Classic Album Retrospect (Iron Maiden - Iron Maiden)

Iron Maiden - Iron Maiden 

 Iron Maiden is the debut album from British demigods of Metal Iron Maiden. Iron Maiden was first released in the February of 1980 but was re-released and remastered in 1998. At its original the album peaked at forth with the two singles, Running Free and Sanctuary, peaking at thirty-forth and twenty-ninth respectively. At its release, the album was met with instant critical acclaim receiving positive reviews; more recently the album was added to the "Albums you must hear before you die" list alongside the later release of Number of the Beast. Iron Maiden is certified platinum in both the UK and Canada as well as gold in Germany.

 The real question is, has the album stood the test of time? Let's find out.

Notable Tracks

 Prowler - Prowler is the first track from the first side and starts the record with style. Starting with a muted riff which is built upon by more riffs and topped off with some undoubtedly cool vocals and lyrics. Prowler is quite fast paced but still progresses well. Near the two minute mark the song comes alive with an awesome bridge that build with each instrument added individually. A deserving first track and could have been a single in its own right.

 Sanctuary - Sanctuary is the second single from the album but originally was only included on the American release. Sanctuary has a similar sound to Prowler but has a more hard rock feel to it which is helped by the theme of the lyrics. Sanctuary also features an audio sample of a police siren which adds a lot of personality and attitude to the track. Sanctuary finishes in style with a riff that increases in pitch until a flared ending.

 Remember Tomorrow - Remember Tomorrow takes a different angle than the previous two tracks and has a more somber and mellow feel. Remember Tomorrow is more vocally driven with some pitched screams that compliment the instruments well. Toward the two and a half minute mark that song breaks into some crazy guitar that calms to revisit the feel of the beginning of the track. 

 Running Free - Running Free is the first single taken from Iron Maiden and with good reason. Running Free takes the same approach as Sanctuary but builds upon it. Running Free features some backing vocals during the chorus that is surprisingly catchy for a metal track.    

 Phantom of the Opera - It is rare that a band acknowledges their debut material; let alone debut material that wasn't released as a single. Despite this, Phantom of the Opera is still one of the most recognizable Iron Maiden riffs out there. Phantom of the Opera is the longest track on the album so has plenty of time to progress and establish itself. The vocals on this track seem to flow with the guitars which is quintessential to keeping a long track entertaining. 

 After a few intense playthroughs, Iron Maiden stands the test of time in most places. The tracks from the A-side (Prowler, Running Free, Remember Tomorrow, Phantom of the Opera) and Sanctuary all stand the test of time reasonably well but on the other hand, the B-side (Transylvania, Strange World, Charlotte the Harlot, Iron Maiden) are quite dated; especially with the use of a completely instrumental track. Despite the B-side, Iron Maiden as a band has done more than enough to solidify their place in the metal hall of fame. (Even though they don't tour in the UK as much as they should)