One of the original heavy metal bands, and certainly one of the most influential ones. Started out as early as in 1975. Found their way to a record deal in 1979, when EMI got their signatures. They were pioneers in the NWOBHM scene, and one of the few remaining bands from that era. Numerous line-up changes, including 3 different singers, Maiden are now back in style with the best line-up ever. You don't compare Iron Maiden to other bands, you compare other bands to Iron Maiden! Members can also be found in Bruce Dickinson, A.S.A.P., Psycho Motel, Wolfsbane, Blaze, Samson, Trust, Battlezone, Ian Gillan Band, Killers, Paul DiAnno, Desperado and I'm sure there are others.

EDDIE'S HEAD BOX SET (1998) EMI

I bought this box set for the amount of 1000 Norwegian Kroner (about $200) because the store couldn't get rid of their last 2 boxes! I've seen it in catalogues as high as 3500 Kroner (ca. $385), so I'm really pleased! Well, it contains all 12 Iron Maiden releases, from 'Iron Maiden' to 'Live at Donington', in remastered editions. Every CD comes with original art-work, + extensive liner-notes, lyrics, new & old pictures etc. Every disc also have a CD-ROM track, with discographies, history, Eddie-pictures and lots more from the Maiden-era the album was originally released. There is even a 'bonus-disc' called 'In Profile', with interviews of the band. To top it all of, every box-set comes with a signed, numbered certificate of authenticity. A really killer box-set, limited to 25,000 copies. Here's my review of each CD in the box:

IRON MAIDEN (1980) EMI

The now classic first album from England's finest, is indeed a good one. From the live-classics as "Iron Maiden", "Running Free" and "Sanctuary", to the almost progressive "Remember Tomorrow" and "Phantom Of The Opera", this debut effort sets the standards high for NWOBHM's number one band. There are only two things that could have been better on it, the production and Bruce Dickinson could have been the  singer. Paul Di'Anno isn't a bad singer, but he has more of a punk attitude than a heavy metal approach. Still this album is clearly A MUST!!!

Killer tracks: Prowler, Sanctuary, Remember Tomorrow, Running Free, Phantom Of The Opera, Iron Maiden

KILLERS (1981) EMI

Maiden do not follow up with another great disc. There are of course some great tunes here as well, but half the album falls apart. The band had internal problems, and that maybe why they couldn't quite pull this one off. Out are guitarist Dennis Stratton, and in comes Adrian Smith. The album is still a classic, though maybe not a must for others than collectors.

Killer tracks: The Ides Of March, Wratchild, Murders In The Rue Morgue, Killers

THE NUMBER OF THE BEAST (1982) EMI

Invaders Children Of The Damned The Prisoner 22 Acacia Avenue The Number Of The Beast Run To The Hills Gangland Total Eclipse Hallowed Be Thy Name Multimedia section: Promo-videos Run To The Hills The Number Of The Beast

Line-up: Bruce Dickinson  - Vocals Steve Harris - Bass Dave Murray - Lead & Rhythm Guitar Adrian Smith - Lead & Rhythm Guitar Clive Burr - Drums

Enter one Bruce Dickinson, replacing Paul Di'Anno, and Iron Maiden creates a masterpiece. 'The Number Of The Beast' is considered the ultimate Iron Maiden album (not me though), and just check the song-list, and you'll see why! Almost every song is classic Maiden. It also contains my 2 favorite Maiden-tracks, namely "Children Of The Damned" and "Hallowed Be Thy Name". This album caused mass-controversy, not only because of it's title, but also the cover. Maiden was labeled satanic. It all seems so ridiculous today, doesn't it? A MUST!!

Killer tracks: Children Of The Damned, The Prisoner, 22 Acacia Avenue, The Number Of The Beast, Run To The Hills, Hallowed Be Thy Name

PIECE OF MIND (1983) EMI

Where Eagles Dare Revelations Flight Of Icarus Die With Your Boots On The Trooper Still Life Quest For Fire Sun And Steel To Tame A Land Multimedia section: Promo-videos Flight Of Icarus The Trooper

Line-up: Steve Harris - Bass Bruce Dickinson - Vocals Dave Murray - Guitars Nicko McBrain - Drums Adrian Smith - Guitars

Now this is my favorite Maiden album. Cause if you see passed the obvious favorite tracks, there are also a large number of 'unknown' killers here as well. Take "Sun And Steel" for example. To me it's a mystery why this isn't a bigger classic than "The Trooper". "Revelations" is another of my all time favorite Maiden songs. Not one song on this one is bad. Nicko McBrain replaces Clive Burr. Clive later pops up in Desperado. A MUST!!!

Killer tacks: Where Eagles Dare, Revelations, Flight Of Icarus, The Trooper, Still Life, Sun And Steel

POWERSLAVE (1984) EMI

Aces High 2 Minutes To Midnight Losfer Words (Big 'Orra) - instrumental Flash Of The Blade The Duellists Back In The Village Powerslave Rime Of The Ancient Mariner Multimedia section: Promo-videos 2 Minutes To Midnight Aces High

Line-up: Steve Harris - Bass Bruce Dickinson - Vocals Dave Murray - Guitars Nicko McBrain - Drums Adrian Smith - Guitars

'Powerslave' is Iron Maiden's weakest album (alongside 'Killers' and not counting the Blaze-era discs). There are of course huge classics here. "Aces High" for example. You also have a neglected masterpiece in "Flash Of The Blade". But Maiden's worst song ever is here, namely "Back In The Village". So I find myself putting on other CD's way before listening to this.

Killer tracks: Aces High, 2 Minutes To Midnight, Powerslave, Flash Of The Blade, Rime Of The Ancient Mariner

LIVE AFTER DEATH (1985) EMI (2-CD)

This is one of my all time favorite live-album. And finally I have the entire record on CD. The previous single-CD didn't include the side 4 from the original double-LP. It also lacked the fabulous intro with "Churchill's Speech". But now it's all here! And there's no doubt that this is one of the finest live recordings in metal-history. The ultimate Maiden line-up, at the peak of their popularity. Every song is top-notch, Bruce sings his ass of! Recorded in Long Beach Arena - L.A., California March 1985, on their 'World Slavery Tour'. A MUST!!

SOMEWHERE IN TIME (1986) EMI

I can remember being very disappointed when this first came out. Seemed to me that Maiden had changed their sound completely. The use of anything synth-like was to me outrageous! But after a while this album grew on me, and though it's not my favorite Maiden album, it's still one I can listen to once in a while. It also contains one of the best Maiden tracks ever, 'Wasted Years'. The video to that tracks is awesome, with all the different Eddie pictures present!

Killer tracks: Stranger In A Strange Land, Wasted Years, Caught Somewhere In Time, Heaven Can Wait, Deja-Vu

SEVENTH SON OF A SEVENTH SON (1988) EMI

After getting used to Maiden's "new" sound, this was a real treat. This album does not have any weak moments, and is one of the best Maiden releases ever! It has this floating/dreaming vibe that is just irresistible to me. Too bad it was to be the last Maiden album with the classic Harris/Dickinson/Murray/McBrain/Smith line-up.

Killer tracks: All of them!!!

NO PRAYER FOR THE DYING (1990) EMI

The year is 1990, and grunge is starting to rear it's ugly head. This 'alternative' wave is driving die-hard metal fans nuts. And what do Maiden do; they releases another good album! I know the common way to describe this record is far from nice, but I like the album quite good. It's not as good as the best albums, but it's far from as bad as the Blaze-era discs. No, give me "Tailgunner" alongside "Aces High" any time. Out went Adrian Smith (later to surface in ASAP, Psycho Motel & Bruce Dickinson), and in came Janick Gers (former Gillan and Bruce Dickinson). 'Bring Your Daughter...' was also originally recorded by Bruce's solo-band (for the 'A Nightmare On Elm Street 4'-soundtrack), but Mr. Harris liked it so much, he wanted it to become a Maiden song.

Killer tracks: Tailgunner, No Prayer For The Dying, Run Silent Run Deep, The Assassin, Public Enema Number One

FEAR OF THE DARK (1992) EMI

Be Quick Or Be Dead From Here To Eternity Afraid To Shoot Strangers Fear Is The Key Childhood's End Wasting Love The Fugitive Chains Of Misery The Apparition Judas Be My Guide Weekend Warrior Fear Of The Dark Multimedia section: Promo-videos Be Quick Or Be Dead From Here To Eternity

Line-up: Steve Harris - Bass Bruce Dickinson - Vocals Dave Murray - Guitars Nicko McBrain - Drums Janick Gers - Guitars

Another disc that didn't score so high with the older fans. There are of course some really great Maiden classics here as well. "Afraid To Shoot Strangers" is one of my all time favorites. But mainly this album seems uninspired. The tour for this album was also marked by the fact that Bruce had decided to leave the band, and was only onboard to finish the tour they had already planned. Well, the disc is a bit different in the way that it contains deliberate attempts to write ballads. And the harder stuff is more rockers than metal tunes. It should also be said that despite this not being a personal favorite, it still gets more spins than any of the Paul DiAnno/Blaze Bayley era discs. It's also the first album not to include a cover by Martin Riggs.

Killer tracks: Afraid To Shoot Strangers, Fear Of The Dark, Childhood's End, Judas Be My Guide, Wasting Love

I also have a single for 'Be Quick Or Be Dead'. See further down this page for details.

  A REAL LIVE DEAD ONE (1993) EMI (2-CD)

CD1: A Real Dead One The Number Of The Beast The Trooper Prowler Transylvania Remember Tomorrow Where Eagles Dare Sanctuary Running Free Run To The Hills 2 Minutes To Midnight Iron Maiden Hallowed Be Thy Name	Line-up: Steve Harris - Bass Bruce Dickinson - Vocals Dave Murray - Guitars Nicko McBrain - Drums Janick Gers - Guitars
CD2: A Real Live One Be Quick Or Be Dead From Here To Eternity Can I Play With Madness Wasting Love Tailgunner The Evil That Men Do Afraid To Shoot Strangers Bring Your Daughter... ...To The Slaughter Heaven Can Wait The Clairvoyant Fear Of The Dark Multimedia section: Promo-video taken from the 'Live At Donington' video. Fear Of The Dark

Originally released simultaneously as 2 single CD's ('A Real Live One' and 'A Real Dead One'), but here they appear as one double disc. The 'Dead' disc contains songs from 'Iron Maiden' to 'Powerslave', and the 'Live' disc from 'Stranger In A ...' through 'Fear Of...'. The songs have been taped all throughout the 'Fear..'-tour, and as said before, Bruce does not seem inspired. The 'Dead' disc is the best one, 'cause the classic tracks are still the best. Cool to hear "Transylvania" and "Remember Tomorrow" sung by Bruce.

LIVE AT DONINGTON (1993) EMI (2-CD)

Some concerts are more memorable than others, and some go down in a bands history as milestones. This is such a concert. Maiden created magic that night, as headliners on the 'Monsters Of Rock'-festival. Though one might complain that this and this song should be included in the set-list, it all just falls into place when listening to the 2 CD's. You only have to listen to one track to really know why Maiden is one of the worlds best live-bands, namely "Fear Of The Dark". This spine-tingling number, complete with the crown singing almost louder than Bruce, is another of my Maiden favorites. A MUST!!

IN PROFILE (1997) EMI

PART ONE: EARLY MAIDEN DAYS: Football to Iron Maiden and The Ruskin Arms

1. From Here To Eternity

2. Remember Tomorrow

3. Iron Maiden

4. Prowler

5. Strange World

PART TWO: GROUNDWORK: The Soundhouse Tapes, Eddie the 'Ead and Maiden meet Neal Kay and find manager Rod Smallwood

6. Charlotte The Harlot

7. Transylvania

8. Running Free

PART THREE: ASCENDANCY: Maiden's first album and their first Reading Festival. The Killers World Tour and Bruce replaces Paul

9. Phantom Of The Opera

10. Sanctuary (Metal For Muthas)

11. Purgatory

12. Wratchild

13. Killers

14. Run To The Hills

PART FOUR: SUPREMACY: A Top Ten single, a Number One album, Massive live productions, World Tours and the hits keep on coming

15. The Number Of The Beast

16. Hallowed Be Thy Name

17. Invaders

18. Where Eagles Dare

19. The Trooper

20. 2 Minutes To Midnight

21. Aces High

22. Wasted Years

23. Heaven Can Wait

24. Can I Play With Madness

PART FIVE: LEGENDS: Stadium room only, more hit albums and the departure of Dickinson. Blaze joins and Iron Maiden are confirmed as one of the greatest influences ever of Heavy Rock

25. Holy Smoke

26. Bring Your Daughter...To The Slaughter

27. Be Quick Or Be Dead

28. Fear Of The Dark

29. Tailgunner

30. Man On The Edge

31. The Unbeliever

The last disc included in this box-set is a biography CD called 'In Profile'. Here you can here interviews with the band, telling their stories, with Maiden music in the background. A cool inside "look" at Maiden's career. Thanks to Henning Lundberg at www.maidencentral.com for helping me scan the cover art!

And that concludes the Eddie's Head box reviews. Now it's back to the other Maiden releases.

THE X-FACTOR (1995) EMI

Sign Of The Cross Lord Of The Flies Man On The Edge Fortunes Of War Look For The Truth The Aftermath Judgment Of Heaven Blood On The World's Hands The Edge Of Darkness 2 A.M. The Unbeliever

Line-up: Steve Harris - Bass Blaze Bayley - Vocals Dave Murray - Guitars Nicko McBrain - Drums Janick Gers - Guitars

If you had asked me, prior to writing this review, about a Maiden track called "2 A.M.", I would have told you that it doesn't exist! That's how much I have listened to this crappy disc! Out went Bruce Dickinson, to concentrate on a solo-career, and in came Blaze Bayley (ex-Wolfsbane). And the fact that Blaze isn't a singer with a varied range isn't the only problem behind this stinker. The songs just don't do Maiden any justice. Darker, and harder to remember than any previous or coming effort. No, listen to any other Maiden disc than disc. They are all better! This copy is signed by Blaze.

Killer tracks: (Yes, there are some even here) Sign Of The Cross, Judgment Or Heaven

People have said numerous things about Blaze in Maiden. This un-melodic vocalist was asked to join Maiden solely based on the fact that he's British, and from the same neighborhood as the others. The fact that he was a soccer-fan counted more for Mr.Harris that his singing abilities. If you read the 'Run To The Hills' official biography (written by Mick Wall), you will learn that some people even considers Blaze charismatic, and more of a stage persona than Bruce! HUH, and Roger Rabbit is scarier than Hannibal Lecter! I know for a fact that there were so many talented singers wanting, and even auditioning for this job. But they were all scrapped for not being British!

BEST OF THE BEAST (1996) EMI (2-CD)

CD1: Virus Sign Of The Cross Man On The Edge Afraid To Shoot Strangers (Live) Be Quick Or Be Dead Fear Of The Dark (Live) Bring Your Daughter... ...To The Slaughter Holy Smoke The Clairvoyant Can I Play With Madness The Evil That Men Do Heaven Can Wait Wasted Years
CD2: Rime Of The Ancient Mariner (Live) Running Free (Live) 2 Minutes To Midnight Aces High Where Eagles Dare The Trooper The Number Of The Beast Run To The Hills Hallowed Be Thy Name Wratchild Phantom Of The Opera Sanctuary Strange World Iron Maiden

Pretty cool 'best of' release, as my copy is the hard-cover box edition with a book instead of a booklet. 1 new studio track, and 1 new live-song is also reason enough to own it. In my opinion "Virus" (the new track) is one of the best Blaze/Maiden songs. So I never figured out why it wasn't included on the regular albums. Really cool package, and the book contains plenty of pictures, band family tree, lyrics, etc. Got my copy signed by Blaze.

VIRTUAL XI (1998) EMI

Futureal The Angel And The Gambler Lightning Strikes Twice The Clansman When Two Worlds Collide The Educated Fool Don't Look To The Eyes Of A Stranger Como Estais Amigo

Line-up: Steve Harris - Bass Blaze Bayley - Vocals Dave Murray - Guitars Nicko McBrain - Drums Janick Gers - Guitars

Maiden's 11th album is a much better record than it's predecessor. If Bruce sang on this, it would be a classic album. But with Blaze still mumbling in the mike, this is just a mediocre record, with some good songs. The songs were written with Blaze as a singer, and suits him more than was the case on 'The X-Factor'. The album is also a bit strange in that it's all about the virtual reality hype, mixed with soccer! Go figure! On the promotion tour, Maiden played soccer against local teams. They even had this all star team with them. The title points to the multimedia/virtual reality team, and the fact that it's their album number XI (11). Mine is signed by Steve Harris, Dave Murray and Blaze Bayley.

Killer tracks: The Angel & The Gambler, Futureal, The Clansman

In all fairness, I used to have a TV-concert on video, where Blaze does a great job. When I first saw it I thought that he would mess up classics such as 'Hallowed Be Thy Name' or 'Wasted Years'. But he didn't. He did them justice, and I was the one with the long face. So the man can sing. Still, the records he did with Maiden, just don't cut it!

ED HUNTER (2000) EMI 

CD1: Iron Maiden (Live) The Trooper Number Of The Beast Wratchild Futureal Fear Of The Dark Be Quick Or Be Dead 2 Minutes To Midnight Man On The Edge Aces High The Evil That Men Do Powerslave Hallowed Be Thy Name
CD 2: Run To The Hills The Clansman Phantom Of The Opera Killers Stranger In A Strange Land Tailgunner
CD 3: Ed Hunter PC Game

I have owned this triple CD for years prior to writing this. Then suddenly I noticed it wasn't featured on this page. I think I was holding out to write anything before I got a chance to play the PC-game featured on the 3rd CD. Well, that will most likely never happen, as my computer is too old to, and It will most likely not work. So it's the music that will have to be commented here. And no surprise, this is just another 'best of' compilation. It's only been 4 years and 2 albums since the last one! The reason for releasing yet another one now is as follows: The tracks featured were selected, and are put here in order of votes received on the Maiden Website, in a contest run Dec. '98 for Top 20 Maiden tracks of all time. So there you have it, the live version of "Iron Maiden", with Bruce doin' the vocals, is the Maiden fans number 1 track ever! I sure had thought "Run To The Hills" had gotten much higher on this list, and that no Blaze era songs would be included. Oh well, guess I'm not the average Maiden fan! (he he)

BRAVE NEW WORLD (2000) EMI

The Wicker Man Ghost Of The Navigator Brave New World Blood Brothers The Mercenary Dream Of Mirrors The Fallen Angel The Nomad Out Of The Silent Planet The Thin Line Between Love & Hate

Line-up: Steve Harris - Bass Bruce Dickinson - Vocals Dave Murray - Guitars Adrian Smith - Guitars Nicko McBrain - Drums Janick Gers - Guitars

YES! Bruce Dickinson returns. And he brings Adrian Smith back with him. A revitalized Iron Maiden release their best album in over 10 years! I heard "The Wicker Man" prior to 'Brave New World's release, and thought it was a fantastic return to the glory days. The album does not stay in that single's vain, but rather as a mix of all Maiden have released before. The aforementioned single sounds like it came from, say 'Piece Of Mind', while "Blood Brothers" just as easily could be on 'Virtual XI'. "Ghost Of The Navigator" is a close relative to "The Rime Of The Ancient Mariner" from 'Powerslave'. Get the picture? I can't wait to hear what these guys come up with next!

Killer tracks: The Wicker Man, Ghost Of The Navigator, Blood Brothers, The Nomad, Out Of The Silent Planet

EDWARD THE GREAT - THE GREATEST HITS (2002) EMI

Run To The Hills The Number Of The Beast Flight Of The Icarus The Trooper 2 Minutes To Midnight Wasted Years Can I Play With Madness The Evil That Men Do The Clairvoiant Infinite Dreams Holy Smoke Bring Your Daughter To The Slaughter Man On The Edge Futureal The Wicker Man Fear Of The Dark (Live At Rock In Rio)

Another compilation. Just what we need after 'Best Of The Beast' and 'Ed Hunter'! It's only the stupid collector in me that keeps buying these. An ok booklet to boot, but really nothing new at all.

DANCE OF DEATH (2003) EMI

Wildest Dreams Rainmaker No More Lies Montségur Dance Of Death Gates Of Tomorrow New Frontier Paschendale Face In The Sand Age Of Innocence Journeyman

Line-up: Steve Harris - Bass Bruce Dickinson - Vocals Dave Murray - Guitars Adrian Smith - Guitars Nicko McBrain - Drums Janick Gers - Guitars

Just as I sat down to write about the metal heroes new offering, they aired the TV-ad for 'Dance Of Death' on one of the Norwegian channels. The ad claim that this album is their best in over 20 years! Well, while this is not really the case, it is not that far from the truth either. Iron Maiden have once again delivered a killer album. With Bruce and Adrian back in the ranks it seems they are unable to fail. And I dare say that this album is even better that it's predecessor. 'Brave New World' was the right "comeback"-album, but it lacked that little something to make it a real classic. 'Dance Of Death' has that little something, and it's called "Montségur"! This track alone is worth the admission. But low and behold, we get even more. "Paschendale" is another stand out song, as well as acoustic "Journeyman". The band (or was it the record company?) picked "Wildest Dreams" as the first single, and while it is easily the radio flirt on the album, it's certainly not one of the better songs. 'Dance Of Death' will become one of my all time favorite Maiden album, probably entering my top 5 list.

Killer tracks: Montségur, Dance Of Death, Paschendale, No More Lies

A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH (2006) EMI (Limited Deluxe edition w/DVD)

CD: Different World These Colours Don't Run Brighter Them A Thousand Suns The Pilgrim The Longest Day Out Of The Shadows The Reincarnation Of Benjamin Breeg For The Greater Good Of God Lord Of Light The Legacy	Line-up: Steve Harris - Bass Bruce Dickinson - Vocals Dave Murray - Guitars Adrian Smith - Guitars Nicko McBrain - Drums Janick Gers - Guitars
DVD: The Making Of 'A Matter Of Life And Death' The Reincarnation Of Benjamin Breeg (Video) Studio performance footage of "Different World" Photo Gallery

After the "reunion" with Bruce and Adrian, Iron Maiden have continued to increase their popularity. They are now one of the few classic metal bands that enjoy respect also in the mainstream music press, gaining fans widely outside the common metal communities. And with this new CD, the third studio effort since the "comeback", they seem to have become the biggest metal act around. It is rather strange though that the mainstream suddenly lend their ears to a band that has been around for 30 years, and have never backed away from the musical formula they have had since day one. They have always sounded like Iron Maiden, no matter what year it was, or no matter who was in the band. Some might say that this is more of a return to the 80's sound they had, but did they have these long progressive songs in the mid-80's? NO! I'd say that 'A Matter Of Life And Death' is more of a logical follow up to 'Brave New world' and 'Dance Of Death' than it is to let's say 'Piece Of Mind'. It's simply yet another Iron Maiden album. The lads have delivered one of their strongest albums. I have to agree with that. But there is nothing groundbreaking new with it, nor is it a nod back to their heydays. There are no "The Trooper" or "Run To The Hills" here, so the galloping favorites from back then are not present. And at first I had a hard time finding songs that I instantly grew familiar with. But as is the case with many timeless classics, repeated listens will let you digest it's content, and a wonderful world of stellar music opens up. I'm so glad to say that there are no bad tracks on this CD. All of the material sounds fresh on every listen. I also find myself changing favorites now and then, as new details are popping into my head. I like the flow of the album, and the overall feel. The boys have done an outstanding job with arrangements, and the "live" recording of the album have really captured the band at their best. There have been some things said about the lyrical content of it being darker than usual. But if you watch the DVD that comes with this Limited Edition, you will get a rundown of every single track on the CD, and the meaning behind them. What some people call satanic, is the lyrical author's idea of a fun twist of context. Besides, what is Iron Maiden without a little controversy, right? 'A Matter of Life and Death' is a contributor to a top 5 spot on my 2006 list of favorites. My only complaint is the cover art. Why on earth can't they use Derek Riggs again?

Killer tracks: All of them, but "The Greater Good of God" tops them all.

Bruce Dickinson guest appearances:

Ayreon - 'Universal Migrator Part 2'

Warrior - 'The Code Of Life' (as writer)

Adrian Smith guest appearances:

Michael Kiske - 'Instant Clarity'

Related artists: 

Bruce Dickinson, Blaze, Psycho Motel, Wolfsbane, Desperado