Work is nearing completion on the forth-coming new Iron Maiden album.
Writing in his studio diary, producer Kevin Shirley has given an insight into how the record will sound, as well as the busy lifestyle of the metal giants.
Writing on MaidenNorway.com, he says:
"Mixed another two songs this week. The first (and #8 on the album) is one of my favorite mixes so far, it's almost 10 minutes long and sounds huge and very cinematic and I am very happy with it. The lads came in and 'Arry [bassist Steve Harris] says that's the way he thinks MAIDEN should sound, and wished he could remix some older material - but I think older stuff is to be celebrated because of it's chronological perspective, and should be left alone!
"Bruce Dickinson rushed in on Monday to pick up a CD, as he was piloting a commercial flight to India later that day and wanted to listen to some mixes, and got back on Wednesday after a visit to the Taj Mahal and is ecstatic about the album's sound."
He continues by saying how he plans to work on B-sides next week back in California, having first made a visit to Spain for the F1 Grand Prix.
The record is scheduled to be released in October, with Maiden playing a UK tour in December.