Iron Maiden s/t- A reflection

Hard to believe that Iron Maiden's debut is thirty year's old this year. It wasn't one of their first that I heard though. I believe that I had heard The number of the beast, Piece of mind and Powerslave before finally hearing the debut in late 1984 as a fellow Maiden fan taped it for me. It would be another few months before I would hear Killers. My opinion at the time was I am sure much different than those lucky fans heard this album when it exploded in 1980. By 1984 Bruce Dickinson's stamp had been put on the band's sound and they were off and running a direction that was fairly different from where they were with Dianno at the helm. For 1980 the whole New Wave of British Heavy Metal scene was exploding and Maiden were one of the scene's real leaders. So let's take a look at each song

Prowler-That twisting riff comes on and you know this is something different. Dianno's voice is prefect for this one and is obviously completely comfortable ripping his way through it. Love the part leading up to the solo just before the halfway point.

Remember Tomorrow-It's slows down a bit and the mood changes gears. The pace picks up to a furious explosion around the halfway point again and then goes slows back down and picks up again. Love the solos on this one.

Running Free -A staple for early Maiden and Dianno makes the most of this him. This song plays to his strengths and it's one of his best moments. It's very basic by comparison to where this band would be in a year or too, but a fine song no doubt.

Phantom Of The Opera-I imagine this one blew some minds when they first heard it. Understandably so because that riff was well ahead of where your typical metal band was at the time. The band has as a whole really takes off on this song. It's the strongest example on the debut of the kind of potential that the band had.

Transylvania-Powerful instrumental with a solid pounding sound. Each band member really shines and gets their time to contribute. Love the bass licks towards the end. This song is a good example of Maiden's ability to show how good of musicians they were, but yet you never feel like they are showing off.

Strange World-The opening notes come on right after Transylvania for another slow one. It's one of the more dated tracks for sure. A decent attempt at a slightly different sound, but just alright overall compared to the rest of the album.

Sanctuary-Another song that plays to Dianno's strength as a vocalist. It's also the kind of slightly rough edged hard rock that would would be gone from the band's sound by Killers when they headed in a different direction. Like Running Free it's kind of basic, but the energy is contagious on this one.

Charlotte The Harlot-A Dave Murray penned tune with a punchy kind of rhythm guiding it along. We get a surprising slow down before the two minute mark and I think it helps the song overall. The band tears it up around the three minute mark. Not the kind of lyrical content they would hold onto for much longer, but a tight song for the time.

Iron Maiden-A great closer as the band has a whole just puts forth all kind of energy. Fantastic guitar sound and some tight playing from everyone.

Overall still a fine album that holds up very well. Changes were soon going to be made with Adrian Smith coming into the fold and the sound on Killers were take on a slightly more serious and complex approach. The passion, the power and the ideas were very much put out there for all to hear on Maiden's debut. Right away they established themselves as one of the band's going.