Iron Maiden - Albumguide og Diskusjonstråd V.2

[gard.]

En gang i 2009 vil jeg tro. Mest sannsynelig ikke før sommeren i alle fall.

[TurboHolte]

En gang i 2009 vil jeg tro. Mest sannsynelig ikke før sommeren i alle fall.

okey, gleder meg!

[Hawkwind]

Hmmm, anmeldte de "klassiske" liveskivene til Maiden for en tid tilbake - riktignok på et nettsted i USA. Slenger dem inn her i fall de kan være av interesse.

 

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Iron Maiden: Iron Maiden

 

In 1980 Iron Maiden released their self-titled debut album, starting what would become a legendary career for the band. They were one of many promising bands in the New Wave of British Heavy Metal movement at the time; and still some development away from being the leader of the pack. However, some historic record covers soon made them quite famous, giving the band invaluable PR at the start of their career.

 

Musically, Iron Maiden's debut album is an inconsistent affair. They try out a number of different styles, and it is obvious that they are uncertain of what type of music that really suits them at this point. The guitar riffs used in most tracks obviously have been somewhat influenced by the punk movement; and in tracks like "The Prowler" punk inspired riffs are used extensively, played in a fast and simple fashion. The overall sound also indicates the influence from 70's hard rock though, and the track has a surprisingly light pop feel about it.

 

Tracks like "Remember Tomorrow" and "Phantom of the Opera" showcase Iron Maiden's progressive influences; and the latter track also showcases some of the styles Iron Maiden would pursue later in their career, especially the "epic" chomping guitar riffing underscored by bass that the group would utilize in many future long songs.

 

“Strange World” is the odd one out on the album; one of the few mellow tracks ever made by the band. The slight psychedelic touch and the detailed moods made in this track are unique in the history of Iron Maiden; and tracks like this one probably was abandoned when the band started figuring out where to go musically.

 

The rest of the tracks here are to a greater or lesser degree mostly fast paced hard rock tunes with some metal edges to them; relatively simple in structure and style. There are quite a few differences in detail on the tracks; but all of them share some basic facts - punk-inspired riffs, influences from 70's hard rock to a greater or lesser degree, and high on intensity.

 

There are quite a few standout tracks on this album; and all of the songs here are seen as classic Iron Maiden tracks, apart from the mellow "Strange World". Not all of the tracks are at their best here though; the band was young and inexperienced when this album was recorded, which is easily heard. In many instances the later live recordings of the tracks here are much better than the original recordings; and as the overall sound here is much unlike what Iron Maiden would sound like later, this is not a release that can be seen as a must buy. Indeed, fans that haven't heard this album previously will be rather surprised on first listen.

 

Still, it's a good release as long as you're able to live with it's various shortcomings; and a must buy for anyone that wants to find out more about Iron Maiden's musical background and inspirations.

 

My rating: 73/100

 

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Iron Maiden: Killers

 

English heavy metal band Iron Maiden is a household name for most people interested in music, starting their rise to fame and fortune at the very tail end of the 70's. Their sophomore album Killers from 1981 is an interesting album in many ways. It is an album showing a band still trying to develop their own style, it is a classic release in the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, and it is the last studio album with charismatic frontman Paul Di'Anno handling the vocals.

 

Musically most remember this album for the fast, punk-inspired riffing present on the classic tracks here. Listening closer to the album reveals that the album has more sides to it than this one asset. There are several examples of songs here with musical roots in traditional 70's hard rock, many examples of Iron Maiden's trademark double harmony soloing, and even some guitar solos with a slight bluesy edge to them. The main aspect of this album is the classic NWoBHM sound though, hard rock riffs played faster than earlier, staccato riffing inspired by the now dying punk movement and extensive use of solo guitar as melodic overlays in and in-between verses and quite a lot of Maiden's legendary harmonic guitar soloing.

 

The songs on this release have lost a bit of their edge with time. Even the classic Maiden songs all their fans love sounds slightly more ordinary now than what they did when the album was released. As often is the case with songs that were truly inventive and original when first released - when the thrill and joy of experiencing original sounds fades with time, songs can be viewed more on the strength of the songs themselves than the originality of the individual song.

 

Still, this album does contain quite a few excellent songs, probably so well known that naming them really isn't a necessity. The album as a whole isn't as good as I remembered it, although it should still be seen as an essential addition to most music collections due to the classic tunes on this release.

 

My rating: 70/100

 

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Iron Maiden: The Number of the Beast

 

The Number of the Beast is the third studio release from legendary English metal band Iron Maiden, and is kind of a transitional album. With new vocalist Bruce Dickinson on board, the band seems to be searching somewhat on how songs should be played and arranged to suit his voice; which is very different from previous vocalist Paul Di'Anno's. At the same time, the band starts showing off more of what will be their own trademark sound here, with fast-paced riffing, more harmonic guitar-playing and the bass guitar clearly a solid foundation in many tracks.

 

Musically Iron Maiden to some extent leave their punkishness on this release; production and playing eliminating many of the rough edges of punk in the past, while the fast paced and at times staccato riffing developed due to the punk influences now to a greater extent has been developed into something new.

 

Iron Maiden’s trademark type of songs are developed here, with fast-paced riff-based rockers, some more mellow atmospheric tracks and the first raw examples of what would develop into the classic epic tracks being in place on this release.

 

The music is clearly heavy metal throughout; but influences and inspirations are not as easily identified here; and in many aspects this is the album where Iron Maiden lay down the foundations for their individual version of heavy metal.

 

There are many classic songs on this release, but also a few that are a tad on the weak side. The classic tracks here are all household names for most; and as with previous release Killers these songs are the main reason for adding this release to the music collection.

 

My rating: 71/100

 

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Iron Maiden: Piece of Mind

 

Iron Maiden is a heavy metal band hailing from England that has become a household name for anyone with a slight interest in hard rock and heavy metal during the 27 years they have released music so far. Piece of Mind was their fourth studio album, released back in 1983.

 

Many fans, especially their older fans, think this album is the high point of the bands career. Which is understandable, for many reasons. Piece of Mind was the first studio release with what by most is seen as the classic Iron Maiden line-up; Dickinson-Murray-Smith-Harris-McBrain. On this album they take a final goodbye to the more obvious musical influences from the past; and for the most part have a very strong personal identity stamped to the music made.

 

And although the band seeks out some calmer and mellow moods on this album, the music is clearly heavy metal from start to finish. Examples of the progressive leanings they would explore further on later releases can be found; especially on second track "Revelations"; but most of all this is a heavy metal album high on melody, a good balance between riffs, riff patterns and drawn out guitar chords to form melodies; some really nice harmonic and melodic guitar soloing, and at times beautiful and imaginative underscoring of the melody line from Steve Harris on the bass guitar with excellent rhythms courtesy of Nicko on the drums, and mostly good vocals from Dickinson.

 

The songs are a mixed affair on this release though. The band seems to have decided what direction to follow at this time, but still seem to be exploring how to best utilize their musicianship in this style. Some really cheesy choruses are to be found here too; that probably sounded much better in 1983 than they do in 2007. There's quite a few goodies on this release though; and for many "The Trooper" is the absolute highlight on this release; a track combining the best parts of the sound Iron Maiden pursued before 1983 with some of the best parts the band would pursue after 1983.

 

My Rating: 69/100

 

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Iron Maiden: Powerslave

 

Powerslave is the fifth studio album by legendary British heavy metal band Iron Maiden, and for many this release is seen as the peak of their career musically. With all members now having a minimum of one album and one tour under the belt, the band is very tight sounding. In addition they are more aware of what they want their music to sound like when recording in the studio, and main songwriter Steve Harris still has the ability to conjure up tracks containing slightly surprising creative elements.

 

Musically Iron Maiden now has developed a distinct style of their own. Small remnants of their early punk roots still remain, the heritage from 70's hard rock can still be heard in places; especially on a track like "2 Minutes to Midnight", but most times Iron Maiden now has a distinct, unique sound on this album. Fast paced riffing combined with slower, atmospheric riffs, harmonic riffs and extensive use of harmonic, melodic soloing are all trademarks of Iron Maidens sound here, as well as drums and bass at times played faster than the guitars; and the bass guitar being a central instrument in the soundscape of most songs.

 

In addition to that, the song structures now begin showing influences from prog rock. The long epic "Rime of the Ancient Mariner" is the prime example of that, but also a track like "Losfer Words"; where the band plays around with repeating themes and slight touches of dissonance; is a good example of that influence. The musical style is still heavy metal though; as the influence from progressive rock shows more in structure than in style.

 

The songs on Powerslave are mostly good. Title track "Powerslave" and the long epic "Rime of the Ancient Mariner" dominate the album, but most of the other tracks here are of high quality as well.

 

Overall this results in a classic heavy metal album; and is a worthwhile addition to most music collections.

 

My rating: 80/100

 

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Iron Maiden: Somewhere in Time

 

Iron Maiden's sixth studio album Somewhere in Time is a heavily discussed album by fans of this legendary English band. It was very original in its day, as the band switched to synth guitars on this album and were among the first bands to use that instrument in a way that enhanced their sound. At the same time the synth sounds alienated many fans, of which quite a few would say that this album showed a band in creative and musical decline.

 

Musically the band has perfected their sound on this album. The playing is tighter than the proverbial duck's arse, and the band members are experienced enough to add the extra touches to ordinary tunes to make them sound good, adding small nuances and touches in turn to make the songs sound interesting; as can best be heard on opening track "Caught Somewhere in Time".

 

Adding the synth sounds to the music also elevates many tracks from the realm of the ordinary to something better, where the slightly softer edges of the synth guitar riffs adds flavour and atmosphere to Iron Maidens trademark harmonic and melodic soloing and riffing, and giving a warmer touch to Maiden’s spacey songs, where the fast paced bass guitar and drumming do sound better accompanied by the slightly softer synth guitars.

 

A new aspect to Iron Maiden's sound on this album, or at least an aspect much developed here, are several examples of songs where Bruce Dickinson's vocals are used as a melodic instrument in itself. These songs are rather monotone and repetitive apart from the soloing, and Dickinson's vocals carry as good as all melody in the singing parts of these songs. "Wasted Years" is a very good example of this. If this is planned or more an indirect result of the synth guitars slighter fuzzy sound is of course something that only can be speculated upon.

 

The influence from progressive rock continues on this album as well; an aspect of their music surfacing on their previous studio album Powerslave. As with that album, in many songs the progressive elements are more to be found in structure than in actual playing; and the elements are most noticeable in the long, epic tracks on this release.

 

The individual songs on Somewhere in Time are a rather mixed affair. Although musically at their peak now in my opinion, the songs as such aren't as good as on previous albums. The creative well seems to have run dry; with fewer songs than normal containing original or really captivating elements.

 

The addition of the synth guitars to their sound as well as the band members ability to play on individual and collective strengths are the factors that elevate this album to an interesting, albeit varied, release.

 

Personal favorites: "Sea of Madness", "Deja Vu", "Alexander the Great"

 

My rating: 70/100

 

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Iron Maiden: Seventh Son of a Seventh Son

 

By 1988 British heavy metal band Iron Maiden had firmly established themselves as one of the major bands, perhaps even THE major band, in the heavy metal scene. Their seventh studio release, Seventh Son of a Seventh Son is the last of what most would say are the classic Iron Maiden albums. It is a release loved by many and hated by some, and showed a band moving on from heavy metal to something else. A move that would be abruptly stopped after this release, sadly.

 

Musically Iron Maiden continues the transition they started with Powerslave and further explored on Somehwere in Time. The influences from progressive rock are if not stronger then at least easier recognizable on this release. The songs are more complex; with changes in style and tempo more radical than on past releases; the synth is more extensively used on this release; and is a vital aspect of the soundscapes in many songs here. In addition, the guitars are toned down making the music as such less "heavy" than before, and the individual instruments are used to create nuances and subtle moods quite a lot on this album.

 

The overall sound of most songs on this release are still heavy metal though, Maiden's by now typical fast paced drums, fast paced bass, pacey riffing varied with drawn out riffs, and the melodic and harmonic soloing are still very much present; but they are now used with in a slightly changed musical context; where progressive rock now seems to be the main influence.

 

But as with their previous release Somewhere in Time, this evolved sound can only do so much with songs that aren't top notch. Although lyrically fitting within the concept story on this album; there are quite a few songs on this release that really doesn't manage to inspire. And even on the better songs, there are parts that deduct rather than add to the overall quality of the song.

 

Still, there are quite a few good tracks on this release; tracks that are on par with he best Maiden wrote a few years earlier. On a varied release, my personal highlight is the title track; which in itself is almost a good enough reason to buy this release.

 

My rating: 68/100

 

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Iron Maiden: No Prayer for the Dying

 

No Prayer for the Dying is the eighth studio release from classic British heavy metal band Iron Maiden, and their first release with guitarist Janick Gers. Upon it's release the album was given a lukewarm reception by many, mostly because new guitarist Gers replacing long-time guitarist Adrian Smith led to a distinct change in Iron Maidens sound. Their trademark melodic and harmonic solo guitar-playing was sorely missed by many.

 

Musically the album shows a band seemingly in an identity crisis. There are quite a few examples of the band trying to continue with the musical direction they had on their previous release, Seventh Son of a Seventh Son. Songs where the guitars are slick, toned down in the mix and generally coming across as a lighter form of heavy metal. In some songs they use synths as on their previous two albums, but in others they choose not to so. But there are harder, grittier tracks on this album as well. Songs with darker textures, meaner vocals, with vocalist Dickinson snarling more than singing.

 

One major change from their last studio release; and what is a major change in the sound Iron Maiden developed throughout the 80's, is that few tracks here contain any structural progressive leanings. One of the main characteristics of Iron Maiden’s classic albums had been their development towards being a progressive metal band. This is mostly history on this release. Another major change in the sound is a more subtle change; on many songs there's less riffing than what Iron Maiden usually has had; and in the songs where they use their traditional mix of fast riffing and drawn out guitar chords the pace of the riffing most times is noticeable slower. Adding those elements to the fact that the harmony soloing now is mostly history; and a greater influx of traditional metal soloing in the songs; and you have an album with a dramatic change in overall sound.

 

Many feel that this album shows a band going back to their roots; that this album is closer to the punk-influenced roots of Iron Maiden. Indeed, when recalling this album from memory only that was what I remembered about this release as well. After listening through this album I'll have to admit a faulty memory in that respect. Although many of the songs are more primitive than on previous releases, they are not any closer to Iron Maiden's musical roots. The songs are less complex and more straightforward only. Indeed, the addition of Gers has led to some songs getting a slight bluesy flavoring rather than punk-influenced; and the overall musical style here is closer to traditional heavy metal than NWoBHM.

 

As for the songs on this release; my main impression is that the band struggled hard to put an album together. Opening track "Tail Gunner" and "The Assassin" are the best songs here in my opinion; the first being a classic opening track in true Iron Maiden style, and the second one showing a band experimenting successfully with their sound. "Run Silent, Run Deep" and "Mother Russia" give me the impression of being scrapped ideas for the typical long, epic Iron Maiden tracks they used to have on previous albums, where the band has tried to put together the best pieces of songs previously abandoned. The rest of the tracks are for the most part not convincing; and my overall impression is that the creative well of the songwriters now has run dry; and that the songs selected for this album is a selection of outtakes and previously abandoned ideas. There's nothing truly awful on this album; just too much that isn't good enough.

 

My rating: 54/100

[Prinz Poldi]

Somewhere In Time er et av de beste albumene jeg har hørt noen gang. Et mesterverk, og går alt annet av Maiden en høy gang.

[gard.]

Syntes Seventh Son of a Seventh Son er Maidens magnum opus jeg. Finner ikke ett sekund hvor jeg kjeder meg når jeg hører på den. Elsker også konseptet dems rundt tallet 7.

[Hunter147]

Litt ironisk da at platen inneholder 8 sanger :!:

[Olum]

Etter konserten i sommer hørte jeg veldig lite på Maiden. Det ble egentig ganske kjedelig å høre på det etter at jeg hadde hørt det live. Nå har jeg heldigvis kommet inn i en Maiden-periode igjen.

 

Edit: Fant en artig greie på VG Nett. Maiden-vokalist redder konkursrammede turister

Endret 16. september 2008 av Olum

[TurboHolte]

Etter konserten i sommer hørte jeg veldig lite på Maiden. Det ble egentig ganske kjedelig å høre på det etter at jeg hadde hørt det live. Nå har jeg heldigvis kommet inn i en Maiden-periode igjen.

På meg var det helt motsatt

[gard.]

Etter konserten i sommer hørte jeg veldig lite på Maiden. Det ble egentig ganske kjedelig å høre på det etter at jeg hadde hørt det live. Nå har jeg heldigvis kommet inn i en Maiden-periode igjen.

På meg var det helt motsatt

 

Meg også. Glemte liksom Iron Maiden for noen år siden. Så annonserte de at de kom til Norge, måtte dra siden jeg elsket dem før. Etter konserten har jeg nesten ikke får de ut av hodet. Fantastisk band!

[TurboHolte]

mhhh, Jeg har vel alltid likt dem, men ble ekstra fenget etter konserten

[ertestuing]

^ Det skal komme i løpet av 2009 en gang tror jeg, men jeg vet ikke når. Kjøpte forøvrig somewhere in time, seventh son of a seventh son, number of the beast, piece of mind og dance of death på nettet. De kostet bare 59 kr hver Alle er jo veldig bra, men synes at somewhere in time er best.

[TurboHolte]

^ Det skal komme i løpet av 2009 en gang tror jeg, men jeg vet ikke når. Kjøpte forøvrig somewhere in time, seventh son of a seventh son, number of the beast, piece of mind og dance of death på nettet. De kostet bare 59 kr hver Alle er jo veldig bra, men synes at somewhere in time er best.

Gleder meg allerede

[Hunter147]

Nye Maiden albumet skal visst være noe helt nytt i følge et intervju med Dave Murray. Skulle visst gå tilbake til røttene på midten av 80 tallet. Altså Powerlave, Somewhere perioden.

 

Men ellers er det mye Maiden utgivelser som er lovet. Blant annet. DVD av Live At Donington 07, liveplate fra samme konsert. DVD fra en konsert fra site turne, samt en best of live fra den turneen, slik som A Real Live/Dead One.

[TurboHolte]

Apropos Powerslave - Aces High er så sinnsykt kul

[ertestuing]

Nye Maiden albumet skal visst være noe helt nytt i følge et intervju med Dave Murray. Skulle visst gå tilbake til røttene på midten av 80 tallet. Altså Powerlave, Somewhere perioden.

Åhh, så bra . Er det stor sjanse for at de kommer til Norge i løpet av juli/august? Må bare få sett dem live.

[TurboHolte]

Nye Maiden albumet skal visst være noe helt nytt i følge et intervju med Dave Murray. Skulle visst gå tilbake til røttene på midten av 80 tallet. Altså Powerlave, Somewhere perioden.

Åhh, så bra . Er det stor sjanse for at de kommer til Norge i løpet av juli/august? Må bare få sett dem live.

Håper det, husker ikke helt men tror de sa at de skulle ta seg en tur innom Norge når de var på Valle Hovin i år

[gard.]

Apropos Powerslave - Aces High er så sinnsykt kul

 

Rime of the Ancient Mariner er så sinnsykt mye kulere og kanskje den kuleste låta de har.

[Hunter147]

Nye Maiden albumet skal visst være noe helt nytt i følge et intervju med Dave Murray. Skulle visst gå tilbake til røttene på midten av 80 tallet. Altså Powerlave, Somewhere perioden.

Åhh, så bra . Er det stor sjanse for at de kommer til Norge i løpet av juli/august? Må bare få sett dem live.

Håper det, husker ikke helt men tror de sa at de skulle ta seg en tur innom Norge når de var på Valle Hovin i år

 

De sa de skulle komme neste år, men de sa egentlig "we're coming next year to Norway with a new album"

Så jeg tviler egentlig de kommer neste år, siden den turne som begynner i februar er en siste del av Somewhere Back In Time touren der de skal spille på plasser de ikke fikk spilt i år.

 

Men det er lov håpe, kanksje en ny turne til høsten (2009) med 7th Son materiale. Er jo planlagt en Maiden England utgivelse.

Endret 28. november 2008 av Hunter147

[TurboHolte]

Nye Maiden albumet skal visst være noe helt nytt i følge et intervju med Dave Murray. Skulle visst gå tilbake til røttene på midten av 80 tallet. Altså Powerlave, Somewhere perioden.

Åhh, så bra . Er det stor sjanse for at de kommer til Norge i løpet av juli/august? Må bare få sett dem live.

Håper det, husker ikke helt men tror de sa at de skulle ta seg en tur innom Norge når de var på Valle Hovin i år

 

De sa de skulle komme neste år, men de sa egentlig "we're coming next year to Norway with a new album"

Så jeg tviler egentlig de kommer neste år, siden den turne som begynner i februar er en siste del av Somewhere Back In Time touren der de skal spille på plasser de ikke fikk spilt i år.

 

Men det er lov håpe, kanksje en ny turne til høsten (2009) med 7th Son materiale. Er jo planlagt en Maiden England utgivelse.

Jeg håper

[Hunter147]

Noen som vet hvordan man melder seg inn i fanklubben og hvordan det foregår?

 

Ser at det er tilgjengelig på Iron Maiden Shop til 25£ året, men usikker om det blir noe fortolling og slikt styr siden det er over 200kr. Blir vell sendt en sånn velkomstpakke i posten, men om den har en verdi på over 200kr er jeg usikker på.

 

Noen som vet?

Endret 29. november 2008 av Hunter147