IRON MAIDEN - Maiden Japan 12" MAXI-EP ALBUM VINYL

- German Release

Album Description & Collectors information:

Iron Maiden's 1981 EP, "Maiden Japan", released in Germany as a 12" maxi-single, is a highly sought-after item among heavy metal collectors. The album was recorded during the band's tour of Japan in 1981, and captures the band's raw energy and excitement at a time when they were rapidly rising in popularity.

Iron Maiden had already released three studio albums by the time they embarked on their 1981 tour of Japan. Their first two albums had established them as one of the leading bands of the "New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM)" movement, and their third album, "The Number of the Beast"", would become their breakthrough album. The tour of Japan was the band's first visit to Asia, and they were greeted with enthusiastic crowds who had never seen a band like them before.

"Maiden Japan" was recorded during two concerts in Nagoya and Tokyo in May 1981. The album was originally released as a 7" single in Japan, but it was later expanded to a 12" maxi-single in Germany, with four additional tracks included. The German release is highly prized by collectors, not only for the additional tracks but also for its superior sound quality.

"Maiden Japan" captures Iron Maiden at the peak of their early career. The band's lineup at the time included vocalist Bruce Dickinson, guitarists Dave Murray and Adrian Smith, bassist Steve Harris, and drummer Clive Burr.

The performances on "Maiden Japan" are electric, with the band playing with a ferocity and energy that is palpable. Bruce Dickinson's vocals are particularly impressive, as he effortlessly hits high notes and delivers his lyrics with passion and intensity. The guitar work of Murray and Smith is also outstanding, with their intricate solos and harmonies creating a wall of sound that is both powerful and melodic. Steve Harris' bass playing is as always a driving force behind the music, while Clive Burr's drumming is precise and thunderous.

"Maiden Japan" is a landmark recording in Iron Maiden's career, capturing the band's live energy and showcasing their songwriting and musicianship. The album is particularly significant in the context of Iron Maiden's early career, as it captures the band just before they achieved global success with The Number of the Beast. "Maiden Japan" is a testament to the band's live prowess and a snapshot of a moment in time when Iron Maiden were on the verge of becoming one of the biggest bands in the world.

Cardboard sleeve with opening on the top

EMI Electrola
Round Black & White EMI-Logo

1C K 062-07 534 Z

Rim-text near 4 o'clock:
Text in German only
Made in Germany

Below 12 o'clock
Keine Unerlaubte Vermietung

Near 3 o'clock
ST 45
Stereo
GEMA
STEMRA

Above 6 o'clock
EMI

Near 9 o'clock
LC 0542
1 C K 062-07 534 Z A
1981 EMI Records Ltd

Rim-text near 4 o'clock:
Made in Germany

Below 12 o'clock
Keine Unerlaubte Vermietung

Near 3 o'clock
ST 45
Stereo
GEMA
STEMRA

Above 6 o'clock
EMI

Near 9 o'clock
LC 0542
1 C K 062-07 534 Z B
1981 EMI Records Ltd

07534-A2 Z

07534-B1 Z

Music Genre:

Album Production Information:

The album: "IRON MAIDEN Maiden Japan" was produced by: Doug Hall and Iron Maiden

Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Doug Hall and Iron Maiden

This album was recorded at: Kosei Nenkin Hall, Nagoya, Japan

Album photography: Hiro Ohno and Rod Smallwood

Record Label & Catalognr:

Media Format:

Year & Country:

Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: IRON MAIDEN Maiden Japan

Band-members, Musicians and Performers
• Paul Di'Anno - lead vocals

  Follow the tumultuous journey of Paul Di'Anno (1958-2024), the fiery frontman who shaped Iron Maiden's early sound. From metal glory to personal struggles, his story is one of passion, rebellion, and resilience. Read it Here

• Dave Murray - guitar
  Dave Murray, born 1956, is the melodic mastermind behind Iron Maiden‘s signature twin-guitar attack. A founding member, his fluid, expressive solos and harmonized leads have defined the band’s sound since 1975. With impeccable technique and a bluesy yet electrifying style, he’s a pillar of heavy metal guitar. Learn more about his journey here.
• Adrian Smith - guitar, backing vocals
  Adrian Smith, born 1957, is the riff architect behind Iron Maiden’s most electrifying anthems. Since joining in 1981, his intricate solos and melodic sensibility have shaped classics like Two Minutes to Midnight and The Trooper. A master of tone and technique, his legacy in metal is unmatched. Explore his story here.
• Steve Harris - bass, backing vocals
  Steve Harris, born 1956, is the mastermind behind Iron Maiden’s galloping bass lines and epic compositions. Founding the band in 1975, his songwriting shaped metal anthems like The Trooper and Hallowed Be Thy Name. A pioneer of NWOBHM, his legacy as a bassist and visionary is untouchable. Discover his journey here.
• Clive Burr - drums

  From East End kid to Iron Maiden's rhythmic engine, Clive Burr pounded his way into metal history. A whirlwind career, cut short by tragedy, but his thunderous legacy lives on. Read it Here

Complete Track-listing of the album "IRON MAIDEN Maiden Japan"

The detailed tracklist of this record "IRON MAIDEN Maiden Japan" is:

Track-listing Side One:
1. Running Free
2. Remember Tomorrow

Track-listing Side Two:
1. Killers
2. Innocent Exile