Steve Harris
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Cornfed Hick
Ancient Mariner
I actually think the Judas-Eyes of the Young back-to-back combo may be the most interesting (and best) part of the album. Judas is basically two songs in one, very proggy with a pleasing melody, and then Eyes follows with something completely different: poppy, catchy, hooky, whatever you want to call it. Bonus points to Steve for putting it on the record and throwing us a curveball.
Isn't Creed the definitive "pussy music"?
Isn't Creed the definitive "pussy music"?
Maturin
Sköldpadda
I think it's good. But then I also am a big fan of some of the Swedish glam-metal revival bands...
Forostar
Ancient Mariner
I'm all in for poppy, catchy and hooky, but not in this sweet kindergarten manner.
harrisdevot
Priest of the Holy Wristband
Here is the reproduction of an interview with Steve in a recent Metal magazine. Some interesting stuff.
J. Bennett of Decibel magazine recently conducted an interview with IRON MAIDEN bassist/founder Steve Harris about Steve's solo/side project album, "British Lion". A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.
Decibel: How long have you been thinking about doing a solo album?
Harris: Oh, forever. Since about ' 93. [laughs] It's been so long, it's ridiculous. I'm just so relieved to get this thing out, really, because it's finally there. I'm really pleased with the results, but it's taken a long while. I think everyone knows that I'm always the one that's the busiest in MAIDEN. When we're not touring or recording, I'm still doing loads of MAIDEN stuff — video editing and god knows what else — so I get a lot less downtime than the others. That's why it's taken so long, really. I was just trying to fit bits in here and there when the other people were available to work on stuff while I was back in the U.K., which over the last few years has not been very often.
Decibel: The press release mentioned that you recorded the album in secret between MAIDEN tours. Why the secrecy?
Harris: Yeah, I suppose that sounds a bit like espionage or something. But we just didn't tell anyone what was going on, really. These days, with the Internet and everything else, it's nice to have a little mystique in something. People weren't expecting this album, and it was a difficult thing to keep under wraps. But it was all done in the quiet, I suppose.
Decibel: Did the other guys in MAIDEN know what you were up to?
Harris: No. Not for a long time they didn't, anyway. I mean, when someone else in MAIDEN is working on another project, no one really talks about it. When Bruce [Dickinson, vocals] or Adrian [Smith, guitar] does stuff, they don't go around broadcasting to the others, and I didn't either. Actually, the only one in MAIDEN who's even heard the album is Nicko [McBrain, drums], because he asked to hear it. So, I played it for him. But the other guys haven't asked to hear it, so I haven't played it for them. Simple as that, really.
Decibel: My impression is that you're the main songwriter in MAIDEN. So, when you were working on this stuff...
Harris: I think I know what you're going to say. This is not throwaway MAIDEN stuff. These are not riffs that I could've used in MAIDEN because, like I said, it was done with other people. As soon as that happens, it's not gonna be used in MAIDEN. And the thing is, I've got a ridiculous amount of ideas that I'm probably never gonna get out the door in my lifetime. [laughs] So, there's no shortage of ideas for MAIDEN. And this stuff is different, anyway. It's more heavy rock than heavy metal, but to me the influences are all from the Well, it seemed like it would portray that idea same era. I have such a wide variety of influences from the '70s anyway. I mean, I think ["British Lion" track] "Us Against The World" sounds a bit like MAIDEN ... maybe "The Chosen Ones" and "A World Without Heaven", because they've got those harmony guitars. But in general it's more riffy, yeah? Well, obviously there's lots of melody, but then there's loads of melody in MAIDEN as well. Sometimes I think MAIDEN doesn't get enough credit for the melody we do have.
The entire interview can be found in the November 2012 issue of Decibel magazine, available on newsstands now.
J. Bennett of Decibel magazine recently conducted an interview with IRON MAIDEN bassist/founder Steve Harris about Steve's solo/side project album, "British Lion". A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.
Decibel: How long have you been thinking about doing a solo album?
Harris: Oh, forever. Since about ' 93. [laughs] It's been so long, it's ridiculous. I'm just so relieved to get this thing out, really, because it's finally there. I'm really pleased with the results, but it's taken a long while. I think everyone knows that I'm always the one that's the busiest in MAIDEN. When we're not touring or recording, I'm still doing loads of MAIDEN stuff — video editing and god knows what else — so I get a lot less downtime than the others. That's why it's taken so long, really. I was just trying to fit bits in here and there when the other people were available to work on stuff while I was back in the U.K., which over the last few years has not been very often.
Decibel: The press release mentioned that you recorded the album in secret between MAIDEN tours. Why the secrecy?
Harris: Yeah, I suppose that sounds a bit like espionage or something. But we just didn't tell anyone what was going on, really. These days, with the Internet and everything else, it's nice to have a little mystique in something. People weren't expecting this album, and it was a difficult thing to keep under wraps. But it was all done in the quiet, I suppose.
Decibel: Did the other guys in MAIDEN know what you were up to?
Harris: No. Not for a long time they didn't, anyway. I mean, when someone else in MAIDEN is working on another project, no one really talks about it. When Bruce [Dickinson, vocals] or Adrian [Smith, guitar] does stuff, they don't go around broadcasting to the others, and I didn't either. Actually, the only one in MAIDEN who's even heard the album is Nicko [McBrain, drums], because he asked to hear it. So, I played it for him. But the other guys haven't asked to hear it, so I haven't played it for them. Simple as that, really.
Decibel: My impression is that you're the main songwriter in MAIDEN. So, when you were working on this stuff...
Harris: I think I know what you're going to say. This is not throwaway MAIDEN stuff. These are not riffs that I could've used in MAIDEN because, like I said, it was done with other people. As soon as that happens, it's not gonna be used in MAIDEN. And the thing is, I've got a ridiculous amount of ideas that I'm probably never gonna get out the door in my lifetime. [laughs] So, there's no shortage of ideas for MAIDEN. And this stuff is different, anyway. It's more heavy rock than heavy metal, but to me the influences are all from the Well, it seemed like it would portray that idea same era. I have such a wide variety of influences from the '70s anyway. I mean, I think ["British Lion" track] "Us Against The World" sounds a bit like MAIDEN ... maybe "The Chosen Ones" and "A World Without Heaven", because they've got those harmony guitars. But in general it's more riffy, yeah? Well, obviously there's lots of melody, but then there's loads of melody in MAIDEN as well. Sometimes I think MAIDEN doesn't get enough credit for the melody we do have.
The entire interview can be found in the November 2012 issue of Decibel magazine, available on newsstands now.
Murder89
Officer Friendly
I'm liking almost any song in the album and I don't think it's a result of brainwashing. I mean, obviously it has grown on me after so many listens but I knew there was some potential in there from the beginning.
I'd like to know what kind of reviews did this album receive where you people live. The reaction I'm seeing from the press, sites and fans here in Greece is really negative. It seems I'm the only one who likes it. Most people complain about the singer, the poppy/grunge music direction and most of the songs not being that inspired, the production(loads of Kevin Shirley bashing).
I still haven't listened to that EQ'd 2dB version.Does it sound any different other than just louder? The Cd and the mp3s I ripped sound just fine.
I'd like to know what kind of reviews did this album receive where you people live. The reaction I'm seeing from the press, sites and fans here in Greece is really negative. It seems I'm the only one who likes it. Most people complain about the singer, the poppy/grunge music direction and most of the songs not being that inspired, the production(loads of Kevin Shirley bashing).
I still haven't listened to that EQ'd 2dB version.Does it sound any different other than just louder? The Cd and the mp3s I ripped sound just fine.
Ariana
Black-and-white leopard
The reviews here are pretty similar. The most positive describe the albums as "suitable for people with open minds". There are three main things the press is complaining about: the fact that the bass is so loud in the mix, making the guitars and drums sound muffled, the singer and the mediocrity of the songs. I don't agree with most of the things they say, but then again, why would anyone care about what the press says?
harrisdevot
Priest of the Holy Wristband
Same with me, I'm not bothered at all by the mix. I love the bass to be forefront, and this is the reason why I apreciate so much, for example, Maiden England.
What I like with the production of Steve's album is that it's so simple : not many sound effects (or basic ones only), not many overdubs I guess, and all the instruments are easy to distinguish, which is rather fresh.
What I like with the production of Steve's album is that it's so simple : not many sound effects (or basic ones only), not many overdubs I guess, and all the instruments are easy to distinguish, which is rather fresh.
No issues with the prominence of the bass — it's Steve Harris FFS.
But I find the overall production package to be rather dull and the sound of the rhythm guitars way too thin.
I imagine This is My God and Lost Worlds with a Mob Rules guitar sound and see a wasted opportunity.
The songwriting is actually quite strong.
But I find the overall production package to be rather dull and the sound of the rhythm guitars way too thin.
I imagine This is My God and Lost Worlds with a Mob Rules guitar sound and see a wasted opportunity.
The songwriting is actually quite strong.
stjerky
Educated Fool
This is a horrible video. One would think Steve could afford better. Actually anyone could affor better. My 5 year old son would make a better video.
Moon Child
Ancient Mariner
Bass too loud? This is Steve we're talking about...what were they expecting?
I actually liked that I could here his bass in the songs.
spidey99
Invader
I love the album. Didn't listen to it online, cause I have crappy pc speakers. Bought it on release day, and cranked it out in the car. Took a bit to get use to the vocalist, he's not the best, but yeah, love it. I love the old hard rock vibe throughout the record, and am Happy I picked it up.
Up The Irons!!!
Sam
Up The Irons!!!
Sam