Iron Maiden - Iron Maiden
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Free Music Notes for Iron Maiden
Free Music Review: Iron Maiden: Iron Maiden (1980) - 3,6 stars
Hit: 4 Stars
In 1980 Iron Maiden released their self-titled debut album, starting what would become a legendary career for the band. They were one of many promising bands in the New Wave of British Heavy Metal movement at the time; and still some development away from being the leader of the pack. However, some historic record covers soon made them quite famous, giving the band invaluable PR at the start of their career.
Musically, Iron Maiden's debut album is an inconsistent affair. They try out a number of different styles, and it is obvious that they are uncertain of what type of music that really suits them at this point. The guitar riffs used in most tracks obviously have been somewhat influenced by the punk movement; and in tracks like "The Prowler" punk inspired riffs are used extensively, played in a fast and simple fashion. The overall sound also indicates the influence from 70's hard rock though, and the track has a surprisingly light pop feel about it.
Tracks like "Remember Tomorrow" and "Phantom of the Opera" showcase Iron Maiden's progressive influences; and the latter track also showcases some of the styles Iron Maiden would pursue later in their career, especially the "epic" chomping guitar riffing underscored by bass that the group would utilize in many future long songs.
Strange World is the odd one out on the album; one of the few mellow tracks ever made by the band. The slight psychedelic touch and the detailed moods made in this track are unique in the history of Iron Maiden; and tracks like this one probably was abandoned when the band started figuring out where to go musically.
The rest of the tracks here are to a greater or lesser degree mostly fast paced hard rock tunes with some metal edges to them; relatively simple in structure and style. There are quite a few differences in detail on the tracks; but all of them share some basic facts - punk-inspired riffs, influences from 70's hard rock to a greater or lesser degree, and high on intensity.
There are quite a few standout tracks on this album; and all of the songs here are seen as classic Iron Maiden tracks, apart from the mellow "Strange World". Not all of the tracks are at their best here though; the band was young and inexperienced when this album was recorded, which is easily heard. In many instances the later live recordings of the tracks here are much better than the original recordings; and as the overall sound here is much unlike what Iron Maiden would sound like later, this is not a release that can be seen as a must buy. Indeed, fans that haven't heard this album previously will be rather surprised on first listen.
Still, it's a good release as long as you're able to live with it's various shortcomings; and a must buy for anyone that wants to find out more about Iron Maiden's musical background and inspirations.
Free Music Review: Not a masterpiece, but still a classic
Hit: 4 Stars
THE BAND: Paul Di'Anno (vocals), Steve Harris (bass), Dave Murray (guitar), Dennis Stratton (guitar), Clive Burr (drums).
THE DISC: (1980) 9 tracks clocking in at approximately 40 minutes. Recorded at Kingsway Studios, London. This is the band's debut album. The disc contains a 22-page booklet with a brief intro, song lyrics, numerous band pictures, and thank you's. All songs written by Harris, Di'Anno and/or Murray. The enhanced CD features a nice multimedia section for your PC - including 2 videos (live performances of "Iron Maiden" and "Phantom Of The Opera"), the band's catalog of albums, band history, family tree, itinerary from the '80 Europe Tour, and more. Digitally remastered in 1998. Cover art by Derek Riggs. Label - Sanctuary.
COMMENTS: Some will claim Iron Maiden's debut as a "masterpiece". While it's a good album; an important album; an essential album in the band's catalog; our introduction to mascot "Eddie"... I simply can't label it as such. It's not as professional, slick, or complex as their 2nd release ("Killers"), or any of Dickinson's 1st three albums with the band - these were masterpieces. The sound on this debut, though digitally remastered, is still pretty raw. Maybe that's the appeal here. Kind of like debuts from Kiss, Rush, Motley Crue, Def Leppard... all good starts, but I can't label them masterpieces. With each, their best albums were still ahead of them - and that applies to Iron Maiden too. For me, the sound of Iron Maiden's debut is caught somewhere between Motorhead and the Sex Pistols. The music fits here - and to my ears, Di'Anno's vocals are somewhere between Lemme Kilmister and Johnny Rotten. For the most part, the songs are quickly paced, straight ahead angry rock, with a side of punk thrown in. Di'Anno was somewhat gruff and unpolished vocally (his lack of desire and drug/alcohol issues later on would eventually make his stay with the band a short one). The album opens in great form. "Prowler" is probably my favorite track here - nice guitar opening, cool lyrics, lightning fast guitar solo, great melody. "Sanctuary" and the album closer "Iron Maiden" are great tracks and can still be heard at their concerts. "Running Free" with it's thundering drums is also a crowd favorite and the only single released back in 1980... the song reached #34 on the UK charts. Other highlights and lost gems include the tender "Remember Tomorrow" and "Strange World", the simplistic instrumental "Transylvania", and the 7-minute epic "Phantom Of The Opera". Keep in mind - Iron Maiden would endure several band member changes during their early years... and when singer Bruce Dickinson joined (1982), the band would never sound the same again. Maiden's debut is a nice intro to the band though a tad rough around the edges (4+ stars).
Free Music Review: Killer debut from the Beast
Hit: 4 Stars
Iron Maiden has proven to be by far the most enduring band of the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal, and their first release amply demonstrates why. Many of the tunes on this 1980 release are staples of the Maiden live show to this day.
First the performances. Bassist Steve Harris (who also did almost all of the songwriting) is absolute dynamite, his highly distinctive style already firmly in place at this early stage. His basslines aren't just there to keep the bottom full; the songs are built around them. Guitarist Dave Murray is just as extraordinary, whipping out the trademark minor-key shred with fire and precision. The drummer, Clive Burr, is absolutley amazing. Unfortunately he'd only play on the first three albums; I like him better than Nicko Mcbrain who would later take his place. The other musicians are somewhat less impressive. Dennis Stratton is a good guitar player but comes off sounding second-best next to Dave Murray, and Paul D'ianno's raspy vocals make my ears tired after awhile (I can't stand Brian Johnson of AC/DC either). This album was also the unfortunate victim of a low-budget recording and a second-rate producer, resulting in a muddy-sounding mix that's completely lacking in depth.
Despite these problems, what really makes this album work is the songs. Classics abound, with kick-butt rockers like "Prowler", "Sanctuary", the great instrumental "Transylvania", and a killer ballad in "Strange World". The best tracks, however, are the ones that demonstrate Maiden's emerging progressive side, those being the gorgeous "Remember Tomorrow" and the absolute masterpiece "Phantom Of The Opera". Without a doubt the worst song here is "Iron Maiden" which has unfortunately become a staple of the band's live show, and "Running Free" comes off a bit lightweight as well.
Overall the good far outweighs the bad, and although the best was still to come, this recording stands as one of the finest debuts in history. Up the irons!
Free Music Review: So It Begins...
Hit: 4 Stars
The future kings of metals debut has some amazing songs. "Sanctuary", "Running Free", "Phantom of the Opera", "Transylvania", and "Strange World" are all great songs. The guitars are good, with Dave Murray and Dennis Stratton trading licks, and the bass is good as it will always be (bow to Steve Harris). Vocalist Paul Di'Anno does great on the album as well.
This is a great album, however there is one problem, and it is the reason I gave the album 4 instead of 5 stars: The production is very muddled. Steve Harris (bassist & leader) himself doesn't think the album is as good as it could have be because of the production. They would get the production on the next album, however...
Free Music Review: pure metal excellence
Hit: 5 Stars
1980 was a great year for metal. Not only did Dio come out with Holy Diver his solo debut album, but Maiden came out with their first album, and it sure was a masterpeice. It is easily one of the best debut albums ever. Every track on this album is a classic no fillers at all. sanctuary and the self titled track are still live favorites to this day, and the other classics, running free, prowler, remember tomarrow, and charlet the harlot stand up to the test of time just as brilliantly. and who can forget their first epic song ever, phantom of the opera? awesome. and then there is the weird and slow song strangeword, which leads right into transylvania, IMO their best intrumental. paul dianno the original vocalist for maiden does an outstanding job on this album and also on their follow up album killers. granted hes no Bruce but then again no one is. But his voice fits perfectly on these first two albums, which IMO had a harder edge than the Bruce era Maiden, which became more melodic. The only thing bad about this album is the preduction on this one is not as good as all the other albums, which is a pity, but it isnt too intirly noticable.