Reviews (page 6 of 14)
No private session used for Spotify. Iron Maiden was lumped into the bin of satanic bands that I tended to avoid when I was in junior high and high school. This wasn't as heavy as I expected and seemed more hair metal than heavy metal.
RANKINGS OF THE SONGS 1) Iron Maiden - 9.3/10 2) Prowler - 9.2/10 3) Transylvania - 9.1/10 4) Running Free - 9.0/10 5) Strange World - 8.8/10 6) Charlotte the Harlot - 8.6/10 7) Phantom of the Opera - 8.5/10 --------LINE OF LIBRARY------------ 8) Remember Tomorrow - 8.3/10 AVG - 8.85/10 Personal Ranking - 8.9/10 Great riffs, vocals were alright. The bass and drums were great, and I loved the melodies.
Didn’t know they had another vocalist for the early albums. Pretty good!
fantastic thematic unity between their sound and visual style but not very interesting music
Best Song: Transylvania. Goddamn this song really jumps into gear at around the 2 minute mark and does not relent. Worst Song: Charlotte the Harlot. This track deviates the farthest from the "Iron Maiden" sound, enough that it might as well be any other band of the era. Overall: You can definitely see the bones here of the greatness to come, but sadly Paul Di'Anno can't hold a candle to Bruce Dickinson, so this version of Iron Maiden always feels like it is lacking. Instrumentally it still rips, and Di'Anno's vocals are solid, but he's up against one of the greatest of all time.
I prefer the Bruce era, but this is a genre classic that set Maiden on a path to glorious heights.
It was alright but kind of boring. Disappointing when you think about how many t-shirts are out there. 1.8 outta 5
Classic
I wish I could get be put in an Iron Maiden
Unpopular opinion: I actually prefer the earlier, Paul Di'Anno-fronted Iron Maiden albums. Bruce Dickinson is very good at what he does, but his operatic vocal style wears thin on me after a while. The musicianship is also leaner and less polished than their later work, which I find appealing. Old Iron Maiden just hits different.
Knock a star for Paul Di’Anno. A killer first album otherwise
I prefer the Dickinson albums, but this is good enough for a 4.5 plus the ol' metal bump
Music is a 5. Vocals are a 3.
I fell asleep listening to this
I’ve finally listened to one of those albums with the scary (but very fuckin’ cool) ghoul on the cover! Hell yeah!!
This record is a classic. The production is the only real flaw. It's OK, not great with a raw and unrefined mix, but at the end, it is a truly undeniable record. A metal classic that definitely deserves to be on this list and should be listened to by everyone.
5/10
It’s as if the clangers dropped acid and recorded an LP. Worst album on here so far
This is good. Better than the other iron maiden i think. the guitar is really fire. Phantom of the Opera is very good. The stabbing guitar reminds me of Lucretia by Megadeth which is probably my favorite song of this genre. Fire
Like many bands' first swing at bat, Maiden's debut doesn't exactly give the best idea of where they would go, but it has some solid rock tunes and great musicianship. It's unfortunate that Paul wouldn't be able to compete with Bruce, but thank God Bruce did eventually show up. Almost like your lead singer is important to the band's sound and direction.
Pre-Bruce Maiden will always be viewed through a different lens, but this is a band that arrived complete with their sound dialed in, just waiting for the right pieces to click into place.
Great first album
A real theatrical album but not one of my favorites from Iron Maiden
Found myself head banging to this one. Favorite track was "Remember Tomorrow" and made me realize that a lot of 70s/80s are the other side of the coin of schmatlzy ballads - they are essentially ballads that go hard, and I love that.
This was far more interesting than I was expecting. I loved some of the more bass-forward stretches of the album, and overall it had a really exciting pace. I still don't fully understand the disconnect between how aggressive the album covers were for these 80s albums and how comparatively tame the music is to modern rock, but that's ok. 4/5
I don't think it's the best Iron Maiden that's out. But you can see the vision in this debut and it has just enough of the good stuff of later Iron Maiden to justify a 4.
9/10 Very good and interesting instrumentally, some lyrics feel creatively lacking though.
This did not sound anything like I thought it would. After I finished the album, I listened to the most recent Iron Maiden release. "Total Eclipse" from 2022 sounds like what I expected Iron Maiden to sound like. Maybe they were finding their voice when making the s/t, but the vocals are so boring. I like the instruments, but I'm actually shocked they had a 50-year career following that boring first release. Their scary imagery does not match the tame vocals
Nice to revisit, never liked di’anno’s vocals as much but all the rough ingredients are there for the classic stuff.
I like this more than I expected to, but I didn't really enjoy it. I am unlikely to recognize any of this songs if I heard them again but I feel no need to ever listen to Iron Maiden ever again
I don't think there's a band out there that has a more iconic cover art and title style. One of the most influential heavy metal bands and you know you've made it when sensitive Christians start burning your albums for reasons they just conjured up. They first started burning albums in 1966 when the Beatles said they're more popular than Jesus, and the Christians had so much fun buying albums to burn that they kept looking for excuses to do it afterwards. I do like that this was back when there was an actual singing element for metal compared to now which is mostly incomprehensible throat wailing. There's a nice melodic progression to the songs that is very heavy, but still very musical. Make sure that you listen to Sanctuary as well as it's left off the 2015 remaster on Spotify. Although Iron Maiden wasn't the first heavy metal band, they are quite possibly the most influential on the metal genre as a whole, inspiring bands like Metallica, In Flames, Anthrax, Alice in Chains etc.
Whenever I listen to Iron Maiden I remember that I should be listening to more Iron Maiden. Great album, melodic and catchy while still having fast metal instrument parts.
I was entertained. For being the first from iron maiden, not bad
I was so hesitant at first, but then my face started to melt.
First time listening, pretty enjoyable, like a more polished Sabbath.
very good album
surprisingly very good, high 4
Not bad by any means, but not necessarily my preferred style.
Quite a classic, with much left to come. Not quite my favorite album of theres, but its interesting to see the start.
I like this album. It's their first, so the sound of this album is more raw, and one of the rare albums that doesn't have Bruce Dickinson singing. It reminds me a lot of Metallica's first album "Kill 'Em All". Just a killer studio sound. I'll rate this 3 of 5. Favorite tracks are: Prowler, Phantom of the Opera, and Transylvania.
So cringey.
Like the primordial goo of modern heavy metal. Fast, loud, not quite fully formed. Phantom of the Opera and Transylvania stand out. What a relief after forcing myself to listen to Scott 2 all the way through. Like a juicy steak after starving for two days.
To be honest, Paul Di’Anno’s voice isn’t really my taste, but I can’t help being drawn to Dave Murray’s fluid guitar lines and Steve Harris’s bass work. Prowler is of course great, but in Remember Tomorrow the interplay between the two guitars and the bass line is something I could follow endlessly. What fascinates me about Iron Maiden is that, despite being labeled as heavy metal, their sound isn’t just about power or volume. It’s built on a delicate, precise three-voice structure — two guitars weaving harmonized melodies over a restless, melodic bass. That sense of construction and accuracy gives their music a unique kind of intensity.
YES ...men det är inte så bra. Det är lätt att se var de är på väg (som band och som genre), men det betyder inte att den förtjänar sin plats i kanon.
Very solid rock album. Great guitar and drums. Gives the vibe a true metal band through and through, but in a very enjoyable way for someone not familiar with the metal genre.
wanted to hate it and mostly did, but get the vibe others may dig.
Rv
This album was really good! The start was a bit shaky, but after hitting Phantom and Transylvania, the riffs and solos go to the next level. I also really liked the lead guitar tone. This was one of my favorite classic metal works I’ve listened to. Favorite Track: Phantom of the Opera
It's no wonder Iron Maiden is so influential in heavy metal. This is mind blowing, especially for 1979. This feels like THE ORIGINAL heavy metal band. Sure, Led Zeppelin blazed the trail, but Iron Maiden sets the standard. First time I've heard this album, and just ... Wow. My rating: 5/5
classic earlier metal, with vocals that are almost half punk in style. great musicianship, though I'm not a huge Iron Maiden fan due to the clash between the guitar style and the vocals.
Except for strange worlds, i found myself wishing that i was listening to black sabbath. Ewwww. I wonder how modern music manages to sound so much punchier. Nirvaaannnaaa. TWO!
Geht so
First time I’ve ever listened to Iron Maiden, and it was surprisingly good! Solid “classic” heavy metal
high 3 - not their best project but still really solid
Running Free Phantom of the Opera Iron Maiden
5/5
Surprisingly diverse with obviously skilled musicians and strong production. Definitely heavy metal.
Good album ruined by its production. I casually enjoy Iron Maiden but prefer the Bruce fronted stuff.
Iron Maiden before Iron Maiden
Only heard two songs from it before and honestly, it's such a fun album. A slightly less "heavy" version of metal 3/5
I liked their later stuff better, but this was a great start.
I had a hunch & listened to two other Iron Maiden albums. This debut should not have been on this list. Look, it still shred, but their signature style & polish was missing.
I’d never heard most of these songs. Definitely not as good as other Iron Maiden stuff but after the last few days, it was a good listen. Bruce Dickinson sang the national anthem at the Kings opening game this year - neat
not my jam, but bearable
Лет 15 назад он меня очень впечатлял, но сейчас совершенно нет) кроме пары песен, слушать особо нечего. Но, тем не менее, класика хэви-метала, нужно иметь уважение
Great classic album
I was surprised to find a bluesy bar band that totally shreds instead of Iron Maiden. Then The Metal Showed Up on Phantom and barely let up on the back half. This is a solid debut. Bruce Dickinson is whom I'm used to but this guy is very good. He doesn't have the gravitas of Dickinson though. Can't wait for Number of the Beast to show up. Soild 4
I mean it’s fine! Some tracks are pretty good, even. Real Billy Hargrove shit. Put me in a fast car and play these tunes. But I don’t know how much staying power it has for me. Musically there’s some cool stuff happening; I love the guitar work. But the rest kinda falls flat, I guess. Thematically, our last metal album was much stronger and, context taken into account, much more relevant.
I've listened to the Iron Maiden hits quite a bit. I even prefer the Iron Maiden pinball machine over all others (Run to the Hills bangs, fight me). But I've never gone back to listen to their first album. I heard Ghost's cover of Phantom of the Opera when they released it a few years ago and I wasn't a big fan of the song then. When I listened to the album in it's entirety, everything hit. I loved it. What an album. I gotta listen to more Iron Maiden
What a legendary debut album. The variety, innovation, instrumentation, it’s all there. Not quite as perfect as some of their other projects, but still an absolute pleasure to listen to. (4.5)
I've never listened to a full Iron Maiden album before, and this is not the Iron Maiden I'm familiar with, so this was an interesting listen. It wasn't a life-changing experience for me, but like the Elvis album, it was cool seeing where so many artists have pulled influence from. "Phantom of the Opera" and "Transylvania" was a great 1-2 punch. I doubt I'll ever revisit this one.
Expected to like this more than I did. First track kinda banged but overstayed its welcome. Didn’t know they had a vocalist before Bruce. Would have been better with Bruce.
As the knight adjust his helm and steadies his lance, the driving riff of "Transylvania" bursts in. This album is joust-core, duel-gaze, meant to be played loud over the clash of a friggin' medieval battle.
Great
Yllätyin kuinka paljon tykkäsin tästä. En siis olettanut että en ois tykänny mutta tykkäsin enemmän ku oisik olettanu. Hyvä energia ja ei oo liian heavyä mun makuun. Mageet kitarat.
What it says in the tin…
Everything was in place from the get-go. Obviously things change when Bruce comes in but belongs on the list. For me three stars is a pretty good album for a classic five is indispensable. This is a three.
Pioneers of metal, not my favorite Maiden album but still awesome
Maiden rules. While they are undeniably heavy metal, they also bring a gift for rhythm and groove and leaven the thrash just enough, giving space for slower melodies and the singer’s nice voice (apparently this is pre-Bruce Dickinson.) And when they rock, I dare you not to headbang.
Excellent! Love this Maiden era.
Poggers
Pas aussi bon que le Maiden qui l'a suivi, mais toujours meilleur que le métal qui se fait aujourd'hui! Un beau mix de proto-métal et de prog, ça slap.
Yee haw
Beaucoup de bon riffs mais je trouve que ce style là vieillit pas très bien.
Bedre enn forventet pga annen sanger
Woo band firing on all cylinders. It’s been a long time since I last heard this. Good listen.
Too heavy and obnoxious for my general liking, not a big fan of Iron Maiden
Straight banger.
Feels like very average hard rock now? None of the hits I would have associated with Iron Maiden are here, but the sound is very clearly getting there. I enjoyed it, and will bump it up one for originality
I dont care for this version of metal. It's Iron Maiden do 1/2 star for cultural significance. 4.0 plus .5
Sounds like a mix of metal and rock. Good but I don't know how often I will come back to it. 7/10
Metal Goes Pop vol 1
Not great but ultimately much more fun and less annoying than I expected, high 2 low 3 Fav song: Phantom of the Opera
More varied and interesting musically than I was expecting. I did keep thinking, "wow, these guys really want me to think they are SO DARK and EDGIER than they actually are."
This was definitely a case of don’t judge by the cover. Pleasantly surprised to find this less heavy than I’d expected.
Classic rock album
80s training montage music.
it was fine, it was good. not the metal I reach for but important to history.
Listens: 4 Standout Tracks: Remember Tomorrow, Transylvania, Iron Maiden A completely respectable entry into the List, and the Heavy Metal Genre. I am really starting to appreciate the genre, which I honestly had reservations about before starting the List; Mostly because I always lumped all of the various forms of "metal" into the Heavy Metal genre. Although bands like Slayer, Turbonegro, Venom (for example) and other death/black/thrash metal bands share the same root of heavy electric power guitar, bass and percussion, I feel like there is still a world of difference between the aforementioned bands and bands I would consider to be more "traditional" metal, like Black Sabbath, Metallica and Deep Purple, and now Iron Maiden. I am again being reminded of the video game Risk of Rain 2, which has excellent music that sounds very similar to what I am hearing on Strange World (sans the singing).
Hate heavy metal. 2/5
Mostly I’m thinking yeah
Before: I'm glad this has come up, a couple weeks ago I mentioned I really don't have much perspective on this era of rock, and ZZ top left me so disappointed. I know this is considered heavier than that, but I'm excited to investigate deeper. After: I feel like a ding dong for comparing this to ZZ Top at first haha. Anyways I really liked this one! The guitar tones had me hooked, and the clearness of the drums in the mix really stood out to me. I also appreciated the range that the vocalist brought. He was giving different and interesting performances on every track. It suffers a bit from cheesy lyricism at points, but at others, the imagery was strong and fun.
This is really fun prog-metal. The riffs were really fun to follow and the drumming was interesting especially alongside the riffs. There were also some fun bass lines happening in the background. I really enjoy albums where it's written and produced in a way that you can feel the energy and this is one of those. I also really love the dual lead guitar sound. Harmonizing riffs speaks to me.
I love that you can listen to virtually any Iron Maiden song and know immediately that its Maiden. Even for an early album, their sound is so distinct. Its the high pitched dubbed guitars, its the operatic vocals, the drums are often kind of simple, but they're heavy and booming. I think more than anything, this band thrives at creating a world within the album and within their music. I'm not really sure what every song is about, but I know I'm in it. It feels like a movie. Even the kind of silly songs on this record (Running Free or Charlotte the Harlot) still feel like they're part of the overall story and progression of the record. Even if that story is kind of cheesy or silly, it doesn't really matter. Its better enjoyed when you lean in. I don't revisit Maiden often, but I'm always glad when I do. Today was no exception.
Ok. Not really for me but had its moments.
Better than I thought it was going to be.
Not for me
Actually better than I expected. While I have always liked metal, I never quite got Iron Maiden. Never seemed to have any emotion in it and while I have heard a lot of folks worship their technical prowess, I couldn't really hear it. When "Prowler" started I thought 2 things: 1. I was right. This sucks. 2. This singer is worse than Bruce Dickenson. Then we get to "Remember Tomorrow" and he actually sings good. Are there multiple singers? Nope. It's just that when he leans in to be a rock star, his voice fails. The good one shows up again in "Strange World". "Phantom of the Opera" and "Transylvania" have what will come to be known as the Iron Maiden signature sound. Good songs. Would love to hear them redone with better production. (The Ghost version of "Phantom of the Opera" is really good.) While I like it more than I expected, I don't think it will make the rotation. Will put "Phantom of the Opera" and "Transylvania" on a playlist or two though. Let's call it a 3.
By the time this was released I had moved on from this type of music. I knew of it but avoided it and have done so ever since. Chance today then to perhaps listen to the album in full. Which I did but found despite its brashness, my mind wandering. Cannot think of any circumstance again when I would play this or any other Iron Maiden album. 2/5 27/9/25
Not that it was bad, just nothing caught my attention. It definitely sounds of an era
I wanted this to be a 5. It wasn't. Great album, but it is a far cry from the best metal out there. Hoping for another Iron Maiden album that is a little more refined later on.
This album was really good. I'm starting to realize that I really like metal music. What isn't to like? Heavy drums and guitars and interesting vocals. I didn't get completely into this album, but I would love to come back to it in the future.
Enjoyed first listen and might return
Музыка: 8/10 Разнообразие: 7/10 Тематика и вайб: 8/10 Цепляемость (отдельные песни зашли): 8/10 Реиграбельность (можно ли рандомно врубить на фон): 9/10 Итог: 8.0
I like this. It's a very rocking time, with a great tempo and quality to it. There's something of the Black Sabbath to it, where the music is really quite melodic, with some great riffs, and interesting shifts in rhythm and tempo. I really like the squealy guitars, and I'm also impressed with his singing. The cover art maybe belies the sound a bit, as you might expect something aggressive or even ear-splitting, but this is really quite accessible. 3.5 rounded up.
I've already listened to his album (17). The best is yet to come for Maiden, but the bones of the formula are there already. Iron Maiden is a killer song.
Not my kind of metal.
I-ron Maiden-fly.
I just don't like metal.
Odio il metal
Metal! Love the limited lyrics - mostly just wailing on every instrument they have.
Metal with some godd bits. Not all of it is screamy scary angry noise. Dude on the album cover looks like a lot of Americans right now (January 12, 2026) Listened before? N Saved to library? N Favorite track(s): Remember Tomorrow, Running Free, Phantom of the Opera, Transylvania, Strange World (guitar bits are fantastic). ⭐⭐⭐: Liked it. Saved some tracks.
somewhat hell yeah, somewhat repetitive
recording feels....empty? hollow? the music is fine, but something about the mix is off. other than that, it's a decent debut!
The album
The guitar work on this album is amazing. This album is amazing musically.
point8.
Great classics, thx
Classic early maiden, setting things up nicely for the greater stuff that was to come
too hard for me
6/10
Удивлен тому, что поставил другому их альбому 4, но это разъебная музыка, которая разбивает жанры и звучит отлично до сих пор. Лучшая песня - Phantom of the Opera.
Iron Maiden is definitely an album i really enjoyed. It is always good when i get another metal album for the stockpile as i love nearly everything that genre puts out and this album is absolutely no exception. It is definitely a more basic album as it is an album that came out in 1980 but that doesn't make it any less enjoyable. This album is still fast frenetic and has all the great guitar riffs, crushing drum beats and everything else you could want from this genre. Granted, this album's basic nature does make it a little bit forgettable but i never at any point disliked what i was hearing. This is an absolutely great album that i still really enjoyed from beginning to end. Best Song: Remember Tomorrow Worst Song: Charlotte the Harlot
8/10
Очень круто! В каждой песне чувствуется гигантское влияние на музыкальную индустрию. Впрочем, даже они всего лишь жалкие пародисты Арии))
Did not like heavy metal when I was younger. This did not move the needle.
Raucous, no surprise there obvs. But I feel that even if I knew this album intimately I would struggle to sing along 😐
Not as fun or crazy as expected to be honest.
Operatic without being cringe, and absolutely 🔥. Four stars. Is this list turning me into a discerning metalhead?
listenable metal
Great debut album that instantly established their sound and were innovators in metal. Very talented musicians and lotta music, notes, and ideas packed into the album. One of my favorite notes was the huge grand finale on the last song. This would be one of the best live play through albums cause it plays like a concert.
ok
Good noodling. Even some singing instead of screeching. One even sounded like Pink Floyd. Ok!
Enjoyed this to the earlier (later) Maiden. Had good debut album energy, and thought Strange World was fantastic.
Yeah, okay, maiden minus Dickinson is definitely not worth listening to
Another impressive debut for what later became an iconic heavy metal group. I know these early heavy metal albums tend to be a bit abrasive, but this sounds pretty damn good for only having been recorded in 13 days. More emphasis on the instrumentals here as opposed to later releases, as we have a few long stretches that showcase Murray, Stratton, Harris, and Burr's contributions. I didn't think there were any super notable standout tracks after listening, but then again, I don't think Iron Maiden was much of a "singles" group in the first place, rather more of a "sum of its parts".
I only started this and didn't finish, but was fascinated. I have not listened to this band really before. Great voice.
Im not a rock guy but really good album nice cohesive and fun
4/5
Cover 6.5 Although they sound completely different, whenever I hear the name "Iron Maiden," I think of either Judas Priest or Megadeth. Probably because of the imagery. Megadeth I know. And really enjoy. I haven't really given Iron Maiden or Judas Priest enough time. Like my To Be Read list, my To Be Listened list keeps stacking higher and higher. However, I've now gotten at least one Iron Maiden album out of the way. And I do like it. It's funny how much more tame this style of "heavy metal" is, like Kiss, which was once considered loud noise. I was also never a hige Kiss fan either, although I've tried and there are songs here and there that I do like. That's basically why I haven't bothers with Iron Maiden or Judas Priest. They're too old sounding, I guess. Yet, it do like oldies and 70s music. I don't know. I guess it's just not for me.
Najgorszy z albumów maidenów, bo na wokalu inny gość. Dickinson ma jednak niepowtarzalny wokal
Really good, I enjoyed that.
I see why the bad is heralded so highly in metal circles. It was chill.
Not really for me... 2.5
That opening track is such a mission statement. It's hard for me to really appreciate Iron Maiden without Bruce Dickinson though - especially as a lot of other elements aren't fully formed yet either.
So much good stuff on here. 5/8, 87%
Cool guitar band. Don't know how I missed them, probably because I thought they were much heavier than this. I think this is a good intro album into them and I would definitely listen to some more of them based on what I heard on this album.
The remaster of this album pushes it up to five stars for me. I always liked the material, but the production on my original tape copy was just a little bit too rough around the edges. Actually being able to hear the instruments properly makes a huge difference. Also, there's more classics here than I remembered. Nicely spread out over the album, with the tracks that aren't played in concert as much, but are still quality. Paul Di'Annos vocals aren't quite as good as Bruce Dickinson's in my opinion, but they come close.
Такие драмы квин, не могу...
I like the music well enough, but even the original vocalist doesn't move this into a regular listening rotation.
More technical musically than I thought they’d be
I thought I knew Iron Maiden but this debut had really changed my opinion
7.1 / 10 Way better than I expected. These guys rock! Literally. Way more like hard rock/classic rock than the metal that I’m used to hearing. Definitely would listen again.
I expected to hate this because metal is so not my genre, but wow, it rocks. Some great guitar parts, and not terribly screamy. Listened before? N Saved to library? N Favorite track(s): Prowler, Running Free, Phantom of the Opera ⭐⭐⭐: Liked it. Saved some tracks.
Hella hard. 2/5
Few good songs great band tho
fav track: phantom of the opera
Wasn't expecting to be into this but it's very fun actually, liked this more than their other albums that have been on here
Masterpiece of punk moving into metal
The structure of what Iron Maiden would become is there, but this album is maybe a bit raw for what I want my IM to sound like. Super solid debut album, though! 4 stars.
I've never really listened to Iron Maiden, but I can see why they became so popular. Really liked this album.
Raw, scrappy, and fun
Similar to Black Sabbath in recent weeks it’s shocking to think this is the bands debut release. Equally staggering to imagine how this must have sounded in the landscape of 1980. Surely Kiss and others were doing their thing but the scale or sound and volume of guitars at least to me seems relatively novel. I’m more a fan of Bruce Dickinson era Maiden but you cannot deny their sound even from day one. There are several 5 songs on this album - consider Phantom of the Opera (especially from 3:00 to the end) - but as I do not see the album as a 5. I mean I have to leave room for later work. 4/5
Loved this Getting back to Metal roots🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼
Good record! I had an unfair aversion to Iron Maiden before listening to this. A tightly performed and very fun album. Self-titled tracks are a flex.
not really something I typically listen to, but it's a solid record and I legitimately enjoyed it. The mix has it's issues, like the vocals just seem too dry and don't feel like they belong in the mix. The songs hit hard and the riffs scream throughout the whole record. Maybe it's time I listen to some more Maiden and get hang with Eddie for a little bit.
Not too irritating for metal
Nothing much to say about this one, I liked it
First half was dynamic
Album No. 0027 on my list. I had not listened to this album in a couple of years, and I think it has always been overshadowed by the subsequent Iron Maiden albums with Bruce Dickinson. I have to say though - it's a great album! I personally enjoyed many of the songs very much - beyond the Maiden classics "Running Free" and "Iron Maiden", "Prowler" and "Phantom of the Opera" are my favorites. While he certainly had different vocal qualities compared to Dickinson, Paul Di'Anno was a great singer and I like the more raw, less melodic energy of his voice compared to Bruce's later efforts. Still not my favorite maiden album, but very cool stuff that I'll listen more to in the future - 4/5 stars!
Listening to albums like this is part of the reason I'm doing this project. I wouldn't have thought to listen to this record and I certainly didn't expect to like it. Thought I knew what Iron Maiden was all about, but I was wrong... at least with respect to this album. It's pretty damn good! Much more melodic than I would've expected and less screaming than I anticipated. In fact, the guy can actually sing. That said, I'm generally not a fan of the heavy metal genre, lyrically it's not exactly poetry, and it's just not really music that moves me personally, so I'm not going to rank it that highly for ME. But that said, objectively, it's definitely a good album. 3 stars.
I very much enjoyed this album listen! My first time listening to an Iron Maiden album in full and I thought it was great. I would definitely listen to this electrifying metal album again in the future! It was especially great to listen to at the gym as well.
Bless their hearts.
I made it through 5 songs, which is a success for me and metal.
Awesome. Not a bad song. I prefer this foen to earth and varies version of maiden with di'anno to dickensons high grandiosity
Great.
Stærkt album. Fed og variende metal oplevelser med strejf af den karakteristiske britiske rock lyd. Starter stærkt ud med "Prowler," rammer en smuk bjergtop med "Phantom of the Opera", men desværre rammen titelsangen der afslutter albummet ikke lige min øregang helt rigtigt og får derved ikke den afslutning albummet ellers fortjener.
As far as Heavy Metal goes, Iron Maiden is pretty sweet. Probably more accessible than most is, and I enjoyed it because of it.
Running Free is still my all time (perhaps only real fav) Maiden track. This was a great listen, while reminding me via Charlotte the Harlot of how I don't actually like them all that much. So a three.
My parents’ music
It was fine.
Loved it
Turns out it's not Iron Maiden I hate. It's Bruce Dickinson.
Hmm won’t listen again but reasonably raw
I’m not the biggest fan of Iron Maiden fan at the best of times, but I’m definitely not into pre Bruce Dickinson Maiden. There were some decent instrumentals across the album, but I just find their variety of metal quite dull and overblown.
"Iron Maiden" is the debut studio album by English heavy metal band Iron Maiden. It was met with immediate critical acclaim and declared "the heavy metal sound of the 1980's with its blinding speed and rampant ferocity." Hit that on the nail. At the time, Iron Maiden was Paul Di'Anno (lead vocals), Dave Murray (guitars), Dennis Stratton (guitar, backing vocals), Steve Harris (bass, backing vocals, primary songwriter) and Clive Burr (drums). The album reached #4 on the UK charts. Overlayed guitar riffs start things off in the opener "Prowler." Gritty lead and backing vocals. A song about a pervert. Guitar breaks and a guitar solo. The band keeps adding to the speed. "Remember Tomorrow" starts out slower with stretched guitar notes. Dramatic vocals as Di'Anno tells a story about his grandfather as a WWII pilot. They really get the soft-loud-soft dynamic going. Metallica said this song was hugely influential in songs like "Fade to Black." I see that. "Running Free" was the first single. Tom-tom drums, a plodding bass and a guitar riff. Di'Anno said this song was semi-autobiographical about his 16-year old skinhead self. A standard sounding song and one not far away from sounding like the band that they opened for, Kiss. "Phantom of the Opera" is anything but standard. Operatic, layered guitars. A very fast beat. Multiple time signature changes. We'll, I guess, they had to get their prog rock side out. They sure did. Epic. The album ends with "Iron Maiden" and really foreshadows what they would sound like. Very fast. Driving. Melodic guitars. An underlying melodic bass. Very catchy vocal chorus. A bass solo. Yes! Lighters out! Driving. Raw. Fast. I think the murky production actually helps this giving it an edgy sound. Di'Anno's vocals can be gritty but he's got a good scream. He's just different than Dickinson. They hang on to remnants of prog rock and even punk. Not a bad thing in 1980. There's their highly influential sound and a few songs ("Remember Tomorrow " and "Strange World") that would influence heavy metal soft-loud-soft songs and ballads as well. Steve Harris is an absolute beast on bass, drives the music and shows why he has been one of the best bassists in any kind of music. This is a great album and a lot of fun to go back to. I recommend you do the same.
I’m not usually a heavy metal listener, but this was a great first spin. The guitar work was nice, the album was short and easy to get through, and while many of the songs blended together, I wouldn’t turn it off if it came on again.
I like this much more than I thought I would
Iron Maiden has never hit for me. I feel like I *should* like them (love a bunch of their peers), but they're just not for me. Cover art is always amazing though
Growing up i always wanted to get into Iron Maiden. Loved their album covers and the cool Jean jackets my peers wore. Then I remembered why I didn't....the music.
top3 : - strange world - phantom ot the opera - remember tomorrow
Liked the guitar parts. Super intricate
Love it
I'm going to be honest... this isn't my cup of tea. It's just not my genre, but I give it respect for not being just noise. I hear the intent, I hear the lyrics, I recognize who Iron Maiden are/were. They belong here, I'm not the best person to judge this because it's just not my class... but respect to them and for making it welcoming.
Really feels like a first album, put together before they'd properly found their feet. However, I must commend it for trying different things, using great dynamics, and making best use of the sonic materials they had to hand.
Surprisingly good for me (not a metal fan)
Classico. Di Anno una voce incredibile e pezzi che so a memoria
I rather liked this but I feel I’d need more listens to appreciate it more. Some good tracks, particularly Phantom of the Opera.
When I see or hear Iron Maiden, I think of Bill and Ted's excellent adventure. This is as 3 as it gets. Don't love it, don't hate it, wouldn't turn it off, wouldn't seek it out.
There are better Maiden Albums than the self titled.
Perfect album for when you lack the proper tools for carpet removal so you use a hatchet.
I really really liked Prowler. The rest was okay
This was a solid album and marks my first official listen of an Iron Maiden album. To be honest, I was not expecting to enjoy it so much. I don't typically like any songs that are intense and heavy, but the guitar and drums were so good that I didn't find myself thinking that it was too much. I loved the gritty feel of the album!
Iron Maiden Wants You For Dead 1001 Albums Generator 102 (08/22/2025) Iron Maiden by Iron Maiden (not to be confused with Iron Maiden by Iron Maiden off the album Iron Maiden), released in 1980, is their debut album. I mean, this is what metal is all about, is it not? While other metal bands were futzing around with the rock and blues inspiration that metal originally came from, this album separated the wheat from the chaff. From the first note in Prowler (imagine starting your career with a song this good, by the way) to the powerful self-titled closing track, Iron Maiden showed definitively once and for all that metal was really a distinct genre in its own right. Not only that, but the sound of this album is all over the place. I love the speed and pure aggression of Prowler and the title track, but the obvious star of this album is Phantom of the Opera. While Maiden would much later become just an extremely boring prog band, at this point, they had the songwriting chops to justify a long song like this. The fluctuations in tempo and the virtuosic guitar solos are incredible. Like all of Maiden's first 7 albums, the true quality of this one is not in the few true standout tracks; it is in the quality of everything else around it, and unfortunately the "filler" here is not their best. Remember Tomorrow and Transylvania are awesome, but I really don't like Running Free, and Strange World is one of their most plain ballads from their early career in my opinion. Also, I am not a huge Paul Dianno fan, and I think that Maiden really gained their footing as true greats when Bruce Dickinson joined a couple of albums later. I can't necessarily hold that against this album, but the couple of weaker tracks keep this classic from 5/5 territory. Pretty clear cut 4/5 for me. Favs: Prowler Phantom of the Opera Iron Maiden Least Fav: Running Free
Prawler was a good song, the others were kinda bland
It's whatever, rocky.
Gonna get ya
I like it enough I guess.
surprisingly nice
🫠
1. This is PRECISELY what I needed after being forced to listen to Cold Play. 2. I was a teenager in the 80s. I used to walk by the smoking section of my high school (yes, in the 80s public high schools in California had a section on campus where kids could smoke - and 95% of them wore jeans, IM BS/OO or JP tees and black leather jackets summer or winter) with my nose in the air, pitying the wayward fools who listened to such trivial novelty music. In my 50s I LOVE IT. 3. This album sounds like they haven't quite figured out exactly how they want to use their prodigious talents; exactly what Iron Maiden's sound is. But their explorations are so F#$ing INTERESTING. 4. Puts KISS and even, dare I say it?, AC/DC to shame. 5. Perhaps the best use of Chorus effect on guitars ever.
patika vairāk nekā es domāju, ka patiks riktīgi vaiboju līdzi! tie ģičas rifi tiiiikk kruti īpaši patika "Running Free", "Phantom of the Opera" un "Prowler"
Much better musicianship than I thought
Wow. This was a really solid debut, and quite a bit different from their later work.
Still not my cup of tea
I am a huge fan of the rock genre and I have heard of the Iron Maiden before. This album was packed with exhilarating tracks that it was over before I knew it. Easily replayable and never missing a beat, I have great thoughts about this album. This was the band's debut album which makes me curious about the other albums they have and whether they will appear in this 1001 list. Overall, I had a great time listening to it while reading Serial Experiments: Lain wiki.
Good instrumentation, I’m not going to purchase the album- but won’t turn it off either
What can I say that concerned parents in the 80s didn't already? This album was corrupting the youth, and the youth were right. Long live Heavy Metal.
Early Iron Maiden pre- Dickinson is not great. Kind of slow and boring
Top
Bruce Dickinson really opened up the playbook after whoever’s singing on this one left.
Amazing for a debut
Loved every minute of it. No skipping required. Love when it slows down and the solos are epic
De lo mejor de Iron Maiden, super mega clásico
Je comprends pourquoi c'est un classique. Les riffs posent les bases pour de nombreux groupes à venir.
das war schonmal ein schöner Anfang, die besseren kommen noch und live sind die fantastisch
☆4.5 初代ボーカル、ポールディアノ時代に出たアルバム(1st) パンキッシュな吐き捨てるようなボーカルが特徴。 ギターソロの完成度も高い。 個人的にはかなり満足度の高いアルバムだった。
This band always had a great visual style. Not only entertaining but its consistency and cartoonishness told you a lot about them and their music before you ever listened to it. So even though I never dug metal I always had a soft spot for these guys because their album art told me that they didn't take themselves too seriously and were never going to be too demanding in terms of getting overly ambitious. Anyway, so I never heard this before today but was prepared to like it ok even though I am pretty far from the pimply headbanger I imagine to be their core audience. And I did!
Although this project would have been just fine without this early Iron Maiden album, it's still fun to listen to it again after many many decades. I'll admit that until the opening vocals on the not-aged-well "Prowler", I'd completely forgotten about the Paul Di'Anno era of Iron Maiden, which was much more raw than their later style; this is particularly noticeable in the classic "Running Free" as well as the somewhat painful "Charlotte the Harlot". I also enjoyed their quirky prog/punk "Phantom of the Opera" (I remember trying (and failing) to perfect the opening salvos on my guitar way back then), the quintessential IM dualing-guitar-attack of "Transylvania", and the title track, although none of the tracks really qualify as great songs. Much like the album, but there's a lot of heart in this too (all except apparently poor square-peg guitarist Dennis Stratton, who just wanted to play Queen-style ballads and smell the flowers).
Did not expect to enjoy this as much as I did. That said, I didn't really like it as much as appreciate a few of the rhythms and some nice guitar.
Some of the songs are great, others are okay. Sounds more like a group of young men having fun and playing around with their instruments, which is great. I expected this to be really hardcore and difficult to listen to, especially considering the age. But I was pleasantly surprised, it’s fun and has a lot of musicality.
Love Iron Maiden!
As a kid who grew up in the 80's and 90's right in the heart of the satanic panic it's funny to go back and listen to this kind of metal. Holy shit were people losing their minds of Iron Maiden and AC/DC. When you actually sit down and listen to it you realize that it is nothing compared to what would come later. Hell I'm sure if I played some Iron Maiden now to some people they might go 'wow this is pretty good punk/heavy rock'. Which is it, and this album is great.
Awesome debut album from a legendary heavy metal band. I can hear how they evolved into long, melodic songs with amazing guitar solos in their later work based on the songs off this album. I'm glad they ditched Paul Di'Anno for Bruce Dickinson, I've never liked Paul's voice. This album I can tolerate him mostly. 3.44/5 stars
Amazing!
Prefer Black Sabbath or LED Zeppelin
5 stars. Their iconic second album. Missing a little something without Dickinson, but still one of the classic heavy metal albums. Great sound and dark riffs.
Vadå metal? Mittemellan pop och Led Zeppelin. Vilka gitarrer! Fyra plus
Not my favourite Iron Maiden album but a good debut, and for the time it was released created a following that helped prop the band up as a heavy metal / post punk staple. I’d still rather listen to Powerslave.
Decent. More heavy than I expected for a "dad-metal" band. Fairly melodic. Great for a bands early album.
but boring
Not sure I’ve heard this one before. Most of the songs are familiar but not memorable. Good one for the nostalgia.
It was ok
I love the drums and guitar but the vocals are weak and the lyrics silly. Does not belong in the top tier of metal albums.
As far as metal goes, this was fine, though a bit insipid.
Lots of guitar noise, and not much else going for it.
Tolerated it better than I thought it would, but still not my thing.
Another metal album - fine, but just not my sort of thing - not a bad album - just all feel very similar
2.5 stars. I like that little guy on the front, but ehh to the rest.
So rock and roll. Just like Black Sabbath, it's really funny to me that this is the kind of music people would clutch pearls at back when this came out. Maybe it's the spooky album art.
“It’s nice for people who like that kind of music” - Nora My music history is all messed up. I thought this kind of metal didn’t come around until later in the 80s. There were parts I liked, mostly it was just too much.
I like this singer more than Dickinson tbh
Iron maidenista ei kai voi muuta sanoa kuin huh huh! Isoveljen kautta näihinkin biiseihin joskus tutustunut
Doesn't quite fall into wood rock and not full nwobhm making a quality 70s rock album
Long time dince I’ve listened to any Maiden and i must admit the style of remember tomorrow shocked and jarred slightly. I much prefer the Bruce Dickinson era Iron Maiden as i’m not a fan of Di’Anno’s vocal style. That said ‘Prowler’ and ‘Phantom of the opera’ are great tracks.
I’m not particularly a fan of Iron Maiden, but I suppose this sounds exactly how you think a Maiden album would sound - soaring vocals, interesting lyrical imagery, and unnecessarily long guitar solos. Ticks all the boxes if it’s your thing, I guess - it just isn’t really mine.
First off, and entirely immaterial to the music, I feel like I must point out, Iron Maiden album covers are ridiculous. Just absolute nonsense. And, I would argue, completely misleading as they're a far more melodic band than that cover art suggests. After listening to this twice, I am now categorising Iron Maiden in the same list as U2: wouldn't turn it off if it came on shuffle, never going to choose to listen to it. 3/5
Not what I expected. I thought they would be more heavy metal. Just sounds like high-powered, guitar driven rock’n’roll to me. I’m impressed. Well done.
This was fine, but no bangers like a few other iron maiden albums
7,5/10
\m/ Paul Di'Anno is better than I remembered. I'm a big fan of Madien, and even though it isn't my favorite album of theirs, it's still great. "Iron Maiden" is a raw album that gives us a peek at what the band would become, as a great first album should. It has great basslines and energetic drums, amazing guitars, and unique song subjects (especially 'Phantom'). loved all of the songs except for "Transylvania" and "Charlotte the Harlot" . My favorites were: "Running Free", "Phantom of the Opera", and "Iron Maiden" 4/5
Best of IM! A classic!
This was fun - and not in my collection!
Fockin hell yeah
Really good guitar and the sound is overall nice. But generic lyrics and one very misogynist song. 6/10
I enjoyed this album the last time I took a gander at it. Loved it again.
if wrathchild had been in this album it would have been solid 5 stars
One of the classics
I enjoyed this more than I expected.
A band I pretended to like as a kid circa 1987—for the posters—but found Bruce Dickinson’s vocals a bit shrill. This is probably heresy but I think I like Paul Di’Anno better?
It’s a solid Album but not as great as the number of the Beast!
Yeah vampires and that thing in the album cover are really cool.
Like it 3/5
Iron Maiden are the goats of classic heavy metal and while this isn't one of their masterpieces, it's a phenomenal debut and a great album in it's own right. 89/100
I was positively surprised about this. Really nice album.
Iron Maiden without Bruce Dickinson is a different band. The soaring vocals are replaced with a more growled, workmanlike sound. I like it!
Mijn favoriet: Phantom of The Opera. De bridge in het liedje zit goed in elkaar en vond ik leuk om te luisteren. Niet helemaal mijn muziek, maar na dit album waardeer ik het wel al meer.
very good album
You can hear flashes of what would make them great on Phantom of the Opera and Iron Maiden, but the rest is pretty pedestrian.
Not bad, but not my style
Best Song: Charlotte the Harlott A solid start to one of metal's pioneers. 4/5.
I don’t like the galloping sound.
Just not my kind of music in any way. I can get why people like it, and understand its relevance, but it’s not for me.
Perfectly cromulent metal.
3.5 but we will round up yeah girllllll
not all 1001 can be good
The only thing stopping this from being a 5 is that it didn't make me go crazy go stupid. It is a very high 4 and the guitar is killer.
Hey guys horns up from Australia. #MetalMonday. Errrm this looks like me before my morning coffee. Who’s ready to rock?! Alright. I can’t do it anymore. I have unleashed as much cringeworthy “pick me” content as I can muster and now it’s time to give Iron Maiden a fair shake. As a kid who gravitated towards the more gruff metal music, this band eluded me with the soaring vocals and melodic choruses. I am excited to see how this hits me now as the *ahem* open-minded music enjoyer I’ve become. Prowler - Great riff, especially with that bass line underneath. The vocals were always the part of Iron Maiden I couldn’t get behind, whether it’s this guy or Bruce Dickinson. There is just a bit of bite missing for me here. Not bad though. Remember Tomorrow - Remember? Tomorrow??? How can I ? Wait a second. You’re friggin with my mind, Iron. Is this the name of that Tom Cruise movie that I believe was on while I slept off a cold? Oh that was “Edge of Tomorrow.” This riff is a lot better than that was. Running Free - A decent song. There are riffs scattered in amongst this entire album that rule, but there is also a weakness in the vocals that I can’t shake. Phantom of the Opera - Fantastic intro. This leans on the instruments more and more and they go pretty hard. This is a solid track. Transylvania - Oh now we’re getting more metallic. The song title and the opening gallop. This feels like the Iron Maiden that I hoped existed beneath the layer of songs I didn’t quite get anything from. Sure, there are no vocals, and I’ve harped on that since the preview paragraph, but if the shoe fits… Strange World - Why does this album need a ballad? I’ll tell you, it doesn’t and this should be removed from the canon. Iron Maiden’s and music in general. Not for me. Charlotte the Harlot - uhh is this a late 90’s skate punk song? Oh god it kicks on from there. This is the dumbest song lyrically by far, but it rips pretty hard. Who am I to deny this drive? Ugh, at least until the emotional appeal to the woman you have been calling a “harlot” for the past two minutes. Not a bad track, but taken down by the lame lyrical content. Iron Maiden - There is something so satisfying about the triple name. The self-titled song on the self-titled record. Bliss. The song itself ain’t half bad either. This album is a lesson in Heavy Metal bass playing. In sayjng that that, There was some catching up to do from the rest of the band. This vocalist parting was best for everybody, and the beefing up of guitars will have to come around, or else future projects would suffer from the same hollow fate this album did. I’m not sure if it was the production, but this all felt so thin to me. There was an almost operatic feel to the entire album and I want that aesthetic far away from most of my music, especially metal. Iron Maiden’s maiden voyage didn’t provide much in the way of surprise, and didn’t quite break my perception of the giants of British Heavy Metal. Good, but not great, as I believe they have the potential to be. 3 HIGHLIGHTS: Remember Tomorrow, Phantom of the Opera, Transylvania
I am not sure if I've listened to this album before bc they're all kinda the same to me. It didn't change my impression from Iron Maiden: the music is technically well composed and played and everything's cool but it's just boring and predictable and cheesy as hell. Works ok as a background music.
Really great.