The Shadow of a Pagan Sacrifice

Crackling fire, the wooden figure of a man burning... - You will have guessed it, today I am going to focus on the song "The Wicker Man" (Brave New World, 2000) and the film of the same name it is based upon, released in 1973. The more I am looking at this, the more I …

Behind the Scenes – Have a Peak Backstage

This is how they are born:

Britishness and Snail Mail

Even if we would hardly need any more evidence that Iron Maiden is an embodiment as well as an icon of British culture, Maiden have indeed been immortalised by a British institution. And no other than the Royal Mail. The theme of the January 2023 collectible stamps is *drum roll* ...you guess it ... Iron …

Ancient Egypt and / or Thelema?

"Powerslave" (Powerslave, 1984) famously tells the story of a pharaoh who encounters immortality, yet not in the way he may have envisioned it, but as a cursed mummy. What may look like a story written by Monty Python raises some questions when given a closer look. I argue that "Powerslave" is not only coined by …

Eddie’s Secret Love for ABBA

Did you know that... Eddie loves ABBA? No joke. Gems you learn about in online Maiden groups. And then you think you know someone... See for yourself (4:38): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8L6T6Yj5u4k "The Last Video." ABBA. YouTube. Uploaded by ABBA. (20.03.2014) [25.06.2022]

Why is England Great?

Did you know that... This question was answered some years ago by the German metal band Edguy? Wisdom to be gained in the Maiden online community. Edguy's answer why England was great? Because of Steve Harris. And Bruce Dickinson. And all other members of Iron Maiden. Who would argue with that? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ps4ttl9KolE "England." Edguy. YouTube. …

Piratical Parody

Did you know that.... Pirate metal band Alestorm has written an homage to Maiden? And it is extremely charming, going by the title "Seventh Rum of a Seventh Rum." (Seventh Rum of a Seventh Rum, 2022) The lyrics describe someone who must take a choice, namely whether he will be good or evil, (as in …

The Loss of a Mayan Book

"The Book of Souls" (The Book of Souls, 2015) tells the story how the Mayan empire vanished. At least this is what I learned during the two live concerts I visited during the respective tours. Mayan references are well recorded and dominated the stage set as well as they served as inspiration for the album …

Wanted: Tour Reports

I am looking for concert goers and Maiden authors! For various reasons I do not hold a ticket for the current tour (yet?). So I am looking for reports and opinion pieces I can publish in here. I am looking for stuff like: How well did this weird mix of Japanese themed and Christian church …

Off-Topic: Veteran Fencing Championship

This is somewhat off-topic, my apologies. Rumour has it that Bruce Dickinson will participate in a veteran fencing championship in Germany in late May. I have indeed located such an event, the European Veteran Team Fencing Championship in Hamburg, 25. - 29. 05. 2022 and, to my big surprise, my further inquiries revealed that the …