crave", concluding, "In this world of hopeless auto-tuned mediocrity here is a British band that consistently crafts fantastic music that surprises reviewers and fans alike."[33] IGN awarded it 8.3 out of 10, praising the album as "the crew's best release since Piece of Mind".[29] PopMatters rated it 8 out of 10, deeming it "their most focused record since 1988's Seventh Son of a Seventh Son, one that eschews crowd-pleasing anthems in favour of massive, sprawling compositions."[31] Classic Rock gave the album a score of 9 out of 10, stating that "it's not only Maiden's best since the 80s but quite possibly their finest release since 1983's Piece of Mind,"[27] and awarded it "Album of the Year" at the 2006 Classic Rock Roll of Honour Awards.[34] The album was voted Best Album in the 2006 Burrn! magazine readers' poll.[35] It also won the 2006 Metal Storm Award for Best Heavy Metal Album.[36]

Rolling Stone gave the album 3 stars out of 5, finding the music and lyrics "relevant", although also claiming that "the songs now march where they once galloped", implying that the band is "ageing gracefully".[37] AllMusic were also less positive, rating it 3.5 out of 5 and commenting that it is "a more elaborate and meandering experience than [its predecessor] Dance of Death, but a rewarding one for fans willing to indulge the group's occasional excess".[24]


Track listing


A Matter of Life and Death track listing
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Different World"
4:17
2."These Colours Don't Run"
6:52
3."Brighter than a Thousand Suns"
  • Smith
  • Harris
  • Dickinson
8:44
4."The Pilgrim"
5:07
5."The Longest Day"
  • Smith
  • Harris
  • Dickinson
7:48
6."Out of the Shadows"
  • Dickinson
  • Harris
5:36
7."The Reincarnation of Benjamin Breeg"
7:21
8."For the Greater Good of God"Harris9:23
9."Lord of Light"
  • Smith
  • Harris
  • Dickinson
7:25
10."The Legacy"
  • Gers
  • Harris
9:20
Total length:71:53

Limited edition DVD


  1. The Making of A Matter of Life and Death – 30:15
  2. "The Reincarnation of Benjamin Breeg" music video – 7:23
  3. Studio performance footage of "Different World" – 4:17
  4. Photo gallery – 5:36

Personnel


Production and performance credits are adapted from the album liner notes.[38]


Iron Maiden



Production



Commercial performance


On 14 September, Iron Maiden released an update which stated that "in just the first week the new album has shipped over a million copies worldwide and impacted on the charts pretty well everywhere in the world".[39] This was their first album to chart in the top ten in the Billboard 200, reportedly selling 56,000 units in its first week.[40] Debuting at No. 4, it was the highest-charting rock album ever in India, until their fifteenth studio album, The Final Frontier, which debuted at No. 1.[39] A Matter of Life and Death also achieved gold status in Finland in its first week,[41] the band's eighth from the country.


Charts



Certifications


Region CertificationCertified units/sales
Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil)[67] Gold 30,000*
Canada (Music Canada)[68] Gold 50,000^
Finland (Musiikkituottajat)[69] Platinum 32,882[69]
Germany (BVMI)[70] Gold 100,000^
Greece (IFPI Greece)[71] Gold 7,500^
Norway (IFPI Norway)[72] Gold 20,000*
Sweden (GLF)[73] Gold 30,000^
Switzerland (IFPI Switzerland)[74] Gold 15,000^
United Kingdom (BPI)[75] Gold 100,000^

* Sales figures based on certification alone.
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.


References


  1. "A Matter of Life and Death kills the charts worldwide!". ironmaiden.com. 11 September 2006. Archived from the original on 6 November 2015. Retrieved 17 September 2006.
  2. "Iron Maiden Drummer, Guitarist Talk About New Album". Blabbermouth.net. 5 July 2006. Archived from the original on 21 February 2013. Retrieved 17 September 2006.
  3. "Iron Maiden Talk About New Album". Blabbermouth.net. 22 June 2006. Retrieved 6 October 2014.
  4. "Kevin Shirley diaries- March 2006". Kevin Shirley. Archived from the original on 12 August 2008. Retrieved 19 October 2011.
  5. "Kevin Shirley diaries- May 2006". Kevin Shirley. Archived from the original on 9 September 2010. Retrieved 19 October 2011.
  6. "Caveman's Diary – July 2006". Kevin Shirley. Archived from the original on 8 July 2011. Retrieved 9 November 2010.
  7. "Iron Maiden Bassist Decides Against Mastering New Album". Blabbermouth.net. 9 July 2006. Retrieved 5 August 2010.
  8. Dome, Malcolm (September 2006). "Iron Maiden: War all the Time". Metal Hammer (157): 34–40.
  9. "BREAKING BREAD WITH IRON MAIDEN". Tim Bradstreet. 5 July 2006. Retrieved 22 September 2011.
  10. Who did the new Iron Maiden cover artwork? Is it... Archived 18 January 2018 at the Wayback Machine (forum thread, Bradstreet has some replies)
  11. Designing Iron Maiden Cover Made Tim Bradstreet Pinch Himself, Noise Creep
  12. Tim Bradstreet on the tank
  13. "Iron Maiden- Cardiff review excerpt". Blabbermouth.net. 12 December 2006. Retrieved 19 October 2011.
  14. "Iron Maiden Guitarist on Current Tour: 'It's Just A Lot Of Great Fun Playing These Songs'". Blabbermouth.net. 20 October 2006. Retrieved 19 October 2011.
  15. "Iron Maiden Drummer Defends Band's Decision To Play Entire New Album Live". Blabbermouth.net. 14 October 2006. Retrieved 19 October 2011.
  16. "Bruce Dickinson: 'We Don't Want To Look Like Our Own Version Of An Iron Maiden Cover Band'". Blabbermouth.net. 21 September 2006. Retrieved 19 October 2011.
  17. "Iron Maiden 'The Reincarnation of Benjamin Breeg' Single Artwork Revealed". Blabbermouth.net. 29 July 2006. Retrieved 24 November 2012.
  18. "Iron Maiden: New Track 'Different World' To Premier Tonight". Blabbermouth.net. 10 August 2006. Retrieved 24 November 2006.
  19. "Iron Maiden: Another New Song Posted Online". Blabbermouth.net. 11 August 2006. Retrieved 24 November 2006.
  20. "Iron Maiden Celebrates World Tour With Release of Ultimate Tour Souvenir Single". Blabbermouth.net. 23 November 2006. Retrieved 24 November 2012.
  21. "Iron Maiden 'Different World' Lands on Billboard's 'Hot Singles Sales' Chart". Blabbermouth.net. 7 December 2006. Retrieved 18 August 2013.
  22. "Iron Maiden Announces Special Album Format". Blabbermouth.net. 3 August 2006. Retrieved 18 August 2013.
  23. Bowar, Chad. "Iron Maiden – A Matter of Life And Death Review". About.com. Retrieved 1 August 2012.
  24. Iron Maiden: A Matter of Life and Death > Review at AllMusic
  25. Kaye, Don. "Iron Maiden – A Matter of Life and Death". Blabbermouth.net. Retrieved 23 November 2012.
  26. Henderson, Tim. "Iron Maiden – A Matter of Life And Death". Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles. Archived from the original on 16 May 2013. Retrieved 16 September 2012.
  27. Dome, Malcolm (September 2006). "The Good Life". Classic Rock (97): 76.
  28. Collis, Clark (1 June 2006). "A Matter of Life and Death Review". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on 8 August 2014. Retrieved 1 August 2012.
  29. Thompson, Ed (3 November 2006). "Iron Maiden – A Matter of Life and Death". IGN. Retrieved 29 March 2012.
  30. Milas, Alexander (September 2006). "Be All and End All". Metal Hammer (157): 91.
  31. Begrand, Adrien (6 September 2006). "Iron Maiden: A Matter of Life and Death". PopMatters. Retrieved 29 March 2012.
  32. Stagno, Mike (27 August 2006). "Iron Maiden – A Matter of Life and Death". Sputnikmusic. Retrieved 15 June 2011.
  33. Maclarty, Andy (8 September 2006). "Iron Maiden – A Matter of Life And Death Review". BBC Online. Retrieved 29 March 2012.
  34. "Classic Rock 2006 winners". Blabbermouth.net. 7 November 2006. Retrieved 1 September 2011.
  35. "IRON MAIDEN Scores Big in Japan". 6 March 2007.
  36. "Metal Storm Awards 2006".
  37. Steffen, Chris (7 September 2006). "Iron Maiden – A Matter of Life and Death". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on 2 May 2008. Retrieved 25 November 2012.
  38. A Matter of Life and Death (Media notes). Iron Maiden. EMI. 28 August 2006.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  39. "Iron Maiden's Steve Harris Is 'Delighted' With Reaction To New Album". Blabbermouth.net. 14 September 2006. Retrieved 25 November 2012.
  40. "Iron Maiden returns to the chart for the first time since 2003". Billboard. 13 September 2006. Retrieved 20 December 2011.
  41. "Iron Maiden kotimaisten myyntilistojen kärjessä". MTV3. 31 August 2006. Retrieved 17 September 2006.
  42. "Australiancharts.com – Iron Maiden – A Matter Of Life And Death". Hung Medien. Retrieved 29 June 2020.
  43. "Austriancharts.at – Iron Maiden – A Matter Of Life And Death" (in German). Hung Medien. Retrieved 29 June 2020.
  44. "Ultratop.be – Iron Maiden – A Matter Of Life And Death" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved 29 June 2020.
  45. "Ultratop.be – Iron Maiden – A Matter Of Life And Death" (in French). Hung Medien. Retrieved 29 June 2020.
  46. "Iron Maiden Chart History (Canadian Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved 29 June 2020.
  47. "Danishcharts.dk – Iron Maiden – A Matter Of Life And Death". Hung Medien. Retrieved 29 June 2020.
  48. "Dutchcharts.nl – Iron Maiden – A Matter Of Life And Death" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved 29 June 2020.
  49. "Discography Iron Maiden". The Official Finnish Charts. Finnishcharts.com. Retrieved 18 October 2011.
  50. "Lescharts.com – Iron Maiden – A Matter Of Life And Death". Hung Medien. Retrieved 29 June 2020.
  51. "Offiziellecharts.de – Iron Maiden – A Matter Of Life And Death" (in German). GfK Entertainment Charts. Retrieved 5 December 2021.
  52. "Album Top 40 slágerlista – 2006. 35. hét" (in Hungarian). MAHASZ. Retrieved November 24, 2021.
  53. "Irish-charts.com – Discography Iron Maiden". Hung Medien. Retrieved 18 October 2011.
  54. "Italiancharts.com – Iron Maiden – A Matter Of Life And Death". Hung Medien. Retrieved 29 June 2020.
  55. "A Matter of Life and Death- Japanese Albums Chart" (in Japanese). Oricon. Retrieved 18 October 2011.
  56. "Charts.nz – Iron Maiden – A Matter Of Life And Death". Hung Medien. Retrieved 29 June 2020.
  57. "Norwegiancharts.com – Iron Maiden – A Matter Of Life And Death". Hung Medien. Retrieved 29 June 2020.
  58. "Oficjalna lista sprzedaży :: OLiS - Official Retail Sales Chart". OLiS. Polish Society of the Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 29 June 2020.
  59. "Portuguesecharts.com – Iron Maiden – A Matter Of Life And Death". Hung Medien. Retrieved 29 June 2020.
  60. "Official Scottish Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved November 1, 2021.
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  62. "Swedishcharts.com – Iron Maiden – A Matter Of Life And Death". Hung Medien. Retrieved 29 June 2020.
  63. "Swisscharts.com – Iron Maiden – A Matter Of Life And Death". Hung Medien. Retrieved 29 June 2020.
  64. "Iron Maiden UK Chart History". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 23 November 2012.
  65. "Iron Maiden Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved 29 June 2020.
  66. "Iron Maiden – A Matter of Life and Death". IFPI Greece. Greekcharts.com. Archived from the original on 10 January 2014. Retrieved 18 October 2011.
  67. "Brazilian album certifications – Iron Maiden – A Matter of Life and Death" (in Portuguese). Pro-Música Brasil. Retrieved 13 January 2022.
  68. "CRIA Gold & Platinum certifications for October 2006". Music Canada. Archived from the original on 8 October 2014. Retrieved 25 November 2012.
  69. "Iron Maiden" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat – IFPI Finland. Retrieved 13 January 2022.
  70. "Gold-/Platin-Datenbank (Iron Maiden; 'A Matter of Life and Death')" (in German). Bundesverband Musikindustrie. Retrieved 13 January 2022.
  71. "Ελληνικό Chart – Top 50 Ξένων Aλμπουμ" (in Greek). IFPI Greece. Retrieved 13 January 2022.
  72. "A Matter of Life and Death Norwegian Gold Record 30'000 sold". 20 December 2020.
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  74. "The Official Swiss Charts and Music Community: Awards (Iron Maiden; 'A Matter of Life and Death')". IFPI Switzerland. Hung Medien. Retrieved 13 January 2022.
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На других языках

[de] A Matter of Life and Death

A Matter of Life and Death (englisch für: „Eine Angelegenheit um Leben und Tod“) ist das 14. Studioalbum der britischen Heavy-Metal-Band Iron Maiden. Es erschien am 25. August 2006 in Europa und am 5. September in den USA. Produzent des Albums war Kevin Shirley. Aufgenommen wurde es, wie schon das vorangegangene Album Dance of Death, in den Sarm West Studios in London. Eine anschließende Welttournee startete am 4. Oktober 2006 im New England Dodge Music Center – Hartford in den USA.
- [en] A Matter of Life and Death (album)

[es] A Matter of Life and Death

A Matter of Life and Death[5] —en español: Cuestión de vida o muerte— es el 14º álbum de la banda británica Iron Maiden, publicado el 25 de agosto de 2006 en Italia y en Finlandia, el 28 de agosto en todo el mundo, y el 5 de septiembre de 2006 en los Estados Unidos, Canadá y Japón. Es el primer álbum de título heavy metal en debutar en el puesto # 4 en la India, y marchándose en el puesto número 1 de la India. Llegó a estar entre los diez primeros en las tablas Billboard y ha sido éxito en muchos países del mundo. El líder de la banda Steve Harris en algunas entrevistas que había realizado en televisión y en algunos revistas musicales como Metal Hammer o Rolling Stones se refirió a estas críticas en su particular estilo diciendo: .mw-parser-output .flexquote{display:flex;flex-direction:column;background-color:#F9F9F9;border-left:3px solid #c8ccd1;font-size:90%;margin:1em 4em;padding:.4em .8em}.mw-parser-output .flexquote>.flex{display:flex;flex-direction:row}.mw-parser-output .flexquote>.flex>.quote{width:100%}.mw-parser-output .flexquote>.flex>.separator{border-left:1px solid #c8ccd1;border-top:1px solid #c8ccd1;margin:.4em .8em}.mw-parser-output .flexquote>.cite{text-align:right}@media all and (max-width:600px){.mw-parser-output .flexquote>.flex{flex-direction:column}}

[ru] A Matter of Life and Death

A Matter of Life and Death (с англ. — «Вопрос жизни и смерти») — четырнадцатый студийный альбом британской хэви-метал-группы Iron Maiden, изданный 25 августа 2006 года в Италии и Финляндии, а 5 сентября 2006 года в США, Канаде и Японии. На первой же неделе продаж альбом стал золотым в Финляндии [14]. Пластинка дебютировала с первой позиции во Всеевропейском чарте Billboard (англ. Billboard Pan-European Chart), с 9-й позиции — в Billboard USA Chart и со 2-й — в Канаде. Альбом оказался первым релизом группы, который вошёл в американский Топ 10, в то время как в независимом американском чарте альбом достиг первой позиции[15]. На официальном веб-сайте Iron Maiden говорится, что «На только первой неделе новый альбом продали более чем миллионом копий во всём мире, а в мировых чартах он появлялся повсюду». При этом альбом был в двадцатке лучших в 34 странах мира.


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