In this episode of Rock and Metal’s Hidden Gems, our Iron Maiden journey enters a bold new chapter — the Blaze Bayley era. We take a fresh, open-minded look at the dark introspection of The X Factor and the forward-looking ambition of Virtual XI, two albums that reveal a distinct and often overlooked side of Maiden’s creative evolution.

We dig into the tracks that showcase what Blaze brought to the band and the unique musical direction Maiden explored during this period — songs many casual listeners may have missed, and most importantly, deep dive into the hidden gems waiting to be rediscovered. Along the way, we examine the stories behind the music, the shift in tone and sound, and how this era connects to the larger arc of Iron Maiden’s legacy.

So plug in and join us as we revisit these albums with curiosity, appreciation, and a keen ear for the hidden gems that define the Blaze Bayley years.

Check out the new album 'Eclosion' by The Colonel FS found exclusively on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/album/7L0pDCoSSAhVFQWYj1lgZt?si=xsLf4y18RWGilogikaiNUA