The next stage in the rolling juggernaut that is 'the new Iron Maiden album': the band has announced a free download (after registration) of album track "El Dorado", plus some exclusive inlay-artwork to print off. This is the first new material since 2006's "A Matter of Life and Death" and shows the boys in less of an epic mood than usual. Just go to their website (www.ironmaiden.com), register and raise those snails to the sky and feel the Dickinson-love.

The new album is all ready to rock, so to speak, with a release date for "The Final Frontier" set for 16th August. Containing 10 lengthy tracks, including "El Dorado", "When The Wild Wind Blows" and "The Alchemist", the collection was recorded at Compass Point (Nassau), the location for their early albums including "Powerslave" and "Piece Of Mind" so it's all a bit of a homecoming for them all.

To support the album, there will be the small matter of a world tour which has so far left a few Maiden fans a bit disappointed, truth be told. But I say, fear not - swift detective work suggests that this is called "The Final Frontier World Tour - First Leg"! Whatever, they will play the States from tomorrow (9th) in Dallas and continue across the U.S. and Canada before beginning a stint across Europe, starting with the O2 date in Dublin on 30th July. There are still some seated tickets left priced at €72 (including fees).

Next on the agenda is Sonisphere (1st August) and Sunday's Maiden performance is much-anticipated. Tickets are still available for this but selling fast. (Ironic that they're giving away a 'Download' so close to Sonisphere, huh?).

Fingers crossed for The Final Frontier Leg 2 after the European-festival jaunt into August! We'll keep you posted!