IRON MAIDEN – Maiden Japan 12" Vinyl EP Album

- Canadian Release of the 1981 Live Recording from Nagoya, Japan

Album Front Cover Photo of Iron Maiden Maiden Japan Canadian Release 12 inch Vinyl EP Visit: https://vinyl-records.nl/

Iron Maiden’s “Maiden Japan” captures the band at a thrilling turning point — the raw, unfiltered sound of heavy metal in its ascension. Recorded live in 1981 at the Kosei Nenkin Hall in Nagoya, Japan, this explosive EP embodies the final roar of the Paul Di’Anno era, pulsing with the power and precision that fueled the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. Featuring standout performances of “Running Free,” “Wrathchild,” and “Killers,” it remains a sought-after collector’s piece, enhanced by Derek Riggs’ striking samurai Eddie artwork and production by Doug Hall and the band themselves.

Table of Contents

"Maiden Japan" Album Description:

Iron Maiden’s live EP “Maiden Japan” captures the band in their rawest, most exhilarating form. Recorded in 1981 at the Kosei Nenkin Hall in Nagoya, Japan, this 12" vinyl release showcases the energy, power, and precision that defined the band’s early years. Originally intended for Japanese audiences, the EP became a global cult favorite among collectors.

The title “Maiden Japan” is a clever pun on Deep Purple’s iconic “Made in Japan”, reflecting both homage and humor — a nod to the giants of rock who paved the way. The performance, produced by Iron Maiden and Doug Hall, stands as a defining moment in the band’s ascent, with vocalist Paul Di’Anno delivering one of his final performances before the classic Bruce Dickinson era began.

The sound quality is crisp and immersive, preserving the roar of the Japanese crowd and the band’s electric chemistry. Live staples like “Running Free,” “Remember Tomorrow,” “Killers,” and “Innocent Exile” thunder with dual-guitar harmonies, galloping basslines, and relentless rhythm — hallmarks of the Maiden sound. The EP’s production puts the listener at the heart of the show, surrounded by volume and velocity.

The Canadian pressing of “Maiden Japan” is particularly prized for its striking cover art by Derek Riggs. The illustration depicts mascot Eddie as a samurai warrior, sword drawn and drenched in dramatic red tones — an image that perfectly matches the ferocity of the music. This visual became one of Riggs’ most celebrated designs and a favorite among collectors.

Behind the scenes, longtime manager Rod Smallwood guided the release, ensuring Iron Maiden’s image and sound were unified across markets. Complementing the music, photographer Hiro Ohno’s live shots capture the kinetic force of the performance, freezing moments of sweat, motion, and crowd intensity that words can barely convey.

“Maiden Japan” remains an essential document of Iron Maiden’s evolution — a live snapshot of a band standing on the edge of global dominance, channeling speed, precision, and sheer willpower into one unforgettable performance.

Album Key Details: Genre, Label, Format & Release Info

Music Genre:

NWOBHM – New Wave of British Heavy Metal

A defining branch of early 1980s heavy metal, the NWOBHM movement combined aggressive guitar work, galloping rhythms, and theatrical energy. Iron Maiden stood at its forefront, blending speed, melody, and dark narrative power into a style that redefined the global sound of heavy metal.

Label & Catalognr:

Capitol / Harvest – Cat#: MLP 15000

Album Packaging:

Standard 12" sleeve featuring striking samurai-themed artwork by Derek Riggs.

Includes printed liner notes, live photography by Hiro Ohno, and performance details from the 1981 Nagoya concert.

Media Format:

Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo

Year & Country:

1981 – Made in Canada

Production & Recording Information:

Producers:
  • Iron Maiden – Producers
    Known for redefining heavy metal in the 1980s, Iron Maiden’s self-production on early releases like Maiden Japan showcased their fierce independence and precision. Their attention to detail helped cement their sound as the blueprint for the New Wave of British Heavy Metal.
  • Doug Hall – Co-Producer
    Doug Hall was the band’s long-time live sound engineer and producer, responsible for translating Iron Maiden’s concert power into recorded form. His technical expertise captured the band’s energy and clarity across their landmark live performances.
Recording Location:

Kosei Nenkin Hall – Nagoya, Japan

A renowned Japanese concert venue noted for its clear acoustics and intimate atmosphere. The hall’s sound qualities helped deliver one of Iron Maiden’s most dynamic early live recordings during their 1981 world tour.
Management:

Rod Smallwood – Band Manager

Rod Smallwood’s vision and strategy guided Iron Maiden from clubs to global stadiums. His management style emphasized brand identity and fan engagement, helping transform the group into one of the world’s most successful and enduring heavy metal acts.
Photography:
  • Hiro Ohno – Live Photography
    Japanese photographer Hiro Ohno captured Iron Maiden during their explosive 1981 performances, framing the raw energy and motion of their stage presence with precision and artistry. His live shots remain a vivid document of the band’s early global success.

Band Members / Musicians:

Band Line-up:
  • Paul Di'Anno – Lead Vocals
  • Paul Di'Anno – Vocals

    The OG Iron Maiden throat: street-level grit, punk heat, and zero “polite” in the delivery.

    Paul Di'Anno, (17 May 1958 – 21 October 2024) locked himself into metal history by fronting Iron Maiden from 1978–1981, putting that snarling, rough-cut voice on the band’s early landmark releases. After Maiden, the timeline turns into a proper tour-bus saga: Di’Anno (1983–1985, then revived in the 1998–2001 era), the short, star-stacked Gogmagog detour (1985), Battlezone (1985–1989, back again 1997–1998), a notable studio cameo with Praying Mantis around 1990, and Killers (1990–1997, returning 2001–2003, plus a 2013 regroup). Later chapters include the Brazil-based Rockfellas run (2008–2010) and Architects of Chaoz (2014–2016). The common thread never really changed: that unmistakable, no-varnish vocal attitude that made early NWOBHM feel dangerous in the first place.

    Paul Di'Anno Wiki
  • Dave Murray – Guitar
  • Dave Murray – Guitar

    Maiden’s calm killer: smooth leads, twin-guitar harmony for days, and that melodic bite that makes the “gallop” feel cinematic instead of chaotic.

    Dave Murray (born 23 December 1956, Edmonton, Middlesex, England) is one of the defining lead guitar voices of heavy metal, and in my book he’s the melodic “second spine” of Iron Maiden. His timeline with the band starts early: joining in 1976, getting briefly pushed out in 1977, then returning in 1978 and staying locked in ever since—making him one of the longest-serving members in the whole Maiden saga. During that 1977 gap he spent around six months with Urchin (Adrian Smith’s band), which is a fun little historical glitch in the matrix if you like your Maiden lore messy and human. Beyond the main band, his most notable “outside the mothership” credit is the all-star charity metal project Hear ’n Aid (1985), because apparently even guitar lifers sometimes leave the bunker to do side quests. Dave Murray Wiki

  • Adrian Smith – Guitar, Backing Vocals
  • Adrian Smith – Guitarist, Songwriter

    The melodic blade behind Maiden’s heaviest hooks.

    Adrian Smith, Adrian Smith, he writes riffs the way old street poets throw punches: clean, sharp, and memorable. Before the Maiden machine, I hear him in Urchin (1973–1980), already mixing melody with bite. He joined Iron Maiden in November 1980, helped define their twin-guitar gold through 1990, then stepped away as the band’s direction shifted. In the wilderness years he tried A.S.A.P (1989–1990) and led Psycho Motel (1993–1999), plus a stint in Bruce Dickinson’s solo band (1997–1999). Since his return to Iron Maiden in 1999 he’s stayed a key songwriter, while still stretching out with projects like Smith/Kotzen (2020–present). He’s the guy who makes speed feel singable, not just fast for fast’s sake.

    Adrian Smith Wiki
  • Steve Harris – Bass, Backing Vocals
  • Steve Harris – Bass Guitar, Songwriter

    Iron Maiden’s engine room: galloping bass lines, history-nerd lyrics, and “captain of the ship” energy baked into every riff.

    Steve Harris (born 12 March 1956, Leytonstone, England) is the rare bassist who doesn’t just hold the floor—he draws the whole blueprint. In my book, he’s the founder and primary songwriter who’s kept Iron Maiden on its rails from 1975–present, with that instantly recognizable “gallop” driving huge chunks of the catalogue. The pre-Maiden grind matters too: first band days in Influence/Gypsy’s Kiss (1973–1974, including a documented gig run in 1974), then the older, blues-leaning Smiler period (1974–1975) where his more ambitious writing basically forced the next step: forming Maiden. Outside the mothership, he’s fronted his own hard-rock outlet British Lion (2012–present), a project that grew out of connections going back to the early 1990s and finally hit the world as his solo debut in 2012.

    Steve Harris Wiki
  • Clive Burr – Drums
  • Clive Burr – Drums

    The early Maiden groove machine: big feel, sharp fills, and that “Beast-era” punch that still rattles the walls.

    Clive Burr (8 March 1957 – 12 March 2013) is one of those drummers who didn’t just keep time—he gave a band its early backbone. I mainly hear him as Iron Maiden’s rocket fuel from 1979–1982, laying down that urgent, swinging drive on their first run of classic records and helping make the whole NWOBHM thing feel dangerous instead of polite. Before that, he did the London grind with Samson (1977–1978). After Maiden, the timeline gets gloriously nomadic: Trust (1983–1984), a blink-and-you-miss-it week with Alcatrazz (1983), his own Clive Burr’s Escape (1983–1984) evolving into Stratus (1984–1985), the supergroup cameo in Gogmagog (1985), Desperado (1988–1990), and later work with Praying Mantis (1995–1996). His later years were brutally shaped by multiple sclerosis, but the playing legacy stays loud, human, and unmistakably his own—Clive Burr Wiki

    • Burr’s dynamic drumming powered Iron Maiden’s first three albums, setting the rhythmic standard for British heavy metal. His combination of precision, swing, and aggression influenced countless drummers in the genre.

Complete Track-listing:

Tracklisting Side One:
  1. Running Free
  2. Remember Tomorrow
  3. Wrathchild
Tracklisting Side Two:
  1. Killers
  2. Innocent Exile

Disclaimer: Track durations not listed on the sleeve. The live recordings were captured in 1981 during Iron Maiden’s Japan tour. Variations may occur between different regional editions.

Album Front Cover Photo
Front cover of Iron Maiden's 'Maiden Japan' Canadian 12-inch vinyl EP. The artwork by Derek Riggs depicts Eddie, the band's skeletal mascot, in a samurai stance, gripping a silver katana under bright red and yellow beams of light. The background fades from black to crimson, intensifying the sense of danger and drama. Bold red and white Iron Maiden typography dominates the top, while the album title 'Maiden Japan' appears in stylized white brush lettering near Eddie’s feet. A red sticker announces 'Contains 5 Selections Mini Album Microsillon'.

The front cover of the Canadian 12-inch vinyl EP “Maiden Japan” by Iron Maiden is a striking display of early 1980s heavy metal iconography. Designed by Derek Riggs, it features the band’s mascot, Eddie, portrayed as a menacing samurai warrior poised in mid-strike. His pale skeletal face glows under intense red, yellow, and black gradients, evoking both violence and theatricality — the perfect visual echo of Iron Maiden’s onstage energy.

Eddie’s blade gleams under stark lighting as it slices through the scene, while his wild hair and tense posture project unrelenting aggression. Behind him, a brilliant wash of red and gold light simulates the flash of battle or stage pyrotechnics. The upper section is dominated by the band’s iconic red-and-white logo in sharp angular letters, immediately recognizable as part of the Iron Maiden brand.

In the lower right corner, the title “Maiden Japan” appears in stylized brush lettering reminiscent of Japanese calligraphy, reinforcing the live recording’s location in Nagoya, Japan. A small red sticker on the right-hand side announces “Contains 5 Selections – Mini Album Microsillon,” indicating the EP’s condensed yet potent setlist. The artwork merges East Asian aesthetics with heavy metal bravado, making this release both a collectible and a piece of visual storytelling from the band’s formative era.

Note: This image was photographed from the original vinyl in my personal collection. Minor color variations may result from flash reflection. Zoom in for finer texture and print details.

Album Back Cover Photo
Back cover of Iron Maiden's 'Maiden Japan' Canadian 12-inch vinyl EP. The design features the full tracklist for Side One and Side Two printed in white and red text on a black background, including songs Running Free, Remember Tomorrow, Wrathchild, Killers, and Innocent Exile. A band photo shows Iron Maiden in leather jackets standing next to their mascot Eddie. Below, three live performance shots capture the band on stage amid bright spotlights and cheering fans. Liner notes, credits to Iron Maiden and Doug Hall, and label information for Capitol Harvest MLP 15000 complete the composition.

The back cover of “Maiden Japan” (Canadian release) serves both as a visual archive and a detailed credit panel. The track listing dominates the left side in bold white and red lettering, split into Side One and Side Two, listing the five live recordings: Running Free, Remember Tomorrow, Wrathchild, Killers, and Innocent Exile. Against the deep black background, the contrast adds a sense of order and professionalism to the live chaos within.

A central band photo features Steve Harris, Clive Burr, Paul Di’Anno, Dave Murray, and Adrian Smith posed in leather jackets with Eddie looming behind them. Below are three vivid stage photographs capturing the band mid-performance — spotlights, roaring crowds, and the unmistakable motion of an early Iron Maiden concert in full swing. The visual layout balances gritty realism with theatrical energy.

On the right, liner notes thank the touring crew and fans, while crediting Iron Maiden and Doug Hall for production and mixing. The bottom section includes label and publishing details for Capitol Harvest MLP 15000 and a dedication: “This record is dedicated to all the head bangers, earthdogs, and metal merchants around the world.” The back cover encapsulates Iron Maiden’s fierce gratitude and rising dominance in the heavy metal scene.

Note: Image sourced from my personal collection. Colors and text clarity may vary slightly due to lighting conditions during photography.

Close up of Side One record’s label
Close-up of Side One record label for Iron Maiden’s 'Maiden Japan' Canadian 12-inch vinyl EP. The label features the Capitol / Harvest logo with catalog number MLP 15000 and the song titles 'Running Free' and 'Remember Tomorrow' printed in white on a dark gray background. Eddie’s menacing face appears on the right edge, drawn with fiery red eyes and sharp hair strands. The text includes production credits for Iron Maiden and Doug Hall, copyright © 1981 EMI Records Ltd., and the line 'Manufactured in Canada by Capitol Records of Canada.'

This detailed close-up of Side One’s label from “Maiden Japan” (Canadian release) highlights the signature Capitol / Harvest branding and catalog number MLP 15000. The layout combines precision and energy, pairing clean sans-serif typography with Iron Maiden’s striking red logo on the left edge. The song titles “Running Free” and “Remember Tomorrow” are printed in bright white text for high readability against a dark, metallic-gray background.

On the right, Iron Maiden’s mascot Eddie appears in an expressive monochrome rendering, his hair wild and eyes glowing red — a haunting symbol of the band’s intensity. Beneath the song list, credits read “Recorded Live in Japan” and “Produced by Iron Maiden & Doug Hall,” confirming the live origin and production details. Around the rim, the text “All rights reserved – Unauthorized copying prohibited” completes the formalities, while the bottom section notes ℗ 1981 EMI Records Ltd. and “Manufactured in Canada by Capitol Records of Canada.”

Note: Image photographed from an original pressing in my personal collection. Slight reflections may appear due to lighting on the vinyl surface.

Artwork & Design Notes

The cover art, created by Derek Riggs, remains one of the most recognizable visuals in Iron Maiden’s early discography. It captures the band’s intensity and Japanese tour imagery with cinematic flair, blending cultural homage with heavy metal theatricality.

The live photography by Hiro Ohno on the inner sleeve and promotional materials complements the design — sharp stage shots framed by deep shadows and concert lighting, emphasizing the raw energy of 1981 Iron Maiden performances.

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