Iron Maiden Reveal New Album Artwork, Announce First Single

Band Photo: Iron Maiden (?)

Iron Maiden have posted the following at their official site:

Following the announcement of the forthcoming early September release of their new studio album, "A Matter of Life and Death", Iron Maiden reveal their front cover artwork! The cover can be seen here.

Also announced is the news that "The Reincarnation of Benjamin Breeg" will be released as a very special single on 14th August.

Says Steve Harris, “This is a very intense album in many ways and we really wanted to go with a lead track that demonstrated that in the best way, rather than going for a shorter track on the album just to please the chart rules. Benjamin Breeg is a great example of the feel of the album in it’s really heavy riff and lyrically it’s a very dark, atmospheric and powerful song which really epitomizes what the album is all about for us. So it made a natural choice for us.”

In true Maiden style, the single will be released in two special Limited Edition formats, which by content will not be eligible for the UK singles chart. Manager Rod Smallwood explained, “There are various chart rules compliant to number of tracks, the maximum running time, price structure and all the rest of it. As for the new Maiden single - its simple - we’re putting out a two track CD - "The Reincarnation of Benjamin Breeg" and "Hallowed Be Thy Name" (Legends Session) and if it’s too long to qualify for the charts, then so be it. We have no problem with it being non-chart eligible.

EMI will also release a special 7” picture disc with collectable sticker of the ‘Crossed Guns’ Logo. B sides to both formats are from last years amazing ‘Radio 1 legends session recorded especially for the Zane Lowe show.

Limited Edition 2 track CD
The reincarnation of Benjamin Breeg
Hallowed be thy Name (Radio 1 ‘Legends’ Session)

Limited Edition 7” picture disc
(To include ‘Crossed Gun Logo’ sticker)
The Reincarnation of Benjamin Breeg
c/w Run To The Hills (Radio 1 ‘Legends’ Session)
The Trooper (Radio 1 ‘Legends’ Session)

The full tracklisting for the new album, "A Matter of Life and Death" is as follows:

1. Different World - Smith/Harris - 4.17
2. These Colours Don't Run - Smith/Harris/Dickinson - 6.52
3. Brighter Than a Thousand Suns - Smith/Harris/Dickinson - 8.44
4. The Pilgrim - 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 - Murray/Harris - 7.21
8. For The Greater Good of God - Harris - 9.24
9. Lord Of Light - Smith/Harris/Dickinson - 7.23
10. The Legacy - Gers/Harris - 9.20

Iron Maiden undertake a massive Winter European Tour that opens in Denmark on 9th November, culminating in eight UK arena dates at the end of December (including two nights at Earls Court Arena). They will play to nearly 100,000 people in the UK alone! The majority of these shows are already sold out. Please check for details on www.ironmaiden.com for the latest information on ticket availability and for details of tickets just released from Production holds.