IRON MAIDEN

Am amazed to see the early classic Iron Maiden discs with lower scores than their derivative post-Powerslave material. Iron Maiden ranks among the top ten of most important (not best, but most important) heavy metal albums ever. It came out in the midst of the New Wave of Heavy Metal that crested in the early 80's. And it introduced a harder, faster variety of metal than the Judas Priest / Black Sabbath form of 70's metal. The progressive elements, combined with the punk sensibilities exhibited by lead singer Paul D'Anno make this an historic metal record that any self-respecting metalhead should own.

The highlight of the disc is the mini-opus The Phantom of the Opera. Combining challenging quick guitar riffs with innovative time changes and seamless transitions, this song was the template from which future IM classics (like Hallowed be thy Name, Rime of the Ancient Mariner and To Tame A Land) emerged.

Strangeland is an oft-overlooked IM gem, with a moody vocal performance joining well-textured guitars. This subtle sound was rarely attempted by later versions of IM and this lack of experimentation / willingness to veer from formula is one reason I gave up on the band after Powerslave.

Remember Tomorrow is the best regular "song" on the disc. Transyvania is a high-powered instrumental that would have benefited from a little more variety. The song Iron Maiden is basically an aggressive punk song that has closed many an IM concert. Prowler is a fist-to-the-head opener that appropriately served notice that this disc will kick the listener's ass.

Finally, the low-budget production here is a plus IMO. Later IM discs suffered from overproduction that removed all the rough, raw, unpolished power from the band's sound.