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| US Issue Cover |
Iron Maiden : Iron Maiden
Released April 14, 1980
Recorded: February 1980, at Kingsway Studios, London
Label: EMI
Iron Maiden
Paul Di'Anno – lead vocals
Steve Harris – bass guitar, backing vocals
Dennis Stratton – guitar, backing vocals
Dave Murray – guitar
Clive Burr – drums
Will Malone – producer
Martin Levan – engineer
Derek Riggs – sleeve
illustration
Rod Smallwood – management
Track Listing: 1980
US Release
Side one
No. Title Writer(s) Length
1. "Prowler" Harris 3:56
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| Original UK Issue Cover |
2. "Remember
Tomorrow" Harris, Di'Anno 5:29
3. "Running
Free" Harris, Di'Anno 3:17
4. "Phantom of the
Opera" Harris 7:08
Side two
No. Title Writer(s) Length
1. "Transylvania"
(instrumental) Harris 4:17
2. "Strange
World" Harris 5:32
3. "Sanctuary" Iron
Maiden Harris 3:14
4. "Charlotte the
Harlot" Murray 4:10
5. "Iron
Maiden" Harris 3:31
1980, what a year to release your debut, nothing but good company
(competition) here. Also released
in 1980 were AC/DC's Back in Black, Judas Priest's British Steel, Black Sabbath
were also trying out a new front man, Ronnie James Dio and released Heaven and
Hell, while their wild and crazy front man Ozzy Osbourne was releasing his
freshman debut Blizzard of Ozz.
Kiss was taking off their makeup and the year saw us saying goodbye to
Bon Scott of AC/DC and John Bonham from Led Zeppelin, RIP Bon and John. Iron Maidens self-titled effort was
released April 14 1980 with a debut at number 4 on the UK charts, was a powerhouse and began the definition for NWOBHM (New
Wave of British Heavy Metal).
Hard, Edgy, Fast, at times melodic and paced, with a strong punk
undercurrent, this freshman effort provides glimpses of the Metal powerhouse they
will become in only a couple short years.
However, this work stands on its own and is truly Heavy Metal at it's
finest.
Prowler 3:56 - You don't have to wait long to see where the album
is going. A nice peek into the
future of maiden with a nice gallop and fast tempo it truly represents an
appropriate debut opener. Edgy and
Gritty, I have heard it said "well it is a bit to punk," and with lyrics that could use some
improved depth it also represents a freshman effort. Dave Murray’s virtuoso skills are showcased and we
get another glimpse of what the future holds with the solo beginning at
1:59. Overall a great Maiden
classic that was generally given little original fanfare. 4/5
Remember Tomorrow 5:29 – A surprising cut leaving this Maiden
fan with his jaw on the floor, so Un-Maiden like, but one of their best
works. Paul Di’anno
showcases his vocal range and ability.
Actually surprised that this is one of my favorite cuts from the album. 4/5
Running Free 3:17 – This is an overly repetitive
disappointment the riff, if forgettable and wears thin in little time. 2/5
Phantom of the Opera 7:08 - Yet another look into the future of Iron
Maiden with this epic and unforgettable masterpiece forging the way for truly
memorable epics. The timing and
key changes communicate the mood of the piece and the canonical Iron Maiden
riffage beginning at 4:20 and continuing through the piece are the undeniably
the definition of “Epic”. 3.5/5
Transylvania 4:17 – A gritty, hard edged instrumental
that is 100% maiden all the way, dual attack synchronized strings that provide
energy and a little bit of a growl.
There is more of a punk overtone present here in places that remind me
of the opening cut prowler.
However an overall win. 3/5
Strange World 5:32 – Another pursuit into the strange
indeed, although their departure during remember tomorrow earlier in the album
was definitely memorable, this piece always leaves me wondering what strange
substance did they ingest. Almost
having me at the entry, I get a pink floyd-ish, dark side of the moon vibe that
is a little more guttural. However
all forward progress is lost when the vocals kick in about 1:40. They regain a small amount of ground
during the solo, but overall just a disappointing exercise. 2/5
Sanctuary 3:14 - Although this track has the potential of being
another repetitive chugga-chugga riff rant, it actually surprises with swings
and sways and some top shelf Dave Murray rips and runs. Not part of the original UK release,
but included on the US release of the album it is catchy, memorable and
reminiscent of the Iron Maiden standard. 3/5
Charlotte the Harlot 4:10 – Although I want to like this track as
it is Maiden to the core from the beginning, I just don’t. I think that the mellow bridge
beginning about 1:36 just takes all the energy that was building and dumps it
in an abrupt pile. Some good chops
via Murray again, but falls short as a whole. 2.5/5
Iron Maiden 3:31 – At the outset I feel a little bit
punk, a little thrashy and feel a little speed metal in the cadence. Meant to the their self-titled anthem,
I feel it falls a bit short, however, it remains a staple in their live shows for years to come and
for the record I don’t feel that anyone can capture Di’Anno’s
vibe regarding this track. Although I have criticized it, the track is original
and memorable and I believe it was the only proper way to close the deal on
their opening effort. 3/5
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