"Dance of Death" is indeed a significant album in Iron Maiden's discography, marking their thirteenth studio release. Released first in Japan on September 2, 2003, and subsequently on September 8, 2003, in the rest of the world (with a North American release a day later), it continues the band's legacy with some notable features.
This album holds particular importance for a few reasons. It includes "Journeyman," Iron Maiden's first-ever fully acoustic track, showcasing a different side of their musical range. "New Frontier" is unique as it is the only song co-written by the band's drummer, Nicko McBrain, highlighting his creative input beyond his drumming role. Like their previous album, Brave New World, it was produced by Kevin Shirley, who has been a significant collaborator with the band on subsequent releases.
The album also reflects the band's continued evolution with Bruce Dickinson and Adrian Smith back in the lineup since 1999, bringing a fresh yet familiar energy to their sound.
