Iron Maiden are one of the biggest bands in the world, touring the planet in their own customized 747 flown by lead singer Bruce Dickinson. But in 1983, Maiden were still forging their way, trying to solidify their lineup and making their name through relentless touring. After the success of Number of the Beast, the band wanted to take things to the next level and with the addition of Nicko McBrain on drums they finally had their classic lineup set which is still intact today.

Thanks to Nicko on the skins, the confidence and power of vocalist Bruce Dickinson, the sci-fi lyrics and extraordinary bass of leader Steve Harris and the frantic guitar licks of Dave Murray & Adrian Smith, Iron Maiden had the lineup that would set them on a course for global superstardom. Piece of Mind would be the first of 5 legendary albums from this lineup in the 1980s and the 5 of them would reunite in 2000 (along with 3rd guitarist Janick Gers) to reclaim their thrones as the ultimate heavy metal band. They're still going today and The Wolf & Action Jackson will be catching their Future Past Tour in Europe this summer.

From Nicko's incredible drum work on Where Eagles Dare to Bruce's haunting vocals on Revelations to the ultimate Maiden runner with The Trooper, this album showcases the talent of all in the band. For once, they actually received airplay on US radio and The Trooper charted (unlike the 1st single The Flight of Icarus). Despite no love from MTV, the album went platinum in the US and the fans turned out in droves for their 130+ date tour. We go track by track, think about it in comparison to the other Iron Maiden albums we've reviewed over the years (#14 Live After Death, #38 Somewhere in Time, #39 Seventh Son of a Seventh Son, #65 Number of the Beast, #66 Fear of the Dark, plus #48 review of Bruce Dickinson speaking tour) and discuss how this was the real beginning of the band we love.

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