LABEL: Sanctuary Records
VINYL RELEASE DATE: 7/12/2024
ORIGINAL RELEASE DATE: 1980
VARIANT: Black Vinyl LP

Theres an intimidating feel to much of Iron Maidens 1980 debut album that distinguishes it from the rest of the legendary metal bands catalogue. Early vocalist Paul DiAnnos powerhouse raspiness is all threat-and-menace on nearly punk-surged pounders like Prowler, while knife-flicking teen rebellion drives the aggressively bopping Running Free. Then again, Phantom of the Opera is a progressively-twisted walk through the macabre that foreshadowed Maidens future days. While the album finds the band at their rawest and most primordial, Iron Maiden features a bunch of bangers the band still play to this day.