Best albums
3. Powerslave
The Egyptian theme was not kept all the way through the album, but that does not take away that "Powerslave" is a hell of a album. With songs like the title track, "2 Minutes To Midnight" and "The Rime of The Ancient Mariner", you cannot fail.
2. Seventh Son of A Seventh Son
This album may mostly be remembered by its ultra epic title track, but "Seventh Son of A Seventh Son" is much more then pure epicness. Maiden shows their full register with tracks like "The Clairvoyant", "The Evil That Men Do" and "Can I Play With Madness". This album is the ultimate show of the band's skills and width.
1. Somewhere In Time
Both this album and "Seventh Son of A Seventh Son" got a perfect score, so why is this album superior? Easy, "Somewhere In Time" is filled with 8 catchy, groovy, melodic and awesome songs that are very easily likable. There is no filler in sight and the songwriting is just incredible. This is a album that shows all of Maiden's good sides. A perfect album from start to finish.
Worst album
The X Factor
What a chock that I chose this album, right? Seriously, "The X Factor" is what I consider the only bad Maiden album because of its very dark theme and sluggish momentum. This was a experiment that went horribly wrong. If it had not been for "Man On the Edge" and "Judgement of Heaven", I would have totally despised that album for all eternity. And let us not forget that Blaze did not keep the same standard as Bruce, but we already knew that.
Best songs
5. Powerslave
If heavy metal was invented in ancient Egypt, I would be pretty sure that this would be one of the Pharaoh's favourite songs. Listen especially to that excellent big rock ending.
4. Fear of The Dark
This is one of the best live songs ever created, but even if some of the direct impact is lost on the CD, "Fear of The Dark" still remain as a hell of a roller coaster ride with memorable riffs and a infectious chorus.
3. The Loneliness of The Long Distance Runner
This is just one of several songs I wished Maiden would play live more often (only been played live once in Belgrade 1986). I dare you to find a chorus that has more epicness in it
2. Brighter Than A Thousand Suns
Maiden have done a ton of epic pieces, but this one takes the price. Great riffing, slamming beats, powerful vocals and a chorus that is more contagious then a zombie virus. Best song from the 21st century Maiden records.
1. Hallowed Be Thy Name
"Hallowed Be Thy Name" has every ingredient of being a fantastic masterpiece. A fantastic riff, great song structure and musicians that plays like clockwork. The whole song is perfection from the mellow start to the epic finisher. A song that is the definition of perfection.
Best album cover
Powerslave
We have seen Eddie as a mental patient, a time traveler, a war soldier, as the grim reaper and as an alien, but it stands pretty clear that Eddie looks best as an ancient Egyptian Pharaoh. The rest of the artwork is also kind of nice I guess.
Total discography verdict
Quality: 8/10
If it had not been for the albums released in the 90's, then I would have given a 9 or even a 10 if I was generous. But a band is only as strong as its weakest album, and Maiden have three low points ("No Prayer For The Dying", "The X Factor" and "Virtual XI") that drags down the rating.
Band Chemistry: 8/10
The current line-up has played together since 1999 and some of the members have been with the band even longer then that. But Steve Harris is the only original member left and has been since the middle of the 70's. Otherwise relatively few line-up changes during the band's 30+ year
Creativity: 9/10
This band can create any type of song. Fast, slow, short, long, catchy, epic and progressive. They have also learned to master all of these types during their years.
Musicality: 8/10
There is no doubt that Maiden has some talented musicians in its line up, but it is hard for them all to get enough spotlight attention (especially since there are three guitarists). But they divide the attention well and show us why they are in one of the biggest bands in history.
Lyrics: 9/10
The band is awesome at finding inspiration in the most random of places (poems, history or personal life) and the whole band is good at helping out each other to create the songs (except McBrain). But to get a full 10 I would have liked to see the band go full out on a specified concept, which they have not done yet (even though "Powerslave" and "Seventh Son of A Seventh Son" are very close).
Album rating summary
S/T: 8,5/10
Killers: 7,5/10
The Number of The Beast: 9/10
Piece of Mind: 7/10
Powerslave: 9,5/10
Somewhere In Time: 10/10
Seventh Son of A Seventh Son: 10/10
No Prayer For The Dying: 6/10
Fear of The Dark: 7,5/10
The X Factor: 4,5/10
Virtual XI: 6,5/10
Brave New World: 8/10
Dance of Death: 8,5/10
A Matter of Life And Death: 7/10
The Final Frontier: 8/10
The Book of Souls: 9,5/10
Average rating: 7,9375/10
So tell me, which album and song are your personal favourite and does Iron Maiden deserve the attention that they have? Leave your comments below. Stay metal and up the Irons.
Sharkruisher
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