Being released late in 2002 this was never intended to be a best-of for the die hard Maiden fans. Clearly put out for commercial reasons, and as manager Rod Smallwood has explained, to capture some new fans, after the incredible succes of Brave New World (read review)

The selection of tracks very much says it all. Every track having been a single release, except for Fear Of The Dark, which was taken from the live album Rock In Rio. (read review) But what can I say about the tracks, that hasn't already been said before. Classic tracks, that all are essential in any Maiden collection, and if this release is meant to capture new fans into the fold, they will probably succeed with this track selection.

I find it odd though, that the two Blaze Bayley tracks have found their way onto the record, allthough being among his best performances with the band, and tracks from Iron Maiden and Killers, the 1st and 2nd album aren't represented at all? Aren't they relevant for new fans? Tracks like Wrathchild, Killers, Phantom Of The Opera should be known by all.
Many disliked Blaze Bayley being Maiden for many reasons. Reasons not fitting to write in this review. But in his defence Man On The Edge and Futureal are great in your face tracks.

The conclusion; actually there are two conclusions. Are you a fan? Then spend your money on something else. Unless you are a Maiden loony like me. In that case the album is probably already a part of your ever growing Maiden collection.
Are you a new Maiden fan, then this is a good album to start with. But beware! It definitely doesn't represent all that Maiden stands for.

Favorite Tracks:
Run To The Hills, The Number Of The Beast, Flight Of Icarus, The Trooper, 2 Minutes To Midnight, Wasted Years, Can I Play With Madness, The Evil That Men Do, The Clairvoyant, Infinite Dreams, Holy Smoke, Bring Your Daughter.To The Slaughter, Man On The Edge, Futureal, The Wicker Man, Fear Of The Dark (live)

Written by Ulrick
Sunday, March 30, 2003
Show all reviews by Ulrick

Ratings

Ulrick: 666/10

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Comments and member reviews

Comment by mads (Anonymous) - Monday, March 31, 2003

Du kan vist lide alle de dejlige nummer... Vi Ses

Comment by Morten Hansen (Anonymous) - Tuesday, April 08, 2003

Maiden Rules! period. I agree that this album is released for comercial reasons. There should be more special tracks like "Powerslave" and "Phantom of the Opera". But all in all I think it is an average collection of Maiden songs you just cant avoid. It is good that Blaze songs are represented, because he was the lead singer for some years. (You have to give him that). I think youre right, that this cd will capture new fans. Definetely. Up the Irons.

Comment by Mads (Anonymous) - Wednesday, April 09, 2003

This album was made to give new fans a feel of what Maiden is all about if you want special tracks then get the Best Of the beast album or Ed Hunter (the track list was voted on by fans of the band) and remember to listen to The X-Factor it kicks ass... Mads

Comment by i.Ron S. (Anonymous) - Sunday, May 11, 2003

Stopped that they always make this Best of albums. The 3th allready i think.

Comment by Mark / USA (Anonymous) - Tuesday, September 16, 2003

Favorite album: Piece of Mind Favorite Song: Number of the Beast Best band ever to come out of Europe!!! Kicks ass!!!!!!! Who's this Floyd character??? Let's kill him!!!!!!!!!!!! Up the Irons!

Comment by i.Ron S. (Anonymous) - Friday, October 24, 2003

I'm a verry big fan of the band but at the time i wrote it(see above) down i was dissapointed because they didn't made an album in 3 years and it was after best of the beast and Ed Hunter allready the third time that they brought out an official best of in 7 years and in that time they brought out only 2 albums so this last best of was almost the same as the first and the second. And because i'm a real fan, i buy every new release. And with this album I felth that it was a bit like throw away money because i don't listen to it.(sorry for faults)

Comment by Leslie (Anonymous) - Thursday, March 25, 2004

Well, I can definitely confirm it gains new converts, because I'm one! I was brought up in a hideous environment of Westlife and Britney-I'm-so-constipated-Spears, and the one Iron Maiden track I heard was enough to make all the difference! I figured if any of the songs on E.T.G. were half as good, it was a great bargain (not to mention Eddie is a great deal more handsome than Timberlake or whatever his name is). I went home and played the album and I was immediately hooked! So I went out and splurged all my money on I.M. albums on the Net and I certainly don't regret it. Of course, they have left out some of the best tracks - like Hallowed be thy Name for instance, but it's true, you can't fit all their best hits on 3 cds!!! If you're new to the band, you definitely have to buy this one. It's a good album to start off with. I may be a little biased but I think practically all of their songs are masterpieces - Steve Harris is simply amazing! They've made a decent selection and there are two B.B. tracks, which is good. I'm spreading the craze here in pop music-infested Sri Lanka. Gained seven converts in three months in the name of Iron Maiden. What can I say??? I wish I'd been born earlier, if only to have enjoyed them longer... UP THE IRONS!!!

Comment by Iron Maiden Fan (Anonymous) - Tuesday, June 01, 2004

Iron Maiden is the best band in the world!!!!! Because Eddie says so

Comment by RH (Anonymous) - Tuesday, February 15, 2005

i gots it all, been there done that

Comment by joe (Anonymous) - Wednesday, February 22, 2006

i am a iron maiden fans year and i also think its only for new fans ,,,i have alway s thought that iron where a good band but where never really a Guns N roeses OR METALLLICA standerd but all in all ok album

Comment by HAGEN OF VALHALLA (Anonymous) - Tuesday, June 13, 2006

GREAT COMPILATION BUT I AGREE THAT PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, IRON MAIDEN, WRATHCHILD, RUNNING FREE, LORD OF THE FLIES AND MURDERS IN THE RUE MORGUE ARE VERY STRONG SONGS THAT EVERY NEW FAN OF IRON MAIDEN DESERVE TO HEAR AND ARE NOT REPRESENTED ON THIS COMPILATION I THINK THAT THAT WAS A MISTAKE BUT WHO GIVE A SHIT ITS A IRON MAIDEN DISC AND THE SONG OF THIS RECORD ARE BY FAR GREAT (JUST LISTEN INFINITE DREAMS) THIS IS ANOTHER MAIDEN HIT LIKE ALL THEIR ALBUMS SO GO FUCKING OUT AND BUY IT. 9/10