Search - Iron Maiden :: Iron Maiden

I wanna show you all my wares...

Mark H. | Hanson, MA USA | 07/21/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If not the greatest debut in the history of heavy rock, then easily in the top ten, `Iron Maiden' heralded a changing of the guard and the dawn of a new era. It is probably the best record from the New Wave of British Heavy Metal as well and a timeless classic that never gets tired. Some of the most well know songs in heavy metal can found on this gleaming alloy of evil including "Running Free" which was a top ten hit in the UK in the early spring of 1980. "Phantom of the Opera" proved to be an early example of the type of virtuosic epics that would become the trademark of band founder and chief songwriter Steve `arry' Harris. The time changes, harmonies and variations in the melody, were such a decisive blow to music critics who criticized the musicianship of metal players. The origins of the early Iron Maiden sound due owe a significant debt of gratitude to Paul Di'Anno, whose gruff, punk rockfish vocal style slides in perfectly with these razor blade tales of the East End of London's seedy and dangerous streets. Bruce Dickinson will always be Maiden's greatest singer but Di'Anno's importance cannot be overlooked. He just sounded angry and the songs on the debut drip with violence and rage, "Prowler", "Iron Maiden", "Charlotte the Harlot" and "Sanctuary" (originally a single release after the album, later added to US release and all subsequent re-releases). "Remember Tomorrow" was a powerful example of what Maiden could do with a slower song and "Transylvania" was a rip snorting instrumental that began another great Maiden tradition. Dave Murray and Dennis Stratton proved to be a very capable guitar tandem though this was Stratton's only Maiden recording; he would soon be replaced by longtime Murray foil Adrian Smith. Clive Burr handled the skins and met the challenge of keeping up with Harris' time changes and murderous melodies. If I have played this record a thousand times I would not be surprised and it could very well be my favorite from Iron Maiden which shows you how important I think it is in terms of its impact on my future listening habits. Haunt me taunt me torture me back at your lair..."

Heavy Metal Defined

Bruce M. | 07/17/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If I had to point to one single Heavy Metal album that defines the genre, this would probably be it. This along with Black Sabbath's The Mob Rules and Ozzy's Blizzard of Ozz and maybe something like Juda Priest's Unleashed in the East or Metallica's Ride the Lightning....these handful of albums really are the definition of the genre...



Yes, there is speed/thrash metal like Slayer and Megadeth and yes there is hard rock like AC/DC, Motorhead, Scorpions, and Van Halen...and grungy heavy rock like Soundgarden and those bands...



But for THE BEST OF HEAVY METAL ROCK AND ROLL....well this album pretty much hits the nail on the head. It's got the punk rock influence. It's got the ballads. It's got the aggression, the angst, the coarseness, the screaming guitars, thundering drums and bass, it's ...well, it [...] rocks, and it always will rock.



Not to mention, it's got class, taste, and is on par with the highest level of artistic integrity found in the business, bar none.



And it's got Paul Di'Anno. He's no pansie. Ok, well, Bruce isn't a pansy...but Paul isn't Bruce. Paul is hard-core...he is down with the street..he is gritty and he is raw.



This is the best Maiden album. It may be the best Metal album there is.



THEY AIN'T GOT A THING ON ME..I'M RUNNING WILD..I'M RUNNING FREE......."

Impressive debut by the British band!

Marcelo Rangel | Brasilia - Brazil | 07/30/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Just perfect, my favourite Maiden album ever!



Paul Di'anno voice was amazing. At the same time lyrical and strong, deep and soft!!! All songs are great. After Paul left, of course they changed a bit their sound, but this album must always be remembered as a true Masterpiece!!!



"Charlotte the Harlot" and "Iron Maiden" are absolute classics, and nobody can sing "Prowler" or "Strange World" the way Paul did. Take a look to the versions of the songs from this album sang by Bruce, they're way behind, just like Blaze trying to sing Bruce ones...



They had so many energy at this point that you can almost fell the instruments burning, the perfect combination of punk rock and heavy metal."