IRON MAIDEN

As I was quite late knowing the band, I only got the first album "Piece of Mind" with Bruce Dickinson as lead vocal. In fact, when I later found the debut album (self titled) I found Paul Di'anno's voice is excellent and..the debut album itself is excellent! It's very rare that the band's debut album with excellent quality but Iron Maiden proved it. For heavy metal fans this album is considered as an influential album in the development of the genre. Some people, in fact, mention that this album as the foundation of thrash, speed and progressive metal. No wonder Dream Theater adore this band.

The music is fast, catchy, exciting, memorable and it pumps your adrenalin to run faster. There are stunning guitar work between Dave Murray and Dennis Stratton augmented by tight bass lines by the master mind Steve Harris. The opening Prowler, incorporates wah-wah guitar licks with dynamic riffs, solid bass lines, and a great solo. Sanctuary blasts off with inventive bass line as the main element of the song combined with two solos. Remember Tomorrow starts like a ballad using guitar melodies as well as harmonies on growling bass which then flows into catchy chorus. Running Three runs with a faster tempo back by excellent rhythm and jaw-dropping drum work. Phantom of the Opera and Strange World, both have great harmonies and catchy rhythm. Transylvania, is an instrumental which features guitar backed by bass line. Charlotte the Harlot and Iron Maiden conclude the album excellently.

It's an excellent heavy metal album. Recommended

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW