IRON MAIDEN – From Fear To Eternity: Essential Maiden To Own
IRON MAIDEN – Yes, as the die-hard Iron Maiden fan that I am, I bought From Fear To Eternity on Tuesday, June 7th, 2011. The sub-title is: The Best Of 1990-2010. There’s something about “needing” a new CD of songs that I already own… it’s called what am I thinking? In fairness, I actually never owned the live version of Man On The Edge… until now. Apparently this live version was the B-side of the Wicker Man single. I’ll mention Man On The Edge again in this post…
Regardless of my buyers remorse over this new Iron Maiden “best of”, the cover artwork looks super cool and the liner notes are Metal dandy. A killer center-spread in the liner notes depicts 7 versions of (mascot) Eddie from the past 20 years, with a second center-spread documenting all 8 studio albums from this time period as well.
Having 23 of Iron Maiden’s “best” songs from the last two decades, on two CD’s makes for a convenient listen, whether I’m on the go or just chillin’ out. Plus, there is much to be said about us collectors wanting a complete run of our core bands. As I look at it a few days later, I’m psyched that I bought From Fear To Eternity. This is Iron Maiden! (Even though my favorite Iron Maiden era is the 80’s decade). Heck, there are times when I will spend a quick ten bucks on coffee in one day or that same amount on beer and I won’t even bat an eye. Well, I kinda do.
I do wish that the songs from the two albums that had lead vocalist Blaze Bayley (The X Factor, Virtual XI) were included as the original studio tracks. The 3 songs from these two albums are presented live with the legendary Bruce Dickinson on vocals. The 3 songs are: Man On The Edge, Sign Of The Cross and The Clansman. Blaze Bayley was a member of Iron Maiden after all (which is quite a Metal feat) and he should get his deserved recognition on this “best of”. In the end, it’s like Lenny Wolf of Kingdom Come would say: “it is what it is”.
* From Fear To Eternity was released on June 7th, 2011 on Universal Music.
* The album cover artwork was designed/illustrated by Melvyn Grant.
Track Listing:
CD One: The Wicker Man * Holy Smoke * El Dorado * Paschendale * Different World * Man On The Edge (live) * The Reincarnation Of Benjamin Breeg * Blood Brothers * Rainmaker * Sign Of The Cross (live) * Brave New World * Fear Of The Dark (live)
CD Two: Be Quick Or Be Dead * Tailgunner * No More Lies * Coming Home * The Clansman (live) * For The Greater Good Of God * These Colours Don’t Run * Bring Your Daughter… To The Slaughter * Afraid To Shoot Strangers * Dance Of Death * When The Wild Wind Blows
* For more info on IRON MAIDEN, click on the link below:
LONG LIVE IRON MAIDEN.
The word “dandy” was used in this post.
Stone.
Metal Odyssey > Heavy Metal Music Blog 
June 9, 2011 at 3:14 pm
If this had come out one week sooner, I would have pu it on my birthday request list
June 10, 2011 at 9:06 am
Don’t worry… especially if you already have the Iron Maiden catalog. However, put it on your “I’ve been a good dude list”. I have one. You bet. That way my wife knows when I buy CD’s… it’s because I’ve been a good dude. 🙂
June 10, 2011 at 7:39 am
Does any of the artwork include anything new by the original Eddie artist Derick Riggs? That would make this worth picking up for me given that I already have all the material(including the singles) in my collection and could make a comp. cd of my own to mirror it.
June 10, 2011 at 9:03 am
Unfortunately, there is no new artwork from Derek Riggs with “From Fear To Eternity”. You are so right though… you can make this whole CD yourself from your Iron Maiden catalog!
I did not mention this in the post, yet it would have been cool if Iron Maiden added some “rare” bonus tracks that were never released before, even a new cover song for that matter. I really feel bands have to start looking at the “whole package” when it comes to these “best of” albums. Longtime fans like us really have nothing new to sink our teeth into… unless like me, “you just have to have it”… I’m too easy… LOL.
June 10, 2011 at 11:50 am
You’re right, these best of cds really need to add more so the hardcore fans also can get something out of it. At least really cool packaging instead of the standard jewel case, something for the fan to proudly display in his/her collection. Iron Maiden has the potential to make some great packages for the fans, the “Eddies Archive” was an awesome box set which included a cool metal box 3 disks of b-sides(I think they shot their load on that) a cool history scroll, and a neat Eddie shot glass with a cool pewter base(one of my most prized Iron Maiden collectables and is only used when I get myself some nice tasty Jameson Reserve). They also did something where they released stuff with Nicko giving commentary on the music, the commentary by the band would be amazing for the big Maiden fans to have on a best of album. As a huge Maiden fan I’m getting a little tired that their not too much effort into their collectables anymore, especially when I’ve spent a good amount of money on the stuff in the past(don’t get me started on concert pricing).
June 10, 2011 at 7:13 pm
Right on about the “Eddies Archives”. It seems like that prolific box set was a “one and done” kinda deal. It’s just so true about making these “best of” CD’s more juicy for the fans… I’m sure the Iron Maiden archives are still chock-full of good stuff when it comes to “never before heard” recordings.
I won’t get you started on concert pricing, as long as you don’t get me started on the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame! LOL. A building, where Iron Maiden deserves their “rightful spot” in Rock ‘N’ Roll history too. \m/