IRON MAIDEN - Sanctuary 12" EP ALBUM VINYL

 This 12" EP is the only Sanctuary song release with four tracks. The track Sanctuary first appeared on the USA release of Iron Maiden's self-titled debut album (which is NOT the case for the European releases of the self-titled album)

 

IRON MAIDEN - Sanctuary Netherlands 12" EP VINYL Record
 front cover https://vinyl-records.nl

Sanctuary: Iron Maiden's First Strike on Vinyl
Album Description:

In the bleak winter of 1980, a fledgling Iron Maiden unleashed "Sanctuary," their first EP, a harbinger of the metal storm to come. This 12" vinyl, emblazoned with Derek Riggs' controversial Eddie artwork, marked their initial foray into the world of recorded music, a raw and unyielding declaration of their intent.

Historical Context and Musical Exploration

Fresh from the London club scene, Iron Maiden had already garnered a reputation for their energetic live shows and rebellious spirit. "Sanctuary" captured this raw energy, showcasing their early sound: a blend of punk attitude and heavy metal thunder. This EP was a musical exploration, a testing ground for their songwriting prowess and a glimpse into the sonic landscape they were about to conquer.

Musical Genre: The Birth of a Metal Legend

"Sanctuary" laid the groundwork for what would become known as the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. It showcased their signature elements: Steve Harris' galloping basslines, Dave Murray's fiery guitar solos, and Paul Di'Anno's raspy vocals. The title track, with its infectious chorus and rebellious lyrics, became an instant anthem for disaffected youth, cementing their place in the burgeoning metal scene.

Controversies: Eddie's Unleashed Fury

The original artwork, featuring Eddie brandishing a knife over the corpse of Margaret Thatcher, sparked a media frenzy. This controversy only fueled the band's notoriety, drawing attention to their music and solidifying their image as defiant outsiders.

Production Team and Recording Studio

"Sanctuary" was produced by Will Malone, a seasoned studio hand who had worked with artists like Black Sabbath and Nazareth. Recorded at Kingsway Studios in London, the EP captured the band's raw energy and unpolished sound, a testament to their early days as a hungry and ambitious group.

Track by Track Breakdown

    Side One:
  • Sanctuary: A defiant anthem, fueled by a driving rhythm section and Di'Anno's snarling vocals.
  • Prowler: A predatory track, showcasing Murray's blistering guitar work and the band's tight musicianship.
    Side Two:
  • Drifter: A live recording, capturing the band's raw power and onstage energy.
  • I've Got the Fire (Montrose cover): A fiery rendition of the Montrose classic, injected with Iron Maiden's signature intensity.

Legacy: A Metal Milestone

"Sanctuary" may have been a short burst of vinyl fury, but its impact was undeniable. It marked the arrival of a new force in heavy metal, a band that would go on to conquer the world with their epic soundscapes and unwavering spirit. For those who witnessed its birth, "Sanctuary" remains a cherished artifact, a reminder of Iron Maiden's raw power and unyielding ambition, forever etched in vinyl and enshrined in the hearts of metalheads.

Collectors information:

Side Two of this EP contains the songs: "Drifter" and "I've Got Fire". This EP is the first release album with these two live tracks.

"Drifter" and "I've Got The Fire" were recorded live at London's Marquee Club on 3 April 1980 with vocal support by the "Iron Army"

 Collector's attributes: This section contains detailed information to be able to uniquely identify this particular version/release of the album IRON MAIDEN - Sanctuary (EP)
 Album front cover:

The album front cover shows the British Prime-Minister Margaret Thatcher slaughtered by Eddie

Top right corner:

4 Tracks Inc
2 "Live" Tracks

 Album back cover

 

Top right corner:
1A K052Z-07390

Bottom center:
Black & White EMI logo in a circle

Bottom right corner:
Marketed, manufactured and distributed by EMI-logo
PRINTED IN HOLLAND

 Labels  Side One:

Copyrights text in the rim of the label in both English and German

At 3 o'clock:
in Red print: LC 0542
K 052Z-07390
STEREO
BIEM/STEMRA
Side 1

At 6 o'clock
EMI-Logo inside a red box

At 9 o'clock
(K 052Z-07390-A)
1980 Original
Sound Recording
Made by EMI
Records Ltd

 

 Side Two:

Copyrights text in the rim of the label in both English and German

At 3 o'clock:
in Red print: LC 0542
K 052Z-07390
STEREO
BIEM/STEMRA
Side 1

At 6 o'clock
EMI-Logo inside a red box

At 9 o'clock
(K 052Z-07390-B)
1980 Original
Sound Recording
Made by EMI
Records Ltd

 Matrix code / run-out grooves  Side One:

K025Z-07390-A//46025-1Y C1

 

 Side Two::

K052Z-07390-B//46026-1-Y C1

 

Music Genre:

NWOBHM  British Heavy Metal

Album Production information:

The album: "IRON MAIDEN - Sanctuary (EP)" was produced by: Will Malone:

Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Will Malone

Album cover Illustration: Derek Riggs

Discover the man behind the monster: Derek Riggs, the artist who brought Iron Maiden's Eddie to life. Explore his artistic journey beyond heavy metal. Read it Here

 

Record Label & Catalognr:

EMI K 052Z-07390

Media Format:

12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 210 gram  

Year & Country:

16 May 1980 Netherlands
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: IRON MAIDEN - Sanctuary (EP)
    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

    Explore the life and musical journey of Dave Murray, a guitar virtuoso who shaped the sound of Iron Maiden and left an indelible mark on heavy metal. Read it Here

  • Dennis Stratton – guitar

    Melodic maestro Dennis Stratton's journey from Iron Maiden to Praying Mantis: explore iconic riffs, enduring melodies, and a legacy that shaped heavy metal. Read it Here

  • Steve Harris – bass guitar

    Discover the man behind Iron Maiden's galloping basslines and epic anthems. From football dreams to heavy metal legend, Steve Harris's journey is as captivating as his music. Read it 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 - Sanctuary (EP)"

The detailed tracklist of this record "IRON MAIDEN - Sanctuary (EP)" is:

    Track-listing Side One:
  1. Sanctuary
  2. Prowler
    Track-listing Side Two:
  1. Drifter
  2. I've Got the Fire

 

Front Cover Photo Of IRON MAIDEN - Sanctuary Netherlands 12" EP VINYL Record

 

IRON MAIDEN - Sanctuary Netherlands 12" EP VINYL Record
 front cover https://vinyl-records.nl

 Note: The photos on this page are taken from albums in my personal collection. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ).

Photo Of The Back Cover IRON MAIDEN - Sanctuary Netherlands 12" EP VINYL Record

 

IRON MAIDEN - Sanctuary Netherlands 12" EP VINYL Record
 back cover

Close up of record's label IRON MAIDEN - Sanctuary Netherlands 12" EP VINYL Record Side One

"Sanctuary EP" Record Label Details: Yellow Colour EMI K 0527-07390, Made in EEC

"Sanctuary EP" Record Label Details: Yellow Colour EMI K 0527-07390, Made in EEC

Close up of record's label IRON MAIDEN - Sanctuary Netherlands 12" EP VINYL Record Side Two

IRON MAIDEN - Sanctuary Netherlands 12" EP VINYL Record
 enlarged record label
 

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