Most of these reviews say that if you like this album, you must not be a a loyal Maiden fan. Well, I am a hardcore Maiden fan and I think this album is more than exceptional. It is definitely a change from there power riff sound, but the dark overtones give it a sinister sound that sounds awesome. Even though the riffs don't sound like typical Maiden, they are still captivating. Hey, nobody likes a slave to routine. I recommend this as a good album if your a hardcore Maiden fan or just someone who enjoys heavy metal. The only setback is that Blaze Bayley, formerly of Wolfsbane, does not have the rawpower of Bruce Dickinson. At times he sounds like a cheap imitation. However the songs overcome this setback. I think perhaps most Iron Maiden fans feel an obligation to hate this CD because it doesn't have the mighty Bruce Dickinson on vocals. If you look past that, You may find that there is some great music to hear.

God, I've gotta stop listening to people on the internet so much, at least when it comes to giving things negative reviews. Frankly, it's pretty damn tough for a metal band that I like to make an album that I dislike. And this tendency plays out here. Hell, I even think this would be a pretty first rate IM album were it not for the 2 most notable filler tracks. ('Search for the Truth' and 'Blood on the World's Hands') And yeah it's pretty far removed from classic Maiden, but much of what we all loved about IM remains. (And don't get me started about those conceited a**holes who claim that this 'isn't Iron Maiden'. Sorry friends, but Iron Maiden determines what Iron Maiden is, not you. As a matter of fact, you haven't got a damn thing to do with it.) It's got the darker, more epic edge, which I think works well with Blaze's voice. As for Blaze himself, he's certainly not great, but I really can't find anything particularly wrong with him. Not much range, admittedly, but, again, I think it's pretty well suited for the material.

The album opens with 'Sign of the Cross', which is brilliant and among the best song IM has ever recorded. (That's a pretty damn long list, however) The intro is perhaps a bit drawn out, but it's got a fabulous chorus and an excellent, very drawn out middle section. 'Lord of the Flies' is a solid, moderately speedy rocker. Nice, catchy chorus. 'Man on the Edge' is the only speed metal song here, but it's a great one, and about as catchy as any one they've ever done. 'Fortunes of War' is very slow building and moody, but it comes to a fine climax and is effective throughout. It's a sorta descendent of the 'Children of the Damned' school of song writing. 'Aftermath' is similar, but less moody and less effective. Still a strong track, however. 'Judgment of Heaven' is one of the few relatively energetic, vaguely happy sounding songs on the album. It's got one of the stronger choruses as well. 'The Edge of Darkness' is one of the very best songs here. Again a multipart epic, pretty low key much of the time, but about as energetic as this albums gets at other parts. '2 AM' is one of the more ignored tracks, but I really like it. Again, I just really like the chorus and it's effectively depressive, considering the subject matter. 'The Unbeliever' is effective if not truly remarkable. Nice instrumentation, even if the ox are a bit lacking.

If this album were lacking those two aforementioned filler tracks it would be a lot stronger. This is particularly significant as this is a very long, often slow album, which makes it especially important that the song writing be strong throughout. Some fast thrash or death albums can get by on sheer force of personality, but not a contemplative 70 minute work like this.

Some have complained about the production, but I like it pretty well. Again, it's darker with bassier, compressed guitars and thudding powerful bass and an immediate, snappy drum sound.

Overall, a very good album. Try and give a serious, unbiased listen and you may be surprised.

It seems you either love or hate this album. This was the only Maiden album I did not have on CD or LP; I had a mediocre tape dub which I had only played a few times on bad equipment. I finally decided to buy the CD a few days ago. What a revelation! I am not sure what everyone hates so much about this album; I tend to think it has less to do with music and more to do with resistance to change.

This album is different: darker, more progressive, more experimental. The lyrics are also more mature. Congratulations to the band for having the guts to try something new, and in my opinion, succeeding admirably. I cannot say the same for the subsequent Virtual XI, which seems like they got scared by the invective and created a formulaic CD.

Despite what others say, I really do not think there is a weak song on the album, and a few really stand out: "The Aftermath", "Look for the Truth". And "Blood On the World's Hands" has one of the funkiest bass intros Steve has ever done.

Despite the fact that slamming Blaze and Janick in public is rude; it is also mislead. Both of have contributed greatly to the sound of the band, and I find many of my favorite tunes bear their stamp. It is great to see Bruce and Adrian back, and I think "Brave New World" is fantastic, but their return does not negate the work of those who initially replaced them anymore than Nicko's arrival negates the fine work done by Clive Burr or vice-versa.

If this is not an Iron Maiden album to you, fine. Close your eyes, listen to the music, and forget the band that made it. Maybe then "The X Factor" can be appreciated for what it is: an excellent album.

First off, I'd like to thank and pay my respects to all the true Iron Maiden fans who reviewed this cd and thought it was good, and I'd like to bash and mutilate all the stupid phonys who thought this is "putrid slop." Let me tell you fakes something: A band should not have to depend on one single member to lead the band. You people complained when Smith left, therefore downgrading NPFTD and FOTD and now that they got a new singer, you're tearing them down even more. Blaze has a GREAT voice! While he's no Paul or Bruce, he's still an effective singer and puts effort into his work. He can sing low, high, and his screams are sweet! Everything about this cd is awesome, and while it does have its cons, I beleive its a Maiden gem! Its probably their darkest cd and definetly the gloomiest, but its awesome! The intros are some of the best intros Maiden has ever created, and the lyrics are new and imaginative. Blaze doesn't need to rhyme; he sings those lyrics like his life depended on it. And dont get me started with these insane solos; they're so creative and fit so well with the rhythm, I dont need to say no more!

Sign of the Cross: This is definetly the gem on this cd! The intro, which sounds like a Roman Cult Choir, is creative and new. When the guitars come in (and what sweet guitars), and Blaze growls the first lines, the song is on its way! The many interludes and solos are crazy, and need I say more? 10/10

Lord of the Flies: Another classic on this cd! I first listened to this song and wasnt too impressed, but I listened to it more and more and just got hooked! The intro guitar work is really catchy, and the chorus is addictive. The only thing wrong with this song is that there's not a lot of transition between the second verse and chorus! 9/10

Man on the Edge: Another greatest hit, and what a hit! This fast-paced rocker is a masterpiece and a great sing-along! The lryris are cool and the solo is incredible! 9/10

Fortunes of War: This intro is just mind-blowing! The lyrics are really powerful and Blaze really carries the song well! I love the interludes and the chorus. A sure-fire hit in my opinion! 9/10

Look for the Truth: This high-speed rocker is very cathy, plus one of my favorites on this cd! I listened to it 3 times in a row once, and it never got old. The chorus is spectacular and the verses are incredible! Just a great song! 9/10

Aftermath: The lyrics on this one are quite sad when you think about it and their about the damage war does! (Since alot of these songs deal with war, I'm wondering if Blaze has some experience in the army)? Anyway, this song is heavy but slower and I think its a great work of art! 8/10

Judgement of Heaven: This is my second favorite song on this cd, and is it awesome? Hell Yes! I love the chorus and the verse leading into the chorus is really easy to get into! Great solo and awesome intro, this song rocks! 10/10

Blood on the World's Hands: The acoustic bass intro is really fast and creative! I love the chorus and the verses are sweet too. Its not super special but its a good song nonetheless. 8/10

Edge of Darkness: Another one of my favorites! This song starts with sweet guitars and ends with helicopter wings! Sweet interludes and awesome verses! A sure hit! 9/10

2 A.M.: Not a bad song! I like the intro and the verses, but the chorus is a bit weak. Its still a good listener, just not like Fortunes of War or Man on the Edge. 7/10

Unbeleiver: I love this song! The chorus, when it gets heavier, is really awesome! The verses are really sweet and the sycopated guitar with the vocals is cool! Check out the sweet interlude!

>While this cd doesnt get much fan-fair and get mixed reviews, listen to mine! A good, dark album with a new singer and new riffs. Thats all it is. Dont be scared to buy this cd, in fact, borrow it and give it a listen. You might be turned off at first, but get into it and give it a chance!

Sincerily, I hate when i see people saying that this album is bad. It's always like that, when a band want to change his style, the fans don't understand the way of the band. So they aren't really fans. Because times changes. And for a change, the album The X factor is simply great. You know why I like so much this album, It's simple, i knew Maiden when this album came up. So, It was the first album I heard! It's true if you think that is a another band than Maiden, you'll like it.

1.The opening is incredible with a song like

SIGN OF THE CROSS.

2.LORD OF THE FLIES is a powerful song.

3.MAN ON THE EDGE is a fast song and a classic song from Maiden.

4.FORTUNES OF WAR is a very mature song with deep feelings.

5.LOOK FOR THE TRUTH has a lot of energy for a mid-slow song.

6.THE AFTERMATH has a good progression with differents changes of rythm.

7. JUDGEMENT OF HEAVEN is my favorite song after SIGN OF THE CROSS, it's simply amazing , good melody and good drum sound like the rest of the album.

8. BLOOD ON THE WORLD'S HANDS , check that bass!!! it's Steve Harris of course!

9. THE EDGE OF DARKNESS is another song with a good progression and with feelings in the lyrics.

10. 2 AM , i like this song for the melodies.

11. THE UNBELIEVER, listen carefuly this song, it's maybe one of the best song of the album, it's a little progressive, and very original, Maiden plays so well!

The entire album has this atmospheric feeling, and Iron Maiden proves his talent on this album.

In conclusion, this album is different fron the others, It's unique, and much better than VIRTUAL XI. Check the sound??