Heavy Maytal : Iron Maiden's "Iron Maiden" debut album

 

This 1980 classic redefined Heavy Metal with a sound that carried an even more punkish aggression than Judas Priest, but also the songwriting smarts of progressive. Steve Harris and Dave Murray, the only original members who played on this, are also in the current incarnation of the band. Drummer Clive Burr had a raw, energetic style that would evolve, with Harris' bass playing the most nuanced element in a song like "Sanctuary." The twin harmony parts that we now think of when it comes to this band were not at the forefront.

Paul Di'Anno's vocal style is grittier than Dickinson's more operatic belting, but he worked well for what the band was doing at the time, which was not far removed from bands like Thin Lizzy. Murray's playing feels more dominant than Dennis Stratton's. The yare both following the wandering path Harris leads them down on the power ballad "Remember Tomorrow," which also shows that Paul can actually sing really well when he puts his mind to it, though his voice breaks into falsetto way before Bruce's. Midway into the song, they are the gallop we know them for. 

The more upbeat "Running Free" follows the formula for what would become their anthemic arena rousing side. It remained one of their live staples. "Phantom of the Opera" is more overtly progressive than the other songs up to this point.  The guitar solo on this is clearly a Murray, as it showcases his melodic phrashing. Dennis is handling the higher background vocals, a role Adrian Smith would later take on. The instrumental "Transylvania" was written by Steve Harris for his previous band Smiler. It has faster riffs that would go on to inspire thrash bands to come. "Strange World" is another strong ballad that Paul shines on. Perhaps even more than "Remember Tomorrow".  There are more interesting guitar tones and phrases on this one as well. 

The more in your face "Charlotte the Harlot" is the first of four songs Dave Murray would write about this prostitute that he claims is based on a true story. I like the melodic middle section of this one. The album closes with the eponymous theme song, which they still play live. I will give this album a 10; it's one of the strongest debuts from a metal band. I would rank above the debuts of Priest, Slayer, and Metallica. 

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R.I.P - Paul Di'Anno

 

I am listening to the "Killers" album, as I write this. To be honest, I am only a fan of his work with Maiden, and though over the years I was at times curious, about his post- Maiden work, I do not recall ever listening to his work after Maiden. At 66, I should not be surprised that Di'Anno lived as long as he did given how hard he lived his life. What made him a unique star, would be his demise, but such is the fate of those who can not find a middle path.  Even paying tribute to Di'Anno I have to say I am in the Bruce camp, but there is no denying the groundwork Paul laid for the band to grow into. He played his last show with Maiden in 1981 before they recruited Bruce from Sampson.

 Over the years the reasons for his firing have ranged from Di"Anno not wanting to tour, to drugs and alcohol, he did not approve of the way Stever Harris and manager Ron Smallwood ran the band, but the results tell the truth, as apparent in Maiden's success without him.  His street-wise nature gave them the edge they needed. His life up until his death was littered with trips in and out of prison. He was a wrathful person lashing at the world around him, which is what makes his songs feel grounded.  Most punk rockers prefer the first two albums, for this reason,  they are raw. His voice is distinct in a different manner from Bruce's. 

He went on to front Battlezone and Killers, but they were far from anything he did with Maiden. Perhaps drugs were the problem that hindered his career the most. Perhaps it was living in the shadow of a band that went on to become one of the biggest in metal without him. Still, the first two Iron Maiden albums serve as his legacy, and they are two albums better than what most bands can muster, so it speaks to Di'Anno being an incredible singer in his own right.

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