Iron Maiden is considered as one of the pioneering bands of heavy metal, though it is younger than fellow bands like Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, and so forth. Furthermore, Iron Maiden built an influential unique style in the realms of heavy metal. Despite many changes in the band line-up, the band was able to release creative works in various stages.
The only constant members in the history of Iron Maiden are Steve Harris and Dave Murray. In addition to a legendary bassist, Steve Harris is also a legendary songwriter, and has had a constant influence on the Iron Maiden works both musically and lyrically. Dave Murray is not usually active in songwriting.
In the presence of great metal musicians in different times, it is hard to credit one person for the Iron Maiden success; however, the constant influence of Steve Harris is visible in all stages. Almost all albums of Iron Maiden performed by different line-ups are favorite works for the fans; and this is a rare case.
A characteristic feature of Iron Maiden is a strong focus on bass rhythms as the backbone of the music. This is the dominant structure in almost all songs of Iron Maiden.
Chronicle of Iron Maiden
Besides early careers (which are not available), the band found a solid line-up in the late 1970s for releasing the debut self-titled album with Paul Di’Aano (vocalist), Dennis Stratto (guitar), and Clive Burr (drums). Then, Adrian Smith, a technical guitarist and songwriter, replaced Dennis Stratto for the release of Killers. These two albums have the same tune as almost all songs were written by Steve Harris.
The most fortunate event in the Iron Maiden history occurred when the legendary vocalist Bruce Dickinson joined the band. That time, Steve Harris was still the leading songwriter but Adrian Smith was also involved. Bruce Dickinson, who is a great songwriter, did not participate in songwriting of his first album with Iron Maiden, i.e. The Number of the Beast.
When the drummer Nicko McBrain replaced Clive Burr, Iron Maiden found a golden line-up; and Bruce Dickinson became one of the leading songwriters of the band. Interestingly, Steve Harris kept the Iron Maiden characteristic structure, while Bruce Dickinson and Adrian Smith added new features. The apogee of this golden line-up was the album Seventh Son of a Seventh Son, which one of the best albums of Iron Maiden (if not the best).
When Adrian Smith left the band, there was a serious worry among the fans about the future careers of Iron Maiden. Janick Gers, former guitarist of Ian Gillan Band, joined the band, and Iron Maiden released No Prayer for the Dying, which is usually considered among the worst albums of Iron Maiden. In the next album, Fear of the Dark, Janick Gers replaced the songwriting role of Adrian Smith too. Fear of the Dark achieved a considerable popularity.
When Bruce Dickinson left the band after the Fear of the Dark tour, fans believed that Iron Maiden could hardly survive in the absence of the legendary vocalist who has been become one of the main characteristics of Iron Maiden. When everyone was thinking of a leading metal vocalist, Blaze Bayley, the infamous vocalist of Wolfsbane, joined the band.
Once again, Steve Harris became the dominant songwriter, and Iron Maiden released an extraordinarily long album (in comparison with their previous albums, and common length of heavy metal albums). Unexpectedly, the album was good - having the essential elements of Iron Maiden, though it did not satisfy some zealot fans. The second album with Blaze Bayley, Virtual XI, was indeed one of the worst albums of Iron Maiden, though it was still a good heavy metal album with some great songs; but not one expects from Iron Maiden.
In the situation that Iron Maiden could hardly survive with Blaze Bayley, the legendary vocalist, Bruce Dickinson came back to the band; and surprisingly, Adrian Smith, who was a guitarist of Bruce Dickinson’s solo albums in this period, also joined the band. As a result, Iron Maiden, once again, get the golden line-up plus the resident guitarist, Janick Gers.
A talented dexterity of Steve Harris was to adopt a strong bass rhythm in the presence of two strong guitarists; but it was hard to imagine how the band would like to handle three guitarists in this circumstance. Although some expected a noisy collection of guitars, Brave New World was a technically perfect album.
It is indeed the case for the last three albums of Iron Maiden with six-member line-up, as they have reached a technical maturity in their music; though some fans expect more sentimental elements and usually prefer classic works of Iron Maiden.
As the final words, in the presence of Steve Harris bass and songwriting, Iron Maiden remained a unique music throughout three decades; and it is not similar to any other heavy metal records, even solo albums of the band members.
 |
 |
 |
