It’s the final Bruce Dickinson album of the classic era. And one of the most renowned Iron Maiden records. ‘Fear of the Dark’ saw Maiden getting ready for the 90’s. And they did it with a diverse vision that lead to one of the strongest Iron Maiden albums.
The album opener, ‘Be Quick, Or Be Dead,’ ranks among the best. With ‘From Here to Eternity’ being one of the great follow up tracks. Frankly, it’s one of the last times Maiden would transparently be inspired. There’s certainly been moments since then. Particularly with 2015’s ‘The Book of Souls.’ But the true magic of the classic Iron Maiden was last captured with these two tracks.
‘Afraid to Shoot Strangers’ is the first sign of progressive elements. While ‘Fear is the Key’ displays just how hard core Maiden can get down with a groove. The band is often sighted for their gallop rhythms and operatic tendencies. But ‘Fear is the Key’ shows that they can also feel out a bad ass back beat song as well. ‘Childhood’s End’ is somewhat of a filler. ‘Wasting Love’ is a decent enough ballad. But it’s not until ‘The Fugitive’ that ‘Fear of the Dark’ gets kicked up a notch.
‘Chains of Misery’ brings the album back to Earth. After a string of indulgent, yet intriguing songs. ‘The Apparition’ continues the groove of ‘Fear is the Key.’ And remains one of the most overlooked deep cuts of Maiden’s storied career. ‘Judas Be My Guide’ perfects the early 90’s vibe that Iron Maiden were going for. Also harkening back to the previous album ‘No Prayer for the Dying.’ Which saw Maiden in a more stripped and simplistic direction. ‘Weekend Warrior’ is an interesting penultimate song. It contains a bit of what I call ‘Top Gun’ vibes. Simple, catchy and punchy power chords. The album finishes with the legendary title track. Which has been in the setlist since its inception. An absolute Iron Maiden signature. It hits all the spots that fans expect it to.
Upon its release, ‘Fear of the Dark’ was yet another successful album. In a long string of big time records. Many fans praised the bands return to their more progressive and epic sound. A massive tour ensued. It seemed like nothing could stop Iron Maiden. Until frontman Bruce Dickinson announced his departure after the tour wrapped up. Sending Maiden into a really strange time period. One of obscurity. Newcomer Blaze Bailey didn’t stand a chance. He could have been the best singer ever. And the two albums Maiden did with him could have been the best heavy metal albums ever created. But it wasn’t Iron Maiden without Bruce Dickinson. Fortunately he would return in 1999. The band would go on to release several more strong albums. But they would never catch the magic of ’82-’92. As ‘Fear of the Dark’ would become the last of the ‘classic’ era albums. Crank it, live it, love it.
