- German Release on FAME Records
Album Info: IRON MAIDEN, released on April 14, 1980, was the first full-length album by IRON MAIDEN.
Of all the songs in this album, "Phantom of the Opera," "Running Free," "Sanctuary" and "IRON MAIDEN" remain on the set lists of nearly all of the band's concert tours, with the latter used to introduce a giant representation of the band's mascot Eddie from the back of the stage.
Iron Maiden's 1980 self-titled debut album was a seismic event in heavy metal history. This raw and energetic record introduced the world to the band's blistering musicianship, punk-infused attitude, and the iconic, skeletal mascot Eddie. The album's German release on FAME Records played a vital role in spreading Iron Maiden's sound throughout Europe.
Raw Power and Punk Energy
The German FAME release of "Iron Maiden" captures the band at their most primal. Songs like "Running Free," "Prowler," and the title track crackle with a youthful energy that became a hallmark of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM). Paul Di'Anno's vocals are rough and snarling, a perfect match for the band's driving riffs and Steve Harris's galloping basslines.
Songwriting Strength
Despite the record's unpolished sound, it demonstrates Iron Maiden's knack for writing memorable songs. Tracks like "Phantom of the Opera" showcase a more progressive side to the band, with its complex arrangement and dramatic shifts in tempo. The album's mix of short, punchy rockers and longer, more expansive epics set a template the band would refine in the years to come.
The Birth of a Legend
More than just a collection of great songs, the German FAME release of "Iron Maiden" marked the arrival of one of heavy metal's most enduring bands. The album's iconic cover art, featuring Eddie in his menacing glory, helped solidify the band's image and create a visual identity that is instantly recognizable worldwide.
Music Genre: NWOBHM New Wave of British Heavy Metal |
Album Production Information: Produced by Will Malone. Recorded at Kingsway Studios, Morgan Studios London. Engineer: Martin Levan. Photography: Terry Walker and Yuka Fujii |
Record Label & Catalognr: EMI 1C 064 07 269 |
Media Format: 12" Vinyl LP Gramophone RecordAlbum weight: 230 gram |
Year & Country: 1980 Made in Germany |
Band Members and Musicians on: IRON MAIDEN S/T Self-Titled Debut |
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Complete Track Listing of: IRON MAIDEN S/T Self-Titled Debut |
The Song/tracks on "IRON MAIDEN S/T Self-Titled Debut" are
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Record Label Details: EMI 1C 064-07 269, LC 0542, Made in EEC © Copyright ℗ Sound Copyright
