When I was really getting into Iron Maiden, I sort of worked my way backwards and started with their newer work, most notably Brave New World (2000). The more I went backwards in their discography, the more entranced I was by their work. Honestly though, my favorite Iron Maiden albums still remain from the past decade or so when they reunited with long time front man Bruce Dickinson. Anyway, when I finally got my hands on the original self-titled Iron Maiden album circa 1980, I was so excited as I had heard so much great admiration for the album. Much to my surprise though, there was NO Bruce Dickinson, but rather Paul DiAnno? Who? Well, listening to the album, you'll completely forget about Dickinson...for the time being.

     Iron Maiden is an absolutely amazing record. It bridges the gap between the punkish era of the late 1970s to the more articulate and technical type that would be the essence of Maiden's sound for the next three decades perfectly. You can hear the influences of both genres of punk and metal working in true harmony hear and it is a delight to the ears. Paul DiAnno lacks the vocal range and dramatic prowess of Bruce Dickinson but certainly has his own unique attitude and style. There are a sect of fans out there that preferred DiAnno, and after hearing this album, I can see why. I certainly still prefer Dickinson as Maiden's signature vocalist, but I understand the sentiment for DiAnno.

     Practically every song is a classic, and the trademark flare for the gothic is richly supplied in their debut. Songs like "Phantom of the Opera" and the awesome instrumental "Transylvania" will tickle your gothy side. "Running Free" is just such a ballsy rocker, one of my favorites on the record. "Charlotte the Harlot" is similar in that vein, as it too rocks hard. This is to only name a few, as from beginning to end, every track is a winner.

     As a debut, this album is astounding. It is so much beyond that though, it stands as one of the best metal albums of the past 40 years, since the advent of Black Sabbath in 1969. Though Iron Maiden was probably overshadowed by the future success of a Bruce Dickinson led band, this debut album stands as one of their best. The sound we all know and love from the Dickinson era of Maiden is simply a very refined and technical supreme version of his raw, terrific classic.

TRACK HIGHLIGHTS:

"Running Free"

"Phantom of the Opera"

"Transylvania"

"Charlotte the Harlot"

"Prowler"

"Iron Maiden"

-Kurt L.

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