Maiden Voyagers

After a... longer and slightly more sudden hiatus than planned, Bledd and Sam are coming home to talk about all things Iron Maiden. Before we get stuck in to The X Factor and Virtual XI (and boy, do we get stuck in), join us for a bit of a chat about current band events* and Bruce Dickinson's UK tour.

(*Not that current, as this was recorded just before the 'Run For Your Lives' tour announcement. Classic.)

We're excited to be back... again!

This week, we're continuing our foray into Bruce Dickinson's swansong with Maiden, 'Fear of the Dark'. How does it compare to the album before? And is it a fitting note for Maiden's iconic frontman to end on (for now)? Join us and find out!

Right. No more detours. We're charting the good ship Maiden Voyagers on a course back to the band's studio albums.

But what about Iron Maiden themselves? After the uh... mixed 'No Prayer For The Dying', can the band course correct with 'Fear of the Dark'? Join Bledd and Sam as they fare the rising tides of the '90s and Bruce Dickinson hops out on a life boat.

In a slight change to our scheduled programming, we're not jumping in to 'Fear of the Dark' just yet. Instead, Bledd and Sam talk all things 'The Mandrake Project' - including their ultimate fanboy experience of meeting Bruce Dickinson at the album's launch event. Good times!

After a... little break, Bledd and Sam are back to continue their voyage through Iron Maiden's storied discography. Honestly though, they needed that time to steel themselves for the choppy waters of Maiden in the 1990s.

But first, before they get in to the rumbling waves of Fear of the Dark, join the two seafarers as they talk shop about Maiden current affairs (well, "current" to January, when this episode was recorded) and put Bledd's trivia knowledge to the test.

It's the final episode of the season! Join Bledd and Sam as they cast a critical eye on 'No Prayer For The Dying' and round up the ranking results for the discog so far.

No Adrian, no synths - it's all change in the Iron Maiden camp as the 1990s rear their head. Join Bledd and Sam as they jump in to the band's 'No Prayer For The Dying'.

It might get bumpy.

For this week only, Maiden Voyagers becomes... Dickinson's Voyagers? Dickinson's Detours?

We couldn't decide on a name.

But ahead of delving in to Iron Maiden's 'No Prayer For The Dying', Bledd and Sam take a moment to analyse frontman Bruce Dickinson's first solo effort. Marking a stylistic departure of sorts for Dickinson and introducing guitarist Janick Gers, it certainly lays the groundwork for Maiden's next release.

In a slight departure from our scheduled program, Bledd and Sam take the opportunity to reflect on Iron Maiden's Future Past Tour (again) now that it's wrapped-up (and they actually attended a show). Join them for a tale of Dixie Chicken and Utilita Arena. 

Just as a small disclaimer, this episode was recorded before Nicko went public with his health issues. We discuss some of his playing, but obviously that vital context is missing so do please keep that in mind. Wishing Nicko all the best in his recovery - what a beast!

In our second part of Seventh Son of a Seventh Son, Bledd and Sam spend far too much time analysing one of Iron Maiden's most renowned albums. But does it live up to the hype?

I mean, yes. Obvs. But still, let's talk about why it's so good.