Dive into the annals of heavy metal history, and you'll find a treasure trove of unreleased gems, demo tapes, and B-sides. But one band stands out in this regard: the British heavy metal powerhouse, Iron Maiden. With a career spanning over four decades, the band has amassed a staggering number of unreleased studio works, many of which have become the Holy Grail for die-hard fans. Let's explore 24 of these unreleased tracks, delving into their history, influences, and why they remain legendary in their absence.
The world of Iron Maiden's unreleased studio works is vast and varied. From early punk-inspired demos to recordings that hint at alternative paths their career could have taken, these tracks offer a fascinating insight into the band's evolution. They also provide a tantalizing glimpse into what could have been, had different paths been taken. So, let's don our best Eddie the Head t-shirt and step into the vaults of Iron Maiden's discography.
Early Days and Demos
Iron Maiden's early days were marked by a punk-infused heavy metal sound that would eventually evolve into the band's signature style. Many of their earliest recordings remain unreleased, offering a raw and visceral glimpse into their formative years.
Different World
'Different World' is an unreleased track that surfaced in the 1990s, originally recorded for the band's debut album 'Iron Maiden'. The song features a more straightforward rock sound than many of the band's other early tracks, with a soaring vocal performance from original singer Paul Di'Anno.
An alternate version of 'Different World' exists, recorded during the 'Book of Souls' sessions in 2014. This version features the current lineup of the band, with Bruce Dickinson on vocals. The track reportedly shares some musical similarities with the original, but with a more modern production style.
Give Me Ed 'til I'm Dead
'Give Me Ed 'til I'm Dead' is an unreleased track that was written for 'The X Factor' album but ultimately left off the final tracklist. The song was played live a few times in 1995 but has never been officially released. Fans have circulated a live recording from that year, which showcases the track's bluesy, mid-paced riff and Dickinson's powerful vocals.
According to guitarist Dave Murray, the song was left off 'The X Factor' to make way for 'Fortune and Fate', a track that he felt was stronger. Despite this, the band has occasionally revisited the song in the studio, with a version reportedly recorded during the 'Virtual XI' sessions. This version, however, remains unreleased.
B-Sides and Alternate Versions
Iron Maiden's extensive discography includes numerous B-sides and alternate versions of their songs. While many of these are collected on compilations like 'visions Of The Future' and 'Best Of The B-Sides', there are still many unreleased gems waiting to be discovered.
One such example is 'Emily', a B-side to the 1980 single 'Twilight Zone'. The song features a more commercial sound than many of the band's other early tracks, with a catchy chorus and a departure from the epic, fantasy-inspired lyrics that became a staple of their later work. A live version of 'Emily' can be found on the 'Sanctuary' live album, but the original studio recording has never been officially released.
Rainbow's Gold
'Rainbow's Gold' is an unreleased track that was reportedly recorded during the 'Fear of the Dark' sessions. The song was a contender for the album's tracklist but was eventually left off in favor of other songs. Despite this, the band has played the song live on several occasions, with a version from the 2006 'A Matter of Life and Death' tour appearing on the live album of the same name.
A studio recording of 'Rainbow's Gold' has never been officially released, but bootleg versions have circulated among fans for years. The song features a complex, multi-part structure and a blend of heavy metal riffs and melodic guitarwork that is typical of the band's later material.
Running Free (Alternate Version)
'Running Free' is a classic Iron Maiden track thatOriginally appeared on their debut album. However, an alternate version of the song exists, recorded during the same sessions but with a faster tempo and a more aggressive production style. This version of the song has never been officially released, although it has surfaced on bootleg recordings and fan-made compilations.
According to bassist Steve Harris, the alternate version of 'Running Free' was recorded at the same time as the album version but was eventuallypassed over in favor of the more commerciallysuccessful release. Despite this, the alternate version remains a much-requested and highly regarded among fans, with its faster pace and raw energy providing a fascinating insight into the early years of the band.
