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 …

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 …

The Shakespeare Quote Shunned by the BBC

Did you know that... The BBC shunned a Shakespeare quote? True story. This bit is one of my favourites in the history of Iron Maiden. I am talking about no other song than "Bring Your Daughter to the Slaughter" (No Prayer for the Dying, 1990) which started out as a solo song by Bruce Dickinson …

Old Testament, New Testament, and the Archive of Dickinson’s Lyrics

MENE, MENE, TEKEL, PARSINThe Bible, NIV, Daniel, 5 In case these four words puzzle you, you are in good company. The same happened to king Belshazzar. These four words are nothing but the original "writing on the wall." The song "The Writing on the Wall" (Senjustu, 2021) is no less complex than the eponymous inscription …

Guest Article: London: A Legacy – A Maiden London Walking Tour (abridged)

I am thrilled to say that I can present something very special today: a Maiden themed self-guided city walk through London! This is an abridged version; to access the full version (for free), please visit London Beyond Time and Place. As mentioned before, I have teamed up with Philipp Röttgers of London Beyond Time and …