Iron Maiden: New 'Best Of' Scheduled For May Release

Hot on the tail of Their Somewhere Back In Time 1980-1989 compilation that was released last year, Iron Maiden have announced that the latter half of their career will also be chronicled in a greatest hits format.

From Fear To Eternity is scheduled for release on May 23rd (May 24th in the US) and features a selection of cuts from the albums released by the band between 1990 and 2010.

The Tracklisting, according to IronMaiden.com is as follows:

Disc 1
01. The Wicker Man 4.36
02. Holy Smoke 3.49
03. El Dorado 6:49           
04. Paschendale 8.28
05. Different World 4.19 
06. Man On The Edge (LIVE) 4.40
07. The Reincarnation of Benjamin Breeg 7.22
08. Blood Brothers 7.14
09. Rainmaker 3.49 
10. Sign of the Cross (LIVE) 10.49 
11. Brave New World 6.19
12. Fear Of The Dark (LIVE) 7.41
 
Disc 2
01. Be Quick Or Be Dead  3.24
02. Tailgunner 4.15
03. No More Lies  7.22
04. Coming Home 5.52
05. The Clansman (LIVE) 9.06
06. For the Greater Good of God 9.25
07. These Colours Don't Run 6.52
08. Bring Your Daughter... To The Slaughter 4.44
09. Afraid to Shoot Strangers 6.57 
10. Dance of Death 8.36
11. When the Wild Wind Blows 11.02

The compilation will only feature cuts recorded by Bruce Dickinson during this period. No tracks from the X-Factor or Virtual XI albums which featured vocalist Blaze Bayley have been included. The Clansman and Man On The Edge, the only songs on the compilation that were written during the Bayley period, are presented as live versions and feature Dickinson’s vocals.

Iron Maiden are currently on their Final Frontier Tour, which is set to conclude in the UK, this August. Meanwhile, it has been announced that the group’s former vocalist Paul Di’Anno will be facing jail time after having been found guilty of benefit fraud. Di’Anno who had claimed over £40,000 in benefits because of a bad back, was caught when recent videos of his energetic live performances surfaced on Youtube.

Comments

[wolfstock]

Sign of the Cross was always recorded during the Blaze years.

[District]

Such a shame no cuts from X Factor or Virtual XI were used... Not many agree with me on this point, but I think Maiden's Blaze-era was nothing short of amazing.

Apart from that I don't think it's that bad a compilation.

[deimachy]

District wrote:
Not many agree with me on this point, but I think Maiden's Blaze-era was nothing short of amazing.

I don't think the Blaze era was as bad as people make it out to be, but personally I prefer Bruce as a vocalist. Sign of the Cross is one of my favorite Maiden tracks.

[cRACk mONKEyTTU]

wolfstock wrote:

Sign of the Cross was always recorded during the Blaze years.

There are live recordings with Bruce singing it and it's MUCH better.
I like the track list for the most part but I think in particular, "For The Greater Good of God" doesnt belong on here. "Brighter Than a Thousand Suns" is a much better choice from AMOLAD, but that album is the worst from this era IMO.

[reignofrock]

Maiden compilation albums never satisfy any true fan. Just buy all the records, as every song kicks total ass. For example, hands-down Montsegur is way better than Paschendale or Rainmaker. Although, I will admit, the fact that For the Greater Good of God is on this compilation is surprisingly awesome.

[shreducator]

I'm not saying the songs from the Blaze-era were bad, because they weren't. I just didn't like his voice that much...definitely not as much as Bruce's, or Paul's for that matter.

[Trent Armitage]

reignofrock wrote:

Maiden compilation albums never satisfy any true fan. Just buy all the records, as every song kicks total ass. For example, hands-down Montsegur is way better than Paschendale or Rainmaker. Although, I will admit, the fact that For the Greater Good of God is on this compilation is surprisingly awesome.

Exactly, if you have all the albums, just make a playlist?

I don't know who has more best of albums, Bon Jovi or Iron Maiden :S

[worldwideatroph]

No X Factor? That's a real shame.

[Gordriani]

Not another greatest hits! How many is this now?

[boris6491]

I would much rather a live album than a greatest hits..

[dial-a-death]

Where is Mother Russia, that's an awesome song. Also, @ Gordriani- 4 to my knowledge. Best Of The Beast, Edhunter, Edward The Great, Somewhere Back In Time, this.

[dial-a-death]

And because I can't count, I'll correct that and say 5.

[BassFishin]

reignofrock wrote:

Maiden compilation albums never satisfy any true fan. Just buy all the records, as every song kicks total ass. For example, hands-down Montsegur is way better than Paschendale or Rainmaker. Although, I will admit, the fact that For the Greater Good of God is on this compilation is surprisingly awesome.

This, and because Maiden albums just sound awesome from front to back. Most metal albums typically do. A single song just doesn't do it justice.

[MEGAJOSH!]

Ghost of the Navigator should really be on there. Otherwise it's a very solid track listing. But honestly, as others have already said, people would be better off just getting the full albums because they really kick ass, espectially Brave New World.

[MEGAJOSH!]

*especially ^

[kuki_anarPINEL]

what's the point of this?

[Metal_Militia15]

kuki_anarPINEL wrote:

what's the point of this?

$$$$$

[Noverion]

cRACk mONKEyTTU wrote:

wolfstock wrote:

Sign of the Cross was always recorded during the Blaze years.
There are live recordings with Bruce singing it and it's MUCH better.
I like the track list for the most part but I think in particular, "For The Greater Good of God" doesnt belong on here. "Brighter Than a Thousand Suns" is a much better choice from AMOLAD, but that album is the worst from this era IMO.

I personally thing for the greater of good is much better than birghter than a thousand suns. And while I agree that Bruce is a far better singer than Blaze, I actually think Sign of the cross is sung better him. All a matter of opinion in the end I suppose.

[Spartan101400]

They're missing the GOOD tracks off of The Final Frontier.

[zorba_the_cat]

reignofrock wrote:

Maiden compilation albums never satisfy any true fan. Just buy all the records, as every song kicks total ass. For example, hands-down Montsegur is way better than Paschendale or Rainmaker. Although, I will admit, the fact that For the Greater Good of God is on this compilation is surprisingly awesome.

I love maiden, I really do. But do we really need another best of? No.

C'mon, their albums are so freakin solid on their own, why should we pick up a bunch of hits pushed into a greatest???

[Jack2994]

Hmmm... no Run to the Hills?

[zorba_the_cat]

Forgot a thing: For the greater good of god, the sign of the cross live and when the wild wind blows are perfect songs and I'm glad to see em on the track list

even though I'm not gonna buy the disc. NO I won't

[vultures?OMG]

So instead of using the original tracks that Dickinson didn't sing on they use the live versions to get around that? Kind of a dick move I think.

[hudsonstradlin]

OK so the 80s best of album was 1 disc... the 90s and 00s best of album is 2 discs? I know it's two decades, but come on...

[hudsonstradlin]

Jack2994 wrote:

Hmmm... no Run to the Hills?

And as we all know, 1982 falls in the period of 1990-2010...

[TooManyPies]

So are Maiden just trying to edit Bayley out of history? He's no Brucie but I don't think he did a bad job under the circumstances (i.e. not being Bruce).

It seems all the fans agree though, since all of their albums ARE great a 'Greatest Hits' package seems a bit pointles. Pretty much every album works brilliantly as a whole, chopping bits out seems to miss the point a little.

[T3HM3T4L]

Trent Armitage wrote:

reignofrock wrote:

Maiden compilation albums never satisfy any true fan. Just buy all the records, as every song kicks total ass. For example, hands-down Montsegur is way better than Paschendale or Rainmaker. Although, I will admit, the fact that For the Greater Good of God is on this compilation is surprisingly awesome.

Exactly, if you have all the albums, just make a playlist?

I don't know who has more best of albums, Bon Jovi or Iron Maiden :S

Maybe Scorpions?

[T3HM3T4L]

T3HM3T4L wrote:

Trent Armitage wrote:

reignofrock wrote:

Maiden compilation albums never satisfy any true fan. Just buy all the records, as every song kicks total ass. For example, hands-down Montsegur is way better than Paschendale or Rainmaker. Although, I will admit, the fact that For the Greater Good of God is on this compilation is surprisingly awesome.

Exactly, if you have all the albums, just make a playlist?

I don't know who has more best of albums, Bon Jovi or Iron Maiden :S
Maybe Scorpions?

Bon Jovi: 4 compilations
Iron Maiden: 6 compilations
Scorpions: 23 COMPILATIONS

[powerhouse153]

what about the original version of fear of the dark?????

[Abacus11]

This is awesome. I'm familiar with every song but, like other Maiden compilations, like hearing them in a different order and new presentation. I don't know if anything beats early Maiden (until about '86 or '87) but they've got a lot of great music in their later catalog too.

[satanlives]

I am a huge Maiden collector and have every album, single , box set,DVD, promo and any bootleg I can get. I am dissappointed that they did not put at least 1 song with Blaze singing, and all these Best of... albums are getting a bit repetitive in their song selection, but I'll still buy it. UP THE IRONS!

[SGstriker]

How many CDs does it take to put all of Maiden's greatest hits together?

15 (Not counting live recordings)

[guitar_fingers]

Extremely happy to see a live version of "The Clansman" on there.

[MetalMike676]

Am I the only one who thinks the studio version of Fear of the Dark is better than the live?

[thegreasefire]

I'm happy to see that "When The Wild Wind Blows" on there. That's the best song on Final Frontier in my opinion!

[JFRules]

Here is a few songs from this era I wish they would have put on this CD or play live!

- Pubic Enema Number one
- Fates Warning
- Out of the silent planet
- Judas Be My Guide
- Chains Of Misery
- Weekend Warrior!!!

[alex-x-x]

why do they even need a greatest hits album? every song of theirs is a greatest hit

[Robb89]

One word: SELLOUT!
I'm a Maiden fan myself but these greatest shits that seem to appear every second year are little bit too much.

[Bluesmetalguy]

i think its a good idea to put their greatest latest stuff out, some of their newer albums have killer tracks and others are jsut average

[RDSElite]

MetalMike676 wrote:

Am I the only one who thinks the studio version of Fear of the Dark is better than the live?

No. Same here. Personally, I think this Greatest Hits wankery is a lot of shite, although they've done it for their early years, so one for the later years compensates it, I suppose..

[ColossusOfShred]

Fear of the Dark gives me chills every time I hear it, at least the live version does, cause I was there to experience it last year. As for compilations, seriously? Is this number 8 or 9? They are gonna have more compilations than studio albums soon.

[Randomrings]

that's actually pretty ridiculously awesome of an idea. I think these are great ways to reach out to new fans, and this will let people know of more than just "run to the hills" and "the number of the beast" and "the trooper" (etc etc)

unfortunately i'm already a huge maiden fan and won't be buying this compilation... but am glad to see that "when the wild wind blows" as the last track. hehe

[Thrash.aholic]

Jack2994 wrote:

Hmmm... no Run to the Hills?

Uhhhhh.....

[Gen.Braddock]

I find it funny how they call this a greatest hits complmation, but they pretty much ignore Blaze Bayley. Let us not forget that blaze managed to tie the band over until Bruce and Adrian rejoined in 1999.

I enjoy Blaze's singing style, and find it somewhat insulting to near ignore him. I personally find him to be a better vocalist then Bruce with the Blaze era songs on that list, with the exception of Sign of the Cross.

Again, a great singer goes unnoticed because people want to hear what is "popular"

[TST2469]

Sounds like a good best of.. only problem is i already have their discography LoL awell ill still check out the live versions of the songs coz it sounds like it'll be great with bruce's voice on those songs!! UP THR IRONS!!

[GuitarViking]

The Clansman and Man On The Edge, the only songs on the compilation that were written during the Bayley period, are presented as live versions and feature Dickinson’s vocals.

Sign of the Cross? Please, have Maiden fans write Maiden-related articles.

As of this album, I feel Steve and the boys have released way too many compilations. The album cover of this one makes up for it though. So f*cking awesome.

[Oddsbodkins]

Ugh, I really don't like their recent art. (post AMOLAD)

[MetaIronForce]

What's wrong with the studio version of Fear of the Dark? Live versions alwasy seem slower at points like the main riff, and the first solo is usually completely different (often with more shred added in).

[greatjob13]

Metal_Militia15 wrote:

kuki_anarPINEL wrote:

what's the point of this?

$$$$$

This... But I think a legitimate reason for this compilation is to introduce some Maiden fans to their later work, which I think any moderate Maiden fan will like.

[Petruccishreds!]

Are you freaking nutsss????!!!

District wrote:

Such a shame no cuts from X Factor or Virtual XI were used... Not many agree with me on this point, but I think Maiden's Blaze-era was nothing short of amazing.

Apart from that I don't think it's that bad a compilation.

[hanselrocks1]

Robb89 wrote:

One word: SELLOUT!
I'm a Maiden fan myself but these greatest shits that seem to appear every second year are little bit too much.

well they will most likely will be redone so its not full on sellout, besides, look at a band like Rush. Rush probably has more compilations then actual albums but its not really selling out.

[VengeanceJonny]

Montsegur!?!?

[TheEducatedFool]

Though I feel the Maiden compilations are getting to be a bit much, this will most likely mean another history tour will be underway in the next couple of years, with some much deserved 90's material returning to the setlist once again.

I do agree that it's a shame about snuffing Blaze though, and I had hoped more of his songs would have made the cut regardless of who is singing them. The X Factor is a far superior album to the two that preceded it IMO.

And finally, thank you UG for stirring shit up by reporting this release but not their upcoming live release that will be filmed at their upcoming dates in Argentina and Chile. This release isn't the only thing going on in the Maiden camp. How about the proceeds from Japanese event shirts being donated to the Red Cross? Or that the cost of this Greatest Hits release will be the same as a regular single disc even though there is so much material it has to be on two?

[Gyoung1991]

T3HM3T4L wrote:

T3HM3T4L wrote:

Trent Armitage wrote:

reignofrock wrote:

Maiden compilation albums never satisfy any true fan. Just buy all the records, as every song kicks total ass. For example, hands-down Montsegur is way better than Paschendale or Rainmaker. Although, I will admit, the fact that For the Greater Good of God is on this compilation is surprisingly awesome.

Exactly, if you have all the albums, just make a playlist?

I don't know who has more best of albums, Bon Jovi or Iron Maiden :S
Maybe Scorpions?
Bon Jovi: 4 compilations
Iron Maiden: 6 compilations
Scorpions: 23 COMPILATIONS

RIGHTFULLY SO

[jimishred]

i may have to pick this up!

to complete my collection!

hopefully they will do a tour for this!

[overkill127]

Maiden has experienced an extreme resurgence of popularity in the sates over the past few years. i see these compilation albums as a way to allow new maiden fans to catch up quickly, albeit sloppily

[Anjohl]

Nice! This is a great set, now you can have a solid career spanning 4 disc set from Maiden!

[DifferentWorld]

Just speculating, but could it be that there's no Blaze because he still holds some of the rights to the songs? Without his permission, it could be that they physically CAN'T use them.

I mean, I assume.

[holiwood420]

the reason they didn't put blaze on the albums is to avoid paying the royalty checks. it's all about the $$$$$.

[holiwood420]

blaze is only credited with man on the edge

[Tatersalad810]

hudsonstradlin wrote:

Jack2994 wrote:

Hmmm... no Run to the Hills?

And as we all know, 1982 falls in the period of 1990-2010...

This is extremely entertaining.

Anyone else notice there are more than 2 songs from Bayley's era on the album?

UG should have and Iron Maiden fan write an Iron Maiden article

[Valenten]

It's a shame. Stop making useless Best-Of albums, we want NEW MUSIC

[maiden03]

Im looking forward to this. I mean, i physcially own every studio Maiden record, except The Final Frontier, cause i dont have the money for it. I downloaded it (Fuck me, im a wanker, i love maiden, i will buy it though). But i always like to see what their favorites are.

Killer record name too.


Personally, i love every single Maiden song except Mother Russia and sometimes Alexander the Great gets to me. But honest to god, i love every single other song. I never skip a song on my ipod except those two.

Valenten wrote:

It's a shame. Stop making useless Best-Of albums, we want NEW MUSIC

I agree, im keen for Maidens legacy to live on for a very long time. All time favorite band here.

[ippystratman]

wolfstock wrote:

Sign of the Cross was always recorded during the Blaze years.

that confused me for a sec too but its the live version apparantly...

[SmittyMan90]

SWEEEEET

[Dakkstar]

meh, not interested. Paul DiAnno's two albums with Maiden are pretty much the end all for me. I bought number of the beast, it pleased me for about a week, brave new world was alright, matter of life and death was horrendous, and powerslave is decent, but for me the self title and Killers were great.

[Flight666]

Dakkstar wrote:

meh, not interested. Paul DiAnno's two albums with Maiden are pretty much the end all for me. I bought number of the beast, it pleased me for about a week, brave new world was alright, matter of life and death was horrendous, and powerslave is decent, but for me the self title and Killers were great.

Are you on drugs?