(September 2017) I have completed episode 138 of my “opus project,” in which I listen to a band’s full discography. This edition: IRON MAIDEN. Out of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, Iron Maiden has always seemed a cut above, pushing all the headbanger buttons — operatic voice, apocalyptic themes, harmony guitars, thundering riffs.
Favorite album: The Number of the Beast
Favorite song: Hallowed Be Thy Name
Best period: 1980-83 (first four albums)
Worst period: 1996-98 (the two albums without Bruce Dickinson)
Special sauce: Dave Murray
Compared to expectations: same ↓↑
Opus Project 