Iron Maiden

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Iron Maiden

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While Bruce Dickinson is THE voice of Iron Maiden, I think Paul DiAnno's contribution during the early Maiden years is too often overlooked. "Phantom of the Opera" and "Sanctuary" are the first great tunes that turned me on to Iron Maiden, and alerted me to just what an incredible group they are.

I won't go as far to say that I like DiAnnio over Dickinson... there is nobody in all of heavy metal that could reproduce that melodic war-cry of a voice he lets rip! But DiAnnio was unique, and left enough of an impression on this album that I think he deserves a bit more of a nod than he gets.

If you have only heard the highlight CDs of Iron Maiden like "Number of the Beast" and "Powerslave," believe me, you are missing out. Those albums are excellent, true. This album is one of the finest beginnings of any band in the this genre of music.

"Phantom of the Opera" is such a unique piece in the heavy metal tunes of that era. There are so many terrible metal lyrics from that era, which makes this great song stand out. The combo of common mental torment, silent film references, and the classic Maiden guitar licks make everyday domestic-despair sound like gothic horror.

One of those rare albums that is every bit as good as Iron Maiden's later efforts! Worth the time and dough!

Iron Maiden exploded onto the scene of the NWOBHM with the 76' recordings known as the soundhouse tapes. They quickly earned a fearsome reputation as a live band, and it was obvious that their debut CD was going to be a cracker. While not the best maiden CD, its one of the most essential recordings ever made. Fronted by then vocalist Paul Di'Anno and with guitarist Dennis Stratton; Maiden were a rising power already.

Prowler 9/10 A riff-mongous start to the album, one of the most catchy guitar parts of all time, and an amazing solo to go with it. Maiden show off their soon to be signature time changing as well. Catchy melody, strong chorus as well

Sanctuary 8/10 Originally not on this CD, but a bonus to the enhanced versions, its a live staple, but heavily heavily overrated. Similar to Running Freen in this aspect

Remember Tomorrow 9/10 RIFFS! Some fantastic guitar workings, with some added lyrical poignancy, ah, who said Paul coudn't sing?

Running Free 7.75/10 The 2nd most overrated maiden track of all time probably, very decent, a simple rhythm with a catchy melody, i dont remember a solo in this song.... but i like the lyrics, and it IS a catchy one.

Phantom of the Opera 10/10 THE epic that started it all, a monster 7 minute long piece with amazing guitar work, amazing solos, blazing riffs, catchy chorus, and one of the most BEUTIFUL instrumentals in it. Paul also shines, i only have one complaint about this song. the chorus is only played once, i would have loved to hear it twice, but o well, still an amazing track.

Transylvania 9/10 First maiden instrumental, nuff said.

Strange World 9/10 A SOFT? maiden track? gasp, must be no good right? Nahh, a laid back song with nice vocal work, but it actually dosent rlly stick in youre mind at all

Charlotte the Harlot 8.5/10 Begins with a kind of stupid kiddy riff, first saga of the charlotte series, a decent song, with a nice instrumental, Murrays first attempt at writing a full song. Not bad, but we're still recovering from Phantom.

Iron Maiden 8.5/10 THE MOST OVERRATED MAIDEN SONG OF ALL TIME. Nice riff, but i just hate that pounding snare drumm (no offence clive), but does maiden need to play this song at EVERY single concert? Nahhhh, but its still got a pretty good chorus, but way to redundant, with only ONE verse!

Maidens first attempt is not immediately catchy, in fact the only really amazing song is Phantom of the Opera. But as far as first albums go, this ones a winner.