THE SOUNDHOUSE TAPES

THE SOUNDHOUSE TAPES is an EP and very first release by IRON MAIDEN which came out in 1979 before their eponymous debut was released the following year. This is basically a bunch of demos that were recorded in one 24-hour session on December 31st, 1978 and recorded on that particular day because of the recording studio's discount prices over the New Year's holiday. Only 5000 copies of the original 7" vinyl LP were manufactured and the original pressing has become one pricey collectible for completists. This EP is notable as well for being the only release that features MAIDEN's first drummer Doug Sampson who was replaced by Clive Burr due to health problems.

The original release contains only three tracks. Two primitive versions of "Iron Maiden" and "Prowler" which would be re-recorded in better forms and appear on the full debut album. The third track "Invasion" is a song about a Viking invasion and never found a home on any future IRON MAIDEN album but was released as the b-side on the "Women In Uniform" single. The track would be reworked and eventually become "Invaders" on "The Number Of The Beast."

This short but sweet EP is by no means essential but it does show a glimpse into the nascency of one of the greatest and best selling metal bands in history. These rough and raw demo quality tracks are inferior to the re-recorded versions but even here they sound like the first version of the band with Paul Di'Anno as vocalist. The punk influences are more obvious on these tracks but this is clearly within the realms of fully formed NWOBHM. This EP was also pivotable for the band in that it got the attention of EMI records who snatched them up and offered a contract.

We all know what happens next. While these tracks are all early kick ass metal i find no need to shell out the dough to find this because all of these tracks would eventually find themselves on various compilations. Musically, however, despite the primitive feel heard here, this is quality IRON MAIDEN material and i love hearing these rough drafts in their hasty lo-fi splendor. While the band would go on to greatness it is a fun little dip into their early years to hear that they were masters of their game even at this early stage. 3.5 rounded down