IRON MAIDEN

This is the first record of Iron Maiden. There are some progressive elements, but the album is definitely metal-oriented. The singer is not Bruce Dickinson: it is rather Paul Di'Anno. Di'Anno's voice is more gross and less refined than on the Killers album. There is another different thing here: Denis Stratton plays the guitar instead of Adrian Smith: it sometimes results in a wah-wah electric guitar sound, like on the "Prowler" song. However, the rhythmic guitar full of good distortion played by Dave Murray is very recognizable. Steve Harris' bass is delightful and complex, especially on the "Phantom of the opera" track; he is also remarkable on tracks like "Charlotte the Harlot". Compared to the Killers album, the sound is more amateurish here; Di'Anno's lead & backing vocals are less flamboyant, and the compositions are a bit slower and less elaborated. Finally, let's add the guitars are less incisive, plus the drums are less fast & elaborated. Shall I add the slight punk tendency present on many tracks here. A strong point on this record is the VERY elastic sound, mainly provided by the bass, a bit like on the Marillion's "Script from a jester's tear" album. The progressive "Phantom of the opera" is one of the best Maiden's tracks. There are couples a mellow and very beautiful moments, like the sentimental, melodic and soothing "Strange World" song, where Di'Anno's normal voice is VERY pleasant to hear. Let's not forget the catchy "Iron Maiden" track, on which the end is absolutely FANTASTIC!

Rating: 4.5 stars