IRON MAIDEN - SEVENTH SON OF A SEVENTH SON Vinyl Picture Disc 12"

A kaleidoscope of sound and vision, Iron Maiden's _Seventh Son of a Seventh Son_ Picture Disc is a testament to the band's conceptual mastery. This 12-inch vinyl artifact captures the essence of their 1988 progressive metal opus, with Derek Riggs' iconic artwork etched into the vinyl itself. A sonic odyssey brought to life, where Eddie, the Seventh Son, beckons listeners into a realm of prophecy and destiny.

IRON MAIDEN - Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son Picture Disc 12" Vinyl vinyl lp record

Infinite Dreams Etched in Vinyl: Seventh Son's Pictorial Prophecy
Album Description:

From the depths of heavy metal lore, a visual and sonic marvel emerged. Iron Maiden's "Seventh Son of a Seventh Son" Picture Disc, a 12-inch vinyl testament to the band's conceptual odyssey, captivated fans with its mesmerizing artwork and sonic power. Released in 1988 alongside the standard album, this limited edition collectible became a treasured artifact for Maiden devotees, embodying the mystical themes and musical exploration that defined the era.

Historical Context and Artistic Vision

In the late 1980s, the music industry was embracing the visual potential of vinyl records. Picture discs, featuring album artwork or band imagery on the vinyl itself, became popular among collectors and fans. Iron Maiden, always keen to push boundaries, seized this opportunity to enhance the "Seventh Son of a Seventh Son" experience.

The picture disc featured Derek Riggs' iconic album artwork, depicting Eddie, the band's mascot, as the Seventh Son, surrounded by symbols of prophecy and destiny. This visual representation of the album's concept added another layer of depth to the listening experience, immersing fans in the mystical world that Iron Maiden had created.

Musical Exploration and Genre Fusion

"Seventh Son of a Seventh Son" marked a departure from Iron Maiden's earlier sound, incorporating progressive elements and complex arrangements. The album's concept, inspired by Orson Scott Card's novel, allowed the band to explore a wider range of musical ideas. Lush keyboard arrangements, atmospheric interludes, and intricate song structures intertwined with their signature heavy metal power.

The picture disc, with its enhanced visual appeal, further amplified the album's sonic journey. As the needle traced the grooves of the vinyl, fans were transported to a realm where heavy metal met progressive rock, where powerful riffs and soaring vocals intertwined with ethereal melodies and atmospheric soundscapes.

Controversies and Critical Acclaim

The album's conceptual nature and progressive elements sparked debate among fans and critics. Some purists felt the band had strayed too far from their roots, while others embraced the new direction, praising the album's ambition and creativity. Despite the controversy, "Seventh Son of a Seventh Son" achieved commercial success and critical acclaim, solidifying Iron Maiden's position as innovators within the heavy metal genre.

The picture disc, with its limited availability and collectible nature, became a sought-after item among fans. Its unique blend of visual and sonic artistry further cemented the album's legacy, making it a treasured piece of Iron Maiden history.

Production Team and Recording Studio

The album was produced by Martin Birch, a longtime collaborator of Iron Maiden. Birch's expertise and understanding of the band's vision were instrumental in bringing the "Seventh Son of a Seventh Son" concept to life. The album was recorded at Montserrat Studios, a legendary recording facility nestled on a Caribbean island. The studio's secluded location and creative atmosphere provided the perfect environment for Iron Maiden to craft their masterpiece.

A Pictorial Legacy

The "Seventh Son of a Seventh Son" Picture Disc stands as a testament to Iron Maiden's artistic vision and willingness to experiment. It's a visual and sonic artifact that captures the essence of a pivotal moment in the band's history. As the needle dances across the vinyl canvas, fans are transported back to a time when heavy metal was evolving, and Iron Maiden was leading the charge, leaving an enduring legacy etched in vinyl for generations to come.

Collectors information: 

Rare Picture Disc edition of this album "IRON MAIDEN - Seventh Son of a Seventh Son PD Picture Disc"

Music Genre:

NWOBHM New Wave of British Heavy Metal 

Album Production Information:

Produced by Martin Birch, Zombie Music Publishers
  • Martin Birch – Producer, Sound Engineer Martin Birch was the steady hand behind some of the most powerful rock and metal records of the 1970s and 1980s. As an engineer and producer, he shaped the sound of Deep Purple and Fleetwood Mac before becoming the defining sonic architect for Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, and Rainbow. His productions balanced clarity with raw force, turning heavy riffs into timeless statements and albums into genre benchmarks.
    Martin Birch Wiki

    • Record Label & Catalognr:

    EMI EMDP 1006  

    Media Format:

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

    Year & Country:

    1988 Made in England
    Band Members and Musicians on: IRON MAIDEN - Seventh Son of a Seventh Son PD Picture Disc
      Band-members, Musicians and Performers
    • Bruce Dickinson vocals
    • Bruce Dickinson – Vocals Bruce Dickinson, born August 1958, is the powerhouse vocalist who propelled Iron Maiden to legendary status. Joining the band in 1981, his operatic range, sharp phrasing, and commanding stage presence reshaped the group’s sound and ambition, defining era-classic albums like The Number of the Beast and Powerslave. Beyond Maiden, he built a parallel career as a solo artist, commercial pilot, author, and broadcaster, giving his legacy a reach that stretches well beyond heavy metal.
      Bruce Dickinson Wiki
    • Dave Murray guitar
    • 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 perfectly locked harmonized leads have shaped the band’s sound since 1975. His playing blends bluesy phrasing with precision and restraint, never flashy for its own sake, always serving the song. That balance made him a quiet but essential pillar of heavy metal guitar.
      Dave Murray Wiki
    • Adrian Smith guitar, backing vocals, synth
    • Adrian Smith – Guitarist, Songwriter Adrian Smith is one of those players I always associate with Iron Maiden’s classic sound and its later revival. Joining in 1980, leaving in 1990, and returning in 1999, his melodic solos and sharp songwriting helped define albums from The Number of the Beast to Brave New World and beyond.
      Adrian Smith Wikipedia
    • Steve Harris bass guitar, backing vocals, string synth
    • Steve Harris – Bass, Songwriter Steve Harris, born 1956, is the driving force behind Iron Maiden’s galloping bass lines and long-form, story-heavy songwriting. Founding the band in 1975, he defined their identity with ambitious compositions that mixed punk urgency, progressive structure, and pure metal muscle. Anthems like The Trooper and Hallowed Be Thy Name carry his fingerprints all over them, making him one of NWOBHM’s most influential architects.
      Steve Harris Wiki
    • Nicko McBrain drums
    • Nicko McBrain – Drums Nicko McBrain, born 1952, is the powerhouse drummer who has driven Iron Maiden’s thunderous engine since joining in 1982. His playing combines brute force with swing and pinpoint timing, giving albums like The Number of the Beast and Powerslave their unstoppable momentum. Before Maiden, his work with Trust and the Pat Travers Band sharpened his style, culminating in a career that redefined metal drumming.
      Nicko McBrain Wiki
    Complete Track Listing of: IRON MAIDEN - Seventh Son of a Seventh Son PD Picture Disc

    The Song/tracks on "IRON MAIDEN Seventh Son of a Seventh Son" are

    • Moonchild (Adrian Smith, Bruce Dickinson) 5:39
    • Infinite Dreams (Steve Harris) 6:09
    • Can I Play with Madness (Smith, Dickinson, Harris) 3:31
    • The Evil That Men Do (Smith, Dickinson, Harris) 4:34
    • Seventh Son of a Seventh Son (Harris) 9:53
    • The Prophecy (Dave Murray, Harris) 5:05
    • The Clairvoyant (Harris) 4:27
    • Only the Good Die Young (Harris, Dickinson) 4:41

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