Track Listing

1. Sign Of The Cross
2. Lord Of The Flies
3. Man On The Edge
4. Fortunes Of War
5. Look For The Truth
6. Aftermath
7. Judgement Of Heaven
8. Blood On The World's Hands
9. Edge Of Darkness
10. 2am
11. Unbeliever

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #4424 in Music
• Released on: 1998-03-23
• Number of discs: 1
• Format: Explicit Lyrics

CD Description
When longtime vocalist Bruce Dickinson left Iron Maiden in 1993, many fans feared that the band was finished. But the rest of the band decided to stick it out, finding a replacement in ex-Wolfsbane frontman "Blaze" Bayley. On Maiden's first recording with Bayley, 1995's THE X FACTOR, the band sticks to the same musical direction of its early-'90s work: straightforward, heavy tunes.
Bayley's voice couldn't have been more different than that of his predecessor. While Dickinson sang in a higher register (often in an operatic style), Bayley was more of a bassy, low-down belter--just listen to such tracks as "Man on the Edge" and "Lord of the Flies" forproof. Unfortunately, the new lineup didn't have the same staying power as the Dickinson-fronted era, lasting for only one more recording.

Customer Reviews

Definatley something different
After the evil sounds of Paul Di'Anno and the class orchestra-esque wailing of Bruce Dickinson, once again Iron Maiden have/had a vocalist (Blaze Bayley) whose voice reflects the music. Compared to albums like The Number Of The Beast, Powerslave etc, this is more of a darker nature. More so than the Iron Maiden and Killers albums. Along with the morbid nature of most of the songs, this gives a feeling of the evilness that people sometimes tend to stereotype Maiden with.

The first track , Sign Of The Cross, is an 11 minute monster with chanting monks. Personally, I think that this does wonders for the effect. But I know people have found this off-putting. If you feel uncertain about your opinions of Maiden, then this will probably tip it towards the negative side. At least you get plenty for your money. 70 odd minutes. Considerably longer than some of the stuff out there.

Personally, I think this albums kicks. But if you only ever buy one Iron Maiden album, you may be better off with The Number Of The Beast.

Maiden At Their Blazeing Best!
Like many fans, I was initially turned off by the drastic change of vocal style when Bruce Dickinson left and Blaze Bailey stepped in. Bailey's style is so different to Dickinson's that the 'Maiden' sound took a step towards another dimension!
At first, I could not get into this new sound, particularly Bailey's style of singing.
But, as all the best albums achieve, 'Sign Of The Cross' began to grow on me. I found myself humming the title track, 'Lord Of The Flies' and 'Man On The Edge' without realising it. More importantly, this new arrival breathed a new life into the band's writing and performance. Maiden's music became more disciplined, yet more emotional (very lacking with the Dickinson era).
It still took more time to get used to Bailey's style but, honestly, there is something addictive about his voice.In fact, it was so addictive that I eventually went out and bought the 3 'Blaze' albums he produced once he left Maiden! The man has become one of my favourite vocalists!
If you are new to Iron Maiden, then a 'Best Of' compilation is best. This should also feature Maiden's original singer, Paul Di'anno. You will then have a broad idea of what Maiden are all about.
Essentially, the ultimate Maiden sound is the band that featured Dickinson, but 'The Sign Of The Cross' and, more importantly, Blaze Bailey, gave the band the kick up the a** it needed.
All the songs on the album are pretty much classic, full of energy, and have a catch to 'em that will make them hammer around your brain.
Personally, this is my favourite Iron Maiden album. But, be warned, give the album a chance to grow on you. You will learn to love it!

Dont be put off!
This isnt bruce dickinson or indeed bruce dickinsons iron maiden but don't be put off because Blaze does a great job. I think the introduction of Blaze changed iron maiden, this album is much darker and slower and in many ways more intense than those before it. If you're new to the band and want straight foward speed and iron maiden agression then buy something like Piece of Mind, but if your a fan and you want to hear a different iron maiden Buy this album, listen with an open mind and you will thoroughly enjoy it.