IRON MAIDEN

Glad to see the band is on this site, since they influenced soooo many prog rock and prog metal bands that around these days. Most bands in general with twin guitars or even one guitar site Iron Maiden as an influence.

So Maiden's debut. Probably one of their finest albums and one of metal's best. There is a punk influence through most songs, but this would only be because of the speed and would inspire a lot of bands to push the envelope, tempo-wise. Songs like 'Prowler', 'Sanctuary', 'Running Free', Charlotte the Harlot', and the eponymous title track are full of speed metal fury, but always with a great slab of melody and hook. The bass is VERY prominent, much like Camel's debut (which btw if you like early Camel, you'll enjoy Maiden a lot.

The two slower numbers 'Remember Tomorrow' and 'Strange World' are quite unlikely Maiden tunes, but still very good, the latter having a slightly space rock feel to it.

The stand out tracks are, of course, the instrumental Transylvania, which is probably one of the most influential songs from the band, and the epic 'Phantom of the Opera'. POTO is pure prog metal, with the opening intro that's like 'Heart of the Sunrise' with more of an adrenaline rush. The piece slows down in the middle for a bit before going into prog metal heaven. That middle section is one of the best moments in music, prog metal or not. So melodic and emotional, but kick-ass at the same time, the bass having great rythym.

This is considered one of Maiden's best albums and is highly recommended if you're trying to get into the band. I wouldn't start here, maybe Number of the Beast or Powerslave, but after those get this or Seventh Son of a Seventh Son.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! Semi-proto prog metal at one of its finest.