Iron Maiden - (1998)

When Iron Maiden first hit the scene back in the late 70's they were a refreshing change from the punk and disco songs that filled the charts. Along with other good bands around at that time, AC/DC, Saxon, Motorhead, Hawkwind and Judas Priest they set about changing the face of British rock music for ever. I bought this in vinyl when it was first released, having watch them live, and frightened my mother to death after showing her the picture on the front cover. I remember the neighbours complaining because the stereo was playing Phantom of The Opera, my personal favourite, much, much too loud. All the songs are equally as good and many an afternoon was spent listening to the haunting lyrics, when I should have been studying. I hadn't listened to that LP for years and decided to replace the aging vinyl with the CD version. The songs took me back to that concert 25 years earlier, the mass of bodies pushing to get to the front of the stage, the flashing lights and the fantastic set that Maiden had brought with them. Yes, of course I played it loud and yes, of course the neighbours complained, but you can't listen to Iron Maiden quietly it's just not right. Looking at the disc there was much more information than on the original LP, with videos and other snippets about the band, the CD had been well looked after by its previous owner which all adds to the pleasure of updating your old LP's to CD. If you're into heavy rock & trying to decide whether you should update your old vinyl to CD make sure this is in your list, I'm sure you won't regret it.

I grew up on a steady diet of classic rock and heavy metal, and it’s likely that no band meant more to my teenage years than Iron Maiden. As such, I’m probably a little biased with the following reviews, much in the same way that most punk-friendly critics tend to overrate bands like the Ramones, Sex Pistols, or The Clash, three band’s that early Maiden easily match with regards to raw energy and excitement. But Maiden delivered the goods with twice the chops of those bands (both musically and vocally), and this blazing debut album immediately introduced a major new force into the world of heavy metal. Iron Maiden established the band as the most important (and best) “New Wave Of British Heavy Metal” exponent, and it showcased all of the band’s strengths: tightly executed dual guitar melodies (with a harmonic element that nodded to both Judas Priest and Thin Lizzy) that never skimp on speed or power, distinctive singing with a heavy dosage of theatricality (this time supplied by Paul Di'Anno), and Steve Harris’ strong songwriting and faster than light bass playing.

In my opinion this is possibly the finest debut album ever released, although the sound is very different to the Iron Maiden most people know and love, there is a raw edge with definate punk overtones, this along with the second album 'Killers'are my favourite studio albums.
All the songs on this album are hits - my personal favourites are:
Running Free
Sanctuary
Phantom of the opera

With new personell namely Bruce Dickinson on vocals, and the heart and soul of Steve Harris Iron Maiden evolved and came to be possibly the finest live heavy metal band ever.

Any serious rock fan should have this in their collection

From the opening strains of "Prowler" to the explosive climax of "Iron Maiden" this album ROCKS. Released amid the NWOBHM (New Wave Of British Heavy Metal) explosion of 1980, Iron Maiden stood head and shoulders above any of the competition (Diamond Head, Saxon, Praying Mantis, Def Leppard etc.).
Bassist Steve Harris has always bemoaned the production on the album, but the fact is that it sounds raw and fresh, with a less clinical approach than later albums. This is apparent especially on "Phantom of the Opera" where during the expansive instrumental section squeaks and whines can be heard from the guitars which give the impression that the band are doing an "as is" live recording with amps which go up to 11! And where did THAT riff come from?
Highlights are "Prowler" (dubious lyrics about self flagellation aside), "Remember Tomorrow", first single "Running Free" (much slower than the live performances from this period, and with an infectious drum intro), two beautiful guitar solos during "Strange World", the macabre "Iron Maiden" (sounding more punk than anything else the band have done), and of course the awe inspiring "Phantom of the Opera" (if the first two minutes of this song don't give you an adrenaline rush I would check that you have a pulse).
Included on the ECD is "Sanctuary" which was originally released as a single after the release of the album, but not included on the LP or original CD releases.
...and I love the enhanced cover. I'm sure Derek Riggs would approve.

I have wanted this album to finish my collection of the re-masters CD's and although i have seen it fairly frequently in the shops i have always found it ridiculously expensive. (1 place wanted £15.99!!!) I knew that e-bay would have quite a few people offering it and i just waited my time and got it for a brilliant price. Even with the postage it still came in at under a fiver. Fantastic.
It is a special CD because it features the bonus track "Sanctuary" which, for anybody interested in music history, became the name of the bands management company headed by manager and all round nutter Rod Smallwood. Sanctuary now have many different artists under their wings ranging from Chart rubbish to more celebrated rock/metal bands.
Also included in the package is a multimedia section which shows video clips and biogs from the time and also unseen photos etc...
For anyone interested in Iron Maiden then any of the re-masters albums are the one's to go for and ALL are available at great prices on e-bay. Just type Iron Maiden CD under the music category search and look for any released in 1998 or saying ECD, these are the ones.
All the best!!!
Up the Irons!!!
Keith Vickerstaffe