Iron Maiden, the legendary British heavy metal band, has always been known for their unique blend of hard-hitting riffs and soaring vocals. But what many fans might not realize is that the band has a deep-rooted love for progressive rock (prog) that has permeated their music since the late 1980s. In this article, I will explore the band's proggy moments and delve into the personal perspectives of the band members, particularly bassist Steve Harris and singer Bruce Dickinson, who have both expressed their admiration for the genre. From covers of Jethro Tull and Beckett songs to epic prog-inspired tracks, Iron Maiden has embraced the genre in their own distinct way. So, let's dive into the world of Iron Maiden's proggy moments and uncover the stories behind these captivating songs.
Cross-Eyed Mary (1983)
One of the earliest indications of Iron Maiden's love for prog rock was their cover of Jethro Tull's Cross-Eyed Mary. This song, which was the b-side to the iconic single The Trooper, showcased the band's willingness to experiment with different genres. Unlike Dickinson, who has performed with Tull mainman Ian Anderson, Harris has never met Anderson, but he has expressed his admiration for his music. This cover song was a subtle hint to fans that there was a proggy side to the band, and it set the stage for future proggy moments.
Rainbow's Gold (1984)
Another proggy moment for Iron Maiden was their cover of Beckett's Rainbow's Gold. This song was nestled away on the b-side to the single 2 Minutes To Midnight, and it showcased the band's willingness to explore the genre further. Beckett, a 70s UK prog rock band, was known for their unique sound, and Iron Maiden's cover of their song was a testament to their love for the genre. This cover song was a subtle hint to fans that the band was not afraid to experiment with different sounds, and it set the stage for future proggy moments.
Rime Of The Ancient Mariner (1984)
The epic closing track for the album Powerslave, Rime Of The Ancient Mariner, was the first Maiden-penned tune to offer a glimpse of the band's proggy proclivities. Based on Samuel Taylor Coleridge's epic poem, this song showcased the band's willingness to explore different musical styles. Harris, who wrote this song, has expressed his admiration for lengthy compositions, and this song was a testament to his love for the genre. It was a subtle hint to fans that the band was not afraid to experiment with different musical styles, and it set the stage for future proggy moments.
Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son (1988)
By 1988, Iron Maiden had fully embraced the prog rock genre, and the title track of their seventh album was the proggiest of the lot. With the introduction of keyboards into the Maiden sound, this song showcased the band's willingness to experiment with different musical styles. Harris, who wrote this song, has expressed his admiration for the genre, and this song was a testament to his love for it. It was a subtle hint to fans that the band was not afraid to experiment with different sounds, and it set the stage for future proggy moments.
Sign Of The Cross (1995)
For their first album after Dickinson left, Iron Maiden didn't go for the easy option. Instead, they opened The X Factor with this 11-minute epic and its moody intro of chanting monks, building the suspense until it exploded in emphatic style. This song showcased the band's willingness to experiment with different musical styles and their ability to create epic prog-inspired tracks. It was a subtle hint to fans that the band was not afraid to push the boundaries of their music, and it set the stage for future proggy moments.
Dream Of Mirrors (2000)
The band's passion for prog really came to the fore when Dickinson returned for 2000's Brave New World, particularly this 9-minute workout. Harris, who wrote this song, has expressed his admiration for the genre, and this song was a testament to his love for it. It was a subtle hint to fans that the band was not afraid to experiment with different musical styles, and it set the stage for future proggy moments.
Paschendale (2003)
Although he normally writes shorter, more commercially minded material, guitarist Adrian Smith got his prog on with this epic about the Battle Of Paschendale from WWI on the Dance Of Death album. This song showcased the band's willingness to explore different musical styles and their ability to create epic prog-inspired tracks. It was a subtle hint to fans that the band was not afraid to experiment with different sounds, and it set the stage for future proggy moments.
When The Wild Wind Blows (2010)
Another epic album closer from 2010's The Final Frontier, this time clocking in at almost 11 minutes and as complex as you get with Maiden. Penned by Harris alone, it soon proved to be a live favorite in the band's set. This song showcased the band's willingness to experiment with different musical styles and their ability to create epic prog-inspired tracks. It was a subtle hint to fans that the band was not afraid to push the boundaries of their music, and it set the stage for future proggy moments.
Empire Of The Clouds (2015)
With its laid-back piano intro, the final track on 2015's The Book Of Souls remains the longest song on any Maiden album. Penned by Dickinson, the song tells the story of the British R101 airship, which crashed in northern France on 5 October 1930 during its maiden voyage. This song showcased the band's willingness to experiment with different musical styles and their ability to create epic prog-inspired tracks. It was a subtle hint to fans that the band was not afraid to explore different themes and musical styles, and it set the stage for future proggy moments.
Death Of The Celts (2020)
You could take any of the final three tracks, all written by Harris, from 2020's Senjutsu, and make a case for them being some of the band's proggiest. Indeed, on the vinyl version, the last disc almost becomes a standalone Maiden prog album! This song showcased the band's willingness to experiment with different musical styles and their ability to create epic prog-inspired tracks. It was a subtle hint to fans that the band was not afraid to push the boundaries of their music, and it set the stage for future proggy moments.
In conclusion, Iron Maiden's love for prog rock has been a constant throughout their career, and their willingness to experiment with different musical styles has created some of their most captivating songs. From covers of Jethro Tull and Beckett songs to epic prog-inspired tracks, the band has embraced the genre in their own distinct way. So, the next time you listen to an Iron Maiden song, take a step back and think about the proggy moments that have shaped their music. From my perspective, the band's love for prog rock is a testament to their creativity and willingness to push the boundaries of their music, and it has created some of the most captivating songs in the genre.
