A Matter of Life and Death

A thunderous orchestral journey through the shadows of war and the finality of death.

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A Matter of Life and Death stands as a monumental chapter in the discography of Iron Maiden, marking their return to form after a period of commercial fluctuation. Released in 2006, this studio album is celebrated for its ambitious scope, blending the band's classic heavy metal roots with complex orchestral arrangements. It serves as a thematic exploration of mortality, war, and the human condition, often viewed by fans as a bridge between their historic golden era and modern musical evolution.

Last updated 2026-09-29 from the source article.

Quick Facts

Artist: Iron Maiden
Released: 25 August 2006
Recorded: 1 March 2006
Studio: Sarm West (London)
Genre: Heavy metal
Length: 71:53
Label: EMI
Producer: Kevin Shirley

Facts from the source article.

Lore & Background

The themes weave together stories of aviation disasters, ancient battles, and the philosophical weight of existence itself. The inclusion of orchestral elements suggests a grandeur that transcends simple metal riffs, elevating the narrative to an epic scale where the struggle between life and death is played out with symphonic precision. It captures the essence of the band's enduring fascination with history and the fragility of human life.

Reader's Guide

The album is renowned for its seamless integration of heavy metal with full orchestral backing, creating a sound that is both aggressive and majestic. The tracklist features some of the band's most ambitious compositions, including the epic title track which spans over ten minutes and incorporates complex time signatures and dynamic shifts. Produced by Kevin Shirley, known for his work with hard rock legends, the recording process emphasized live energy while capturing the nuances of the orchestral arrangements. This collaboration resulted in a polished yet raw sound that revitalized the band's sonic identity during the mid-2000s. Upon release, the album achieved significant commercial success, debuting at number one on charts across Europe and reaching high positions globally. It was met with widespread critical acclaim for its maturity and depth, solidifying Iron Maiden's status as enduring icons in the heavy metal genre.

Track listing

No.	Title	Writer(s)	Length
1	Different World	Adrian Smith, Steve Harris	4:17
2	These Colours Don't Run	Smith, Harris, Bruce Dickinson	6:52
3	Brighter Than a Thousand Suns	Smith, Harris, Dickinson	8:44
4	The Pilgrim	Janick Gers, Harris	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	Dave Murray, Harris	7:21
8	For the Greater Good of God	Harris	9:23
9	Lord of Light	Smith, Harris, Dickinson	7:25
10	The Legacy	Gers, Harris	9:20
Total length			71:53

Track listing from the source article.

Did You Know?

The title track features a full orchestra conducted by Martin Birch, blending symphonic elements with traditional metal instrumentation.
Several songs draw inspiration from real historical events, including World War I aviation and ancient mythology.