Search - Iron Maiden :: Iron Maiden (Vinyl Replica) (Dig)

Awesome Debut

tornandgone | NY | 04/12/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"After years of line-up changing and a change or two in the band name, Iron Maiden went into the studio to record their debut album. Released in 1980, their self-titled debut CD started them on the road to success and legendary status as one of the pioneers of the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal.This album has a raw edge that is not seen on their later releases (maybe No Prayer For The Dying) and that makes it all the more better. With a more punk feel than the straight-forward metal they would come to write and record, this album is a classic and a great start for the band. Guitarist Dave Murray and Dennis Stratton deliver the songs wonderfully with the usual power chords and harmonic leads. Paul Di'Anno takes his spot before the microphone and belts out all the Maiden classics. While not being as powerful as Dickinson, Di'Anno is a great singer and his vocals mix well with the music. Steve Harris, yet again, has his way of making the bass heard and plays with the intensity that he has come to be known for. Behind the drums is Clive Burr, playing simple, solid and catchy beats that suit the raw power of each song.The album begins with Prowler which is a really catchy song with some great guitar. Di'Anno's vocals are great on this song and Burr's drumming is wonderful. Sanctuary is a faster, more guitar driven track. Its got a punk feel with great rhythm and an awesome solo. Remember Tomorrow starts off slow and develops into a rocker. The vocals are great and the guitars are superb. Simply a classic song. Running Free is another awesome song because of the feel of the song. Each of the instruments are played incredibly well and the vocals are catchy. Phantom Of The Opera is another upbeat song, like Sanctuary. The guitar is great, the the overbearing presence of the bass midway through the track is amazing and the drumming is excellent. Transylvania is a fast-paced, guitar driven instrumental. The song is excellent with fast guitars and a well played rhythm. Strange World is a step away from the sound of the rest of the album and it soft and quiet straight through. Di'Anno's vocals shine and the solo is masterful. Charlotte The Harlot is punk-type song with a love-type theme. The song is fairly fast-paced until the song slows down and the guitar is more classical with the bass popping in and out. Incredible song. The last song, Iron Maiden, is a great closing song. Awesome guitars and bass with an extremely catchy chorus.Iron Maiden's self-titled debut started their slow rise to the top, but they didn't really get started until Bruce Dickinson joined the band. But this is definitely an incredible start. Iron Maiden fans would be pleased and fans of punk-rock may like this as well. Its definitely something to check out."

So long for Dennis Stratton....

Kael | Jugland | 02/14/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This debut by Maiden is simply fantastic. Energetic, a little bit punk, heavy, coming from the heart. The lyrics were to improve dramatically in their posterior albums, because here they are extremely silly.
This was the last album by Maiden featuring guitarrist Dennis Stratton. Because he was just a little bit older than the other guys, and because he listened to a lot of different musical styles other than metal, Dennis usually prefered to travel in the bus that carried the KISS road crew, when Maiden toured with Kiss along Europe, in 1980. THe boss Steve Harris did not like it, and that was the last straw for him: Dennis was fired and lost an once in a lifetime opportunity for glory and fortune...In came Dave Murray's old pal, Adrian Smith, and the rest is history..."