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Iron Maiden: Fear of the dark

15/10/10 || InquisitorGeneralis

“Fear of the Dark” is not at as bad as you think it is, asswipe. Sorry, but while I am writing this I am envisioning an overweight, middle aged loser with a skullet who lives in his parent’s basement sneering about how “Fear of the Dark” is a crappy album…

Its production is flat…

So is the last pair of titties you ever touched.

It is a letdown compared to the 80’s material…

Yeah, well your life spent on message boards (like Global Domination) and comic-conventions is a waste too.

The title song is the only good thing on the album…

“Fear of the dark rules”, I agree. But get your thumb out of your ass and listen to the whole thing. You might find something you like. Or something more to complain about. For a band as loved as Iron Maiden is, its fans certainly love to bitch and saw how disappointed they are by them. Let’s try and put things in perspective and wind the clock back eighteen years.

In 1992 most big-time metal bands besides Pantera and Megadeth were making shit albums and grunge was destroying whatever mainstream popularity the hair bands had brought to metal in general. Sabbath sucked and Priest has lost Halford. Metallica had lost their balls and Slayer had lost their Lombardos. Now, the underground death and extreme scenes were kicking ass but I am talking about the big boys here. In this turbulent atmosphere Maiden released “Fear of the Dark” which would be the last album with Bruce until “Brave New World” eight years later. “Fear of the Dark” is not perfect, not a classic (or else I would be writing at Class6(66) entry for it numb nuts), and not completely at the level of “Powerslave”, “Piece of Mind”, or “Somewhere in Time”. However, if you can put your undying fanboy love for all things 80’s Maiden aside you will realize that there is some good shit on “Fear of the Dark” besides the title song.

First, the negatives. It’s too long. There are about four or five songs that could have been left off of here. Not because they suck completely, but Maiden albums are best when they are trim and fit. “Weekend warrior” and “Wasting love” do kind of suck though now that I think about it. Definite cut material there. A ton of people bitch about the production. I see no major problems besides things being a bit muffled. We are not talking Morrisound muffled though so I do see what all the bitching is about. Bruce sneers and growls a bit more than he belts out the epic screams. Some people don’t like that, I really don’t care. The negative aspects of “Fear…” are really not that bad at all.

The songs on here are more straightforward and rockin’ like those found on “No Prayer for the Dying” rather than epic and expansive…except for the title track of course. This does not bother me because I enjoy “No Prayer…” quite a bit. However, many tracks do contain some pretty killer guitar sections and solos. Something that seemed to be absent from most of “No Prayer…” The album starts of strong with the upbeat “Be quick or be dead” and the catchy “From here to eternity”. “Afraid to shoot strangers” starts off pretty weak but makes an amazing comeback when the pace picks up. The whispering vocals during the chorus are a bit odd, but the solo and dual-guitar melody that kicks in halfway-though are pretty excellent.

“Fear is the key” is not bad either but is a bit of a drop in quality from its predecessors. “Childhood’s end” is nothing special though until, again, the solo and mid-section come to the rescue big time. “The Fugitive” is a solid, faster-paced track and I like the cheesy-as-cheddar chorus quite a bit. “Chains of misery” does not sound like your average Maiden song but is also pretty enjoyable; a little change is good every now and then. “Judas my guide” really sounds a lot like “Public enema number one” and “Hooks in you”. Not a problem seeing as I like those songs (insert hateful forumer comment here).

“Fear of the dark” finishes the album on an incredible note. The lyrics are stupid as all hell but the song dominates. Just ask the 50,000 or so people I have song it with at the last two Maiden concerts I attended. It is far and above the rest of “Fear of the Dark”, I admit. But, most of the rest are pretty good tracks that feature some genuinely awesome moments. Janick Gers is no Adrian, we got that. But, I have no issues with his playing on here. Murray and Harris deliver their expected solid performances. Same goes for Mr. McBrain on the drums. He rumbles along and manages to provide solid but still interesting backbones to most of the tracks on here. Here is a shocking statement for you: even on an album not considered a “classic” Maiden is still a tight fucken band. Period.

Like most of you out there, my Iron Maiden knowledge began with the classics. I skipped over “Fear of the Dark” for a long time, thinking it was a lackluster album. However, when I finally sat down and really gave it a chance I found alot of songs to liked beyond the title track. It ain’t the best Maiden record, not by a long shot. But it’s interesting and, except for a few stinkers, pretty enjoyable all the way through. Try it out one more time before you pass judgment, ok?

Information
Released: 1992
Label: EMI
Website: www.ironmaiden.com
Band
Bruce Dickinson: vocals
Steve Harris: bass
Dave Murray: guitars
Janick Gers: guitars
Nicko McBrain: drums

Tracklist
01. Be Quick or Be Dead
02. From Here to Eternity
03. Afraid to Shoot Strangers
04. Fear Is the Key
05. Childhood’s End
06. Wasting Love
07. The Fugitive
08. Chains of Misery
09. The Apparition
10. Judas Be My Guide
11. Weekend Warrior
12. Fear of the Dark

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