Iron Maiden is the debut studio album by Iron Maiden, released in 1980. It is their only studio album to feature guitarist Dennis Stratton, who was sacked not long after the album's release, with "musical differences" being cited as the reason. He would be replaced by Adrian Smith, who joins the band in time for the following year's Killers.
Although the band members were later critical of the production of this album, upon release this album was critically acclaimed and was an immediate commercial hit. It remains a popular album to this day, and is frequently included in Greatest Metal Album lists. Hits and fan favourites include the title track, "Phantom Of The Opera", "Running Free" and "Sanctuary".
As a side note: the band's official and long running mascot, Eddie the Head, also makes his debut on the album cover.
Tracklist note :
Side One
- "Prowler" (3:56)
- "Remember Tomorrow" (5:29)
- "Running Free" (3:17)
- "Phantom Of The Opera" (7:08)
Side Two
- "Transylvania" (4:19)
- "Strange World" (5:32)
- "Charlotte The Harlot" (4:13)
- "Iron Maiden" (3:36)
Bonus Disc (1995 Reissue):
- "Sanctuary" (3:14)
- "Burning Ambition" (2:42)
- "Drifter (Live)" (6:04)
- "I've Got The Fire (Live)" (3:14)
Principal Members:
- Clive Burr - drums
- Paul Di'Anno - lead vocals
- Steve Harris - bass, vocals
- Dave Murray - guitar
- Doug Sampson - drums note
- Dennis Stratton - guitar, vocals
Charlotte The Troper:
- Badass Boast: "Iron Maiden", a natural to close the regular set list and bring Eddie to stage.Oh well, whenever, wherever you are!
Iron Maiden's gonna get you no matter how far!
- Early-Installment Weirdness: The songs are much rawer and punk rock-sounding than in the band's following releases.
- Last Note Nightmare: "Phantom Of The Opera", in the pre-remaster release, where after 10 seconds of silence, Di'Anno shouts the song's final line again.
- Outlaw: "Sanctuary", where the protagonist murders a woman and has to look for sanctuary from the law. (but probably not Seeking Sanctuary, as he also asks "love me tonight")
- Refuge in Audacity: The original cover of the single "Sanctuary" had their mascot, Eddie the Head, stand over Margaret Thatcher's body,
which got the band (and the album) a lot of press attention. - Self-Titled Album: With a self-titled song! Not many other examples of that, with Black Sabbath, Motörhead, and Deicide being other notable examples.
- Shout-Out: Shares a page with the band.
- Surprisingly Gentle Song: "Remember Tomorrow", "Strange World" and the mid-section of "Charlotte The Harlot".
