Iron Maiden
released 1980
reviewed by Prodigal
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1. Prowler Kicks off in style with "walking through the city, looking oh so pretty" - we are not taling about Eddie here! A fast punchy, opening with Dianno's rough at the edges, punky vocals the highlight. (as they are throught the album....)
2.Sanctuary Not much to say about this one - It's a real stormer, with some brilliant guitar interplay between Murray and Stratton.....a perfect show closer as we all know !
3. Remember Tomorrow A very cool track with a gentle start - showing Dianno's quality as an all round singer - which soon gives way to some high speed riffing, and more time changes than I've had hot dinners! (a sign of things to come)
4. Running Free If any Maiden fan has not heard this, they are not Maiden fans! A blistering track, showing off all that is great about Maiden in a short time....drums, bass, vocals, guitars all top notch
5.Phantom Of The Opera Maiden's first "epic" track of over 7 minutes in length, and in my opinion one of the best they have ever done....only the great Hallowed be thy name beats it. This is a simply stunning track - easily the best on the album. The guitar work has to be heard to be believed....it's out of this world. The whole track is quality, lyrics, guitars, bass, drums & of course vocals all make for a stunning experience for the listener. Amazing
7. Transylvania. How do you follow that? - with an instrumental of course! I'm not normally a big fan of these, as they seem to be used as album fillers when the band has run out of ideas. But not in this case - a perfect showcase for what the boys can do....and boy, do they do it well!
8. Strange World. A Maiden ballad! Don't worry about it, this is a welcome change of style. With slow, beautiful guitar solo's, a top, emotional performance from Dianno - yet again showing what a great and underrated singer he is. Nice stuff.
9. Charlotte The Harlot Wooohoooo! A bit of smut.....luvlee jublee -And the start of the story of Charlotte from 22 Acacia Avenue (which I'll talk about at a later date!). A typical fast paced Maiden track, with more time changes, raw vocals, "interesting" lyrics! ..."and your drawers are off colour too, 'cos you are making love all day" all make for a fun sound - let me see love!
10. Iron Maiden - Great album closer, with some stunning and brutal riffs, vocals and lyrics - nothing wrong with a bit of blood flowing above my head, wanting you for dead. A real statement from the band - Iron Maiden's gonna get ya, no matter how far..... long may they continue
To Sum up: A wonderfully raw & powerful album - so full of energy that makes it impossible to ignore. Dianno's, rough and punky vocals are perfect for the music. It may not be Steve Harris's fave album, but sod him, its bloody brilliant!
Highlights: Phantom Of The Opera, Remember Tomorrow, Iron Maiden
Prodigals Star rating 9.9/10
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