The X Factor is a SOLID work. A pessimistic, melancholic, and heartbreaking albumThe biggest problem with this ,is not the music, but the fact that people fail to appreciate it for what it is. Fans of Maiden that don't get The X Factor compare it to the albums Maiden recorded with Bruce back in the early 1980s and that's where the problem lies.This is the DARKEST,and stormiest Maiden album,The PRODUCTION is fairly GOOD, it's a lot different to previous maiden albums, I would say it is the darkest sounding production, toned down upper midrange in the guitars and recessed treble, but not ROLLED OFF. The guitars are sort of sound a bit veiled and energy lacking in low tone and on some songs, there's a bit of distortion on the snare drums. All these "factors", make this album a heterogeneous disc in terms of compositions, structures and performance.The lyrics are also interesting war is the dominant theme and several references are made to trench warfare and the Vietnam War in particular;At most the best part of this album, which is simply amazing is that some of the guitar riffs and basslines and drums working together are amazing, some of the greatest things that maiden has ever done.GIVE THIS ALBUM A CHANCE AND LET THE BAND PULL AND DROWN YOU TOWARDS THE EDGE OF DARKNESS!!!!!!