The Official Maidenfans.com Rankings results (2004-2016)

[MrKnickerbocker]

I blame Knickerbocker and his anti-Killers brigade for that one.

Into the Maidenfans, the Anti-Killers comes
Good taste will end the reign of mediocre songs!

You should have found us in Las Vegas and punched him in person.

Oh, the brigade is far stronger than one man...

 

[LooseCannon]

T71: Out of the Silent Planet - Brave New World (Gers, Dickinson, Harris)
Average score: 8.12/10 Deviation: 1.54
Brave New World 3/10
Top 50: 2004
Top 100: 2005, 2006, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016

Blabbermouth said, in their review of Brave New World, and I quote: "Iron Maiden's latest CD will appeal to no one but the die-hard fans of the group, and as such, it will fail to leave a lasting mark on the face of the current metal scene." I think they may have been mildly wrong. Many people have complained about the repetition on this track, but it seems to overcome those feelings based on its consistently high rankings, although the song had an interesting ratings dive in the late 00s. I suspect this song will stay fairly stable for the next few years.

Choice comments:

I used to be much more into this song, than I'm now. Any alien aspect that may or may not be in this song I care nothing for.

what I love this song for so much are the instrumental section and the lyrics. Jan's solo on this one is one of my absolute favourite Maiden solos (again a proof that he is a bloody great guitarist), and the lyrics are among the best they ever did. Bruce shines, too. I can't find anything wrong with this song, it is simply amazing.

I absolutely adore this song. It really gets me up and rocking when the guitars hit properly, and it's in your face, an unceasing attack that rolls over you. Sad they didn't play it live (much), because I think it would be a real killer. Tough on Bruce, I expect.

This song has the most unique intro and some very good verses. But I don't like the overdubbed vocals in sections like the Chorus. Besides that, there are some very good passages and the galloping is there. I also especially like the verses.

My favourite off the album for a very, very long time...until Blood Brothers managed to work its way deep into my veins. This song sits atop the pantheon of Maiden songs that were underplayed live yet deserved to be set regulars.

Takes a bit of time to get to the point. Has some great flashes. The aforementioned "I accuse you" is where the song takes off, too bad it took 2:40 to get there. This probably would have been a great 4 minute rocker.

Too much repetition at the end of the song, and the instrumental section isn't that great either. However, I really like the intro, and how Bruce comes in. Verses aren't too shabby either. I also like the chorus in the first half of the song, even with the repetition (but it's too much just before the instrumental section and at the end).

You know, this song frustrates me maybey more than any other song by anyone. It has potential to be truly brilliant but Maiden fucked up by half arsing the chorus and repeating the same lines twice. It needed a change in lyrics and melody after the first half of the chorus and less repetition at the end and it could have been one of their best.

This has become my favourite track on the album. A great intro, excellent vocals, a positively catchy chorus, some brilliant drumming, and a great energy throughout.

Out of the Silent Planet is a skilled exercise in beauty and darkness. Janick slips back into his old sputtering, completely insane guitar soloing, but it actually fits this song. The outro riffs jam away while the rhythm section breaks into a half time, another powerful compositional choice.

Statistics

Spoiler

Yearly ratings & rankings
2004: 8.56; 50/123
2005: 7.88 -0.68; 76/124 -26
2006: 7.02 -0.86; 94/124 +3
2008: 7.68 +0.66; 101/134 -7
2011: 8.26 +0.58; 56/144 +45
2012: 66/144 -10
2014: 8.48 +0.22; 55/144 +11
2015: 8.52 +0.04; 54/144 +1
2016: 8.05 -0.47; 60/155 -6

Overall

Spoiler

71 - Out of the Silent Planet (Brave New World)
71 - Prowler (Iron Maiden)
73 - Wrathchild (Killers)
74 - Man on the Edge (The X Factor)
74 - The Great Unknown (The Book of Souls)
76 - The Ides of March (Killers)
77 - Tears of a Clown (The Book of Souls)
78 - The Educated Fool (Virtual XI)
79 - Futureal (Virtual XI)
80 - Different World (A Matter of Life and Death)
80 - No Prayer For the Dying (No Prayer For the Dying)
82 - Run to the Hills (The Number of the Beast)
82 - The Red and the Black (The Book of Souls)
84 - Prodigal Son (Killers)
85 - Die With Your Boots On (Piece of Mind)
86 - The Prophecy (Seventh Son of a Seventh Son)
87 - The Alchemist (The Final Frontier)
87 - Deja Vu (Somewhere in Time)
89 - El Dorado (The Final Frontier)
89 - Mother of Mercy (The Final Frontier)
91 - Flash of the Blade (Powerslave)
92 - Out of the Shadows (A Matter of Life and Death)
93 - Blood on the World's Hands (The X Factor)
94 - Montsegur (Dance of Death)
95 - Journeyman (Dance of Death)
96 - Back in the Village (Powerslave)
97 - Purgatory (Killers)
98 - The Man of Sorrows (The Book of Souls)
99 - The Man Who Would Be King (The Final Frontier)
99 - Lightning Strikes Twice (Virtual XI)
101 - Lord of the Flies (The X Factor)
102 - 2 A.M. (The X Factor)
102 - Fortunes of War (The X Factor)
102 - Death or Glory (The Book of Souls)
105 - Satellite 15... The Final Frontier (The Final Frontier)
106 - Mother Russia (No Prayer For the Dying)
107 - Como Estais Amigos (Virtual XI)
108 - The Pilgrim (A Matter of Life and Death)
109 - Losfer Words (Big 'Orra) (Powerslave)
110 - Running Free (Iron Maiden)
111 - Total Eclipse (The Number of the Beast)
112 - Speed of Light (The Book of Souls)
113 - Wasting Love (Fear of the Dark)
114 - Judgement of Heaven (The X Factor)
115 - The Unbeliever (The X Factor)
116 - Heaven Can Wait (Somewhere in Time)
116 - Childhood's End (Fear of the Dark)
118 - Can I Play With Madness? (Seventh Son of a Seventh Son)
119 - Twilight Zone (Killers)
120 - The Mercenary (Brave New World)
121 - When the River Runs Deep (The Book of Souls)
122 - The Fallen Angel (Brave New World)
123 - Shadows of the Valley (The Book of Souls)
124 - Charlotte the Harlot (Iron Maiden)
125 - Invaders (The Number of the Beast)
126 - Age of Innocence (Dance of Death)
126 - Look For the Truth (The X Factor)
128 - When Two Worlds Collide (Virtual XI)
129 - Drifter (Killers)
130 - Another Life (Killers)
131 - Public Enema Number One (No Prayer For the Dying)
132 - Sun and Steel (Piece of Mind)
132 - Innocent Exile (Killers)
134 - Sanctuary (Iron Maiden)
135 - Be Quick or Be Dead (Fear of the Dark)
136 - Wildest Dreams (Dance of Death)
137 - Don't Look to the Eyes of a Stranger (Virtual XI)
138 - The Fugitive (Fear of the Dark)
139 - The Assassin (No Prayer For the Dying)
140 - Iron Maiden (Iron Maiden)
141 - Fates Warning (No Prayer For the Dying)
142 - New Frontier (Dance of Death)
143 - Holy Smoke (No Prayer For the Dying)
143 - Tailgunner (No Prayer For the Dying)
145 - Gangland (The Number of the Beast)
146 - Quest For Fire (Piece of Mind)
147 - Bring Your Daughter... ...To the Slaughter (No Prayer For the Dying)
148 - Gates of Tomorrow (Dance of Death)
149 - The Angel and the Gambler (Virtual XI)
150 - From Here to Eternity (Fear of the Dark)
151 - Fear is the Key (Fear of the Dark)
152 - Chains of Misery (Fear of the Dark)
153 - Hooks in You (No Prayer For the Dying)
153 - Weekend Warrior (Fear of the Dark)
155 - The Apparition (Fear of the Dark)

Song deviance (least to greatest)

Spoiler

0.26 - Different World (A Matter of Life and Death)
0.26 - Mother of Mercy (The Final Frontier)
0.27 - The Alchemist (The Final Frontier)
0.34 - The Fallen Angel (Brave New World)
0.39 - Satellite 15... The Final Frontier (The Final Frontier)
0.44 - Die With Your Boots On (Piece of Mind)
0.54 - El Dorado (The Final Frontier)
0.55 - Prowler (Iron Maiden)
0.55 - The Man Who Would Be King (The Final Frontier)
0.60 - Flash of the Blade (Powerslave)
0.66 - Deja Vu (Somewhere in Time)
0.68 - Invaders (The Number of the Beast)
0.70 - Montsegur (Dance of Death)
0.70 - The Prophecy (Seventh Son of a Seventh Son)
0.76 - Fates Warning (No Prayer For the Dying)
0.78 - The Mercenary (Brave New World)
0.80 - Can I Play With Madness? (Seventh Son of a Seventh Son)
0.81 - Another Life (Killers)
0.85 - The Pilgrim (A Matter of Life and Death)
0.86 - Total Eclipse (The Number of the Beast)
0.90 - Run to the Hills (The Number of the Beast)
0.90 - Heaven Can Wait (Somewhere in Time)
0.92 - Fear is the Key (Fear of the Dark)
0.93 - Sun and Steel (Piece of Mind)
0.96 - Innocent Exile (Killers)
1.02 - Lord of the Flies (The X Factor)
1.03 - No Prayer For the Dying (No Prayer For the Dying)
1.04 - Purgatory (Killers)
1.08 - Como Estais Amigos (Virtual XI)
1.15 - Mother Russia (No Prayer For the Dying)
1.22 - Wrathchild (Killers)
1.23 - Fortunes of War (The X Factor)
1.29 - Gangland (The Number of the Beast)
1.31 - Futureal (Virtual XI)
1.45 - When Two Worlds Collide (Virtual XI)
1.46 - Childhood's End (Fear of the Dark)
1.46 - Running Free (Iron Maiden)
1.52 - Journeyman (Dance of Death)
1.52 - The Fugitive (Fear of the Dark)
1.52 - Wasting Love (Fear of the Dark)
1.54 - Out of the Silent Planet (Brave New World)
1.54 - Prodigal Son (Killers)
1.56 - Iron Maiden (Iron Maiden)
1.58 - The Unbeliever (The X Factor)
1.67 - Out of the Shadows (A Matter of Life and Death)
1.68 - Man on the Edge (The X Factor)
1.68 - The Apparition (Fear of the Dark)
1.82 - Drifter (Killers)
1.83 - Tailgunner (No Prayer For the Dying)
1.84 - Age of Innocence (Dance of Death)
1.86 - Back in the Village (Powerslave)
1.86 - Sanctuary (Iron Maiden)
1.87 - Judgement of Heaven (The X Factor)
1.94 - Public Enema Number One (No Prayer For the Dying)
1.94 - Quest For Fire (Piece of Mind)
1.95 - The Angel and the Gambler (Virtual XI)
2.04 - Wildest Dreams (Dance of Death)
2.10 - Blood on the World's Hands (The X Factor)
2.20 - Lightning Strikes Twice (Virtual XI)
2.20 - New Frontier (Dance of Death)
2.22 - Hooks in You (No Prayer For the Dying)
2.26 - Losfer Words (Big 'Orra) (Powerslave)
2.27 - Look For the Truth (The X Factor)
2.72 - Twilight Zone (Killers)
2.82 - Gates of Tomorrow (Dance of Death)
2.87 - The Ides of March (Killers)
2.93 - Bring Your Daughter... ...To the Slaughter (No Prayer For the Dying)
2.94 - Holy Smoke (No Prayer For the Dying)
3.04 - Be Quick or Be Dead (Fear of the Dark)
3.26 - The Educated Fool (Virtual XI)
3.32 - Charlotte the Harlot (Iron Maiden)
3.34 - Chains of Misery (Fear of the Dark)
3.40 - Weekend Warrior (Fear of the Dark)
3.76 - From Here to Eternity (Fear of the Dark)
3.81 - 2 A.M. (The X Factor)
3.90 - The Assassin (No Prayer For the Dying)
3.95 - Don't Look to the Eyes of a Stranger (Virtual XI)
n/a - Death or Glory (The Book of Souls)
n/a - Shadows of the Valley (The Book of Souls)
n/a - Speed of Light (The Book of Souls)
n/a - Tears of a Clown (The Book of Souls)
n/a - The Great Unknown (The Book of Souls)
n/a - The Man of Sorrows (The Book of Souls)
n/a - The Red and the Black (The Book of Souls)
n/a - When the River Runs Deep (The Book of Souls)

Albums

Spoiler

Iron Maiden 4/9 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 2 Top 100: 12
Killers 8/11 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 1 Top 50: 9 Top 100: 36
The Number of the Beast 4/9 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 0 Top 100: 16
Piece of Mind 3/9 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 0 Top 100: 10
Powerslave 3/8 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 3 Top 100: 14
Somewhere in Time 2/8 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 0 Top 100: 15
Seventh Son of a Seventh Son 2/8 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 0 Top 100: 13
No Prayer For the Dying 9/10 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 4 Top 100: 18
Fear of the Dark 9/12 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 0 Top 100: 20
The X Factor 8/11 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 2 Top 50: 5 Top 100: 40
Virtual XI 7/8 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 1 Top 50: 9 Top 100: 13
Brave New World 3/10 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 1 Top 100: 11
Dance of Death 6/11 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 0 Top 100: 22
A Matter of Life and Death 3/10 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 0 Top 100: 15
The Final Frontier 5/10 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 0 Top 100: 24
The Book of Souls 7/11 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 0 Top 100: 6

 

[Srogyy]

Out of the Silent Planet is in my top 10, if not 5. This song is 110% Maiden in Maiden. It encapsulates their uplifting side perfectly.

 

[MrKnickerbocker]

Yeah, way, way too low. I absolutely adore that song. Some of the most interesting music Maiden have ever done. Deserves to be in the top 25.

 

[Operations666]

Out of the Silent Planet is Maiden at their most musically vicious and relentless. The lyrics are devastating. My favorite song on BNW, along with The Nomad.

 

[Stardust]

That is a shame that Out Of The Silent Planet is so low. It's a top 30 track at the least.

 

[Brigantium]

I find it not far above average in Maiden's catalogue. Plus the guitar lead from about 3:13 to 3:24 reminds me of the Friends theme tune.

 

[Black Wizard]

Do you clap after that bit?

 

[SirRobbins]

Do you clap after that bit?

I usually jump in a fountain and splash around

 

[bornless1]

Seems this conversation is stuck in 2nd gear...

 

[Maturin]

But I'll be there for you?

 

[Diesel 11]

These five words I swear to- wait wrong one.

 

[LooseCannon]

T69: No More Lies - Dance of Death (Harris)
Average score: 8.13/10 Deviation: 1.26
Dance of Death 7/11
Top 100: 2005, 2006, 2008, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016

We've been harsher on this once recently. So, as I mentioned back in the beginning, somehow this song's votes weren't tabulated in 2004. I legitimately don't remember how this happened - I might have forgotten to grab the votes for the song, maybe it wasn't scored, or whatever - but this one has a slightly weirder demographic than all others due to that. Pretty evenly scored until the most recent year with a one and a quarter point plunge. This one has a lot of criticism for being repetitive, and also for repeating the chorus, as well as saying the same lines over again. Some of us believe it overcomes that handicap, others believe it is defined by it.

Choice comments:

his song...amazes me. Musically I love it. The synth in the background is so perfect. I love Janick's guitarwork in the back as well.

I like No More Lies. It carries a lot of power and force. The lyrics are meaningful and its certainly a top track off of the album.

No more Lies does make a point to be honest. I love it love Prance.

'No more lies' is a great song and I claim that it is likely to become a regular live classic!The guitar harmonies are awesome as well as the intro.However, the chorus could have easily been reduced as for the number of repetitions especially at the end of the song.

One of my absolute favourites. Everything about this song is fantastic: The intro, the lyrics, the instrumentals... I was blown away when they played it live last year. It was a dream come true. I also got two people who were very important to me at that time into Maiden by playing them this song. I couldn't be without this song.

The chorus does not bother me at all in this song. Bruce varies it nicely with the vocals and the overall lyrics of the song are cool. Great song musically, the guitars are just rocking.

Exquisite beginning — straddling a unique moment of emotional clarity of love for what came before, peace with what is now, and a glimmer of excitement for what is to come. An anthemic chorus built for the arena, a fist-pumping second verse, a vintage kickass, melodic musical mid-piece and a perfect denouement. This song stands with the band’s all-time best.

I find this one not the worst, but certainly the most predictable and unimaginative song Maiden ever did.
The Angel and the Gambler has a more surprising build-up.

One of my favourite post-reunion songs; a nice intro and build-up, and a powerful chorus (on which note I'd echo the sentiments of "repetitive, so what?").

It took a while for this one to grow on me, mainly because I felt the first verse sounded too gloomy and it put me off. In the end, it was that succession of three solos that Mr.K mentions that really turned this song around for me. It's at times like this that the three guitarists can be shown off to great effect, each adding their own dimension to what would otherwise be a relatively long and potentially tedious instrumental section.

Statistics

Spoiler

Yearly ratings & rankings
2005: 8.22; 60/124
2006: 8.00 -0.22; 73/124 -13
2008: 8.12 +0.12; 84/134 -11
2011: 8.28 +0.16; 55/144 +29
2012: 77/144 -22
2014: 8.55 +0.27; 53/144 +24
2015: 8.50 -0.05; 56/144 -3
2016: 7.29 -1.21; 99/155 -6

Overall

Spoiler

69 - No More Lies (Dance of Death)
71 - Out of the Silent Planet (Brave New World)
71 - Prowler (Iron Maiden)
73 - Wrathchild (Killers)
74 - Man on the Edge (The X Factor)
74 - The Great Unknown (The Book of Souls)
76 - The Ides of March (Killers)
77 - Tears of a Clown (The Book of Souls)
78 - The Educated Fool (Virtual XI)
79 - Futureal (Virtual XI)
80 - Different World (A Matter of Life and Death)
80 - No Prayer For the Dying (No Prayer For the Dying)
82 - Run to the Hills (The Number of the Beast)
82 - The Red and the Black (The Book of Souls)
84 - Prodigal Son (Killers)
85 - Die With Your Boots On (Piece of Mind)
86 - The Prophecy (Seventh Son of a Seventh Son)
87 - The Alchemist (The Final Frontier)
87 - Deja Vu (Somewhere in Time)
89 - El Dorado (The Final Frontier)
89 - Mother of Mercy (The Final Frontier)
91 - Flash of the Blade (Powerslave)
92 - Out of the Shadows (A Matter of Life and Death)
93 - Blood on the World's Hands (The X Factor)
94 - Montsegur (Dance of Death)
95 - Journeyman (Dance of Death)
96 - Back in the Village (Powerslave)
97 - Purgatory (Killers)
98 - The Man of Sorrows (The Book of Souls)
99 - The Man Who Would Be King (The Final Frontier)
99 - Lightning Strikes Twice (Virtual XI)
101 - Lord of the Flies (The X Factor)
102 - 2 A.M. (The X Factor)
102 - Fortunes of War (The X Factor)
102 - Death or Glory (The Book of Souls)
105 - Satellite 15... The Final Frontier (The Final Frontier)
106 - Mother Russia (No Prayer For the Dying)
107 - Como Estais Amigos (Virtual XI)
108 - The Pilgrim (A Matter of Life and Death)
109 - Losfer Words (Big 'Orra) (Powerslave)
110 - Running Free (Iron Maiden)
111 - Total Eclipse (The Number of the Beast)
112 - Speed of Light (The Book of Souls)
113 - Wasting Love (Fear of the Dark)
114 - Judgement of Heaven (The X Factor)
115 - The Unbeliever (The X Factor)
116 - Heaven Can Wait (Somewhere in Time)
116 - Childhood's End (Fear of the Dark)
118 - Can I Play With Madness? (Seventh Son of a Seventh Son)
119 - Twilight Zone (Killers)
120 - The Mercenary (Brave New World)
121 - When the River Runs Deep (The Book of Souls)
122 - The Fallen Angel (Brave New World)
123 - Shadows of the Valley (The Book of Souls)
124 - Charlotte the Harlot (Iron Maiden)
125 - Invaders (The Number of the Beast)
126 - Age of Innocence (Dance of Death)
126 - Look For the Truth (The X Factor)
128 - When Two Worlds Collide (Virtual XI)
129 - Drifter (Killers)
130 - Another Life (Killers)
131 - Public Enema Number One (No Prayer For the Dying)
132 - Sun and Steel (Piece of Mind)
132 - Innocent Exile (Killers)
134 - Sanctuary (Iron Maiden)
135 - Be Quick or Be Dead (Fear of the Dark)
136 - Wildest Dreams (Dance of Death)
137 - Don't Look to the Eyes of a Stranger (Virtual XI)
138 - The Fugitive (Fear of the Dark)
139 - The Assassin (No Prayer For the Dying)
140 - Iron Maiden (Iron Maiden)
141 - Fates Warning (No Prayer For the Dying)
142 - New Frontier (Dance of Death)
143 - Holy Smoke (No Prayer For the Dying)
143 - Tailgunner (No Prayer For the Dying)
145 - Gangland (The Number of the Beast)
146 - Quest For Fire (Piece of Mind)
147 - Bring Your Daughter... ...To the Slaughter (No Prayer For the Dying)
148 - Gates of Tomorrow (Dance of Death)
149 - The Angel and the Gambler (Virtual XI)
150 - From Here to Eternity (Fear of the Dark)
151 - Fear is the Key (Fear of the Dark)
152 - Chains of Misery (Fear of the Dark)
153 - Hooks in You (No Prayer For the Dying)
153 - Weekend Warrior (Fear of the Dark)
155 - The Apparition (Fear of the Dark)

Song deviance (least to greatest)

Spoiler

0.26 - Different World (A Matter of Life and Death)
0.26 - Mother of Mercy (The Final Frontier)
0.27 - The Alchemist (The Final Frontier)
0.34 - The Fallen Angel (Brave New World)
0.39 - Satellite 15... The Final Frontier (The Final Frontier)
0.44 - Die With Your Boots On (Piece of Mind)
0.54 - El Dorado (The Final Frontier)
0.55 - Prowler (Iron Maiden)
0.55 - The Man Who Would Be King (The Final Frontier)
0.60 - Flash of the Blade (Powerslave)
0.66 - Deja Vu (Somewhere in Time)
0.68 - Invaders (The Number of the Beast)
0.70 - Montsegur (Dance of Death)
0.70 - The Prophecy (Seventh Son of a Seventh Son)
0.76 - Fates Warning (No Prayer For the Dying)
0.78 - The Mercenary (Brave New World)
0.80 - Can I Play With Madness? (Seventh Son of a Seventh Son)
0.81 - Another Life (Killers)
0.85 - The Pilgrim (A Matter of Life and Death)
0.86 - Total Eclipse (The Number of the Beast)
0.90 - Run to the Hills (The Number of the Beast)
0.90 - Heaven Can Wait (Somewhere in Time)
0.92 - Fear is the Key (Fear of the Dark)
0.93 - Sun and Steel (Piece of Mind)
0.96 - Innocent Exile (Killers)
1.02 - Lord of the Flies (The X Factor)
1.03 - No Prayer For the Dying (No Prayer For the Dying)
1.04 - Purgatory (Killers)
1.08 - Como Estais Amigos (Virtual XI)
1.15 - Mother Russia (No Prayer For the Dying)
1.22 - Wrathchild (Killers)
1.23 - Fortunes of War (The X Factor)
1.26 - No More Lies (Dance of Death)
1.29 - Gangland (The Number of the Beast)
1.31 - Futureal (Virtual XI)
1.45 - When Two Worlds Collide (Virtual XI)
1.46 - Childhood's End (Fear of the Dark)
1.46 - Running Free (Iron Maiden)
1.52 - Journeyman (Dance of Death)
1.52 - The Fugitive (Fear of the Dark)
1.52 - Wasting Love (Fear of the Dark)
1.54 - Out of the Silent Planet (Brave New World)
1.54 - Prodigal Son (Killers)
1.56 - Iron Maiden (Iron Maiden)
1.58 - The Unbeliever (The X Factor)
1.67 - Out of the Shadows (A Matter of Life and Death)
1.68 - Man on the Edge (The X Factor)
1.68 - The Apparition (Fear of the Dark)
1.82 - Drifter (Killers)
1.83 - Tailgunner (No Prayer For the Dying)
1.84 - Age of Innocence (Dance of Death)
1.86 - Back in the Village (Powerslave)
1.86 - Sanctuary (Iron Maiden)
1.87 - Judgement of Heaven (The X Factor)
1.94 - Public Enema Number One (No Prayer For the Dying)
1.94 - Quest For Fire (Piece of Mind)
1.95 - The Angel and the Gambler (Virtual XI)
2.04 - Wildest Dreams (Dance of Death)
2.10 - Blood on the World's Hands (The X Factor)
2.20 - Lightning Strikes Twice (Virtual XI)
2.20 - New Frontier (Dance of Death)
2.22 - Hooks in You (No Prayer For the Dying)
2.26 - Losfer Words (Big 'Orra) (Powerslave)
2.27 - Look For the Truth (The X Factor)
2.72 - Twilight Zone (Killers)
2.82 - Gates of Tomorrow (Dance of Death)
2.87 - The Ides of March (Killers)
2.93 - Bring Your Daughter... ...To the Slaughter (No Prayer For the Dying)
2.94 - Holy Smoke (No Prayer For the Dying)
3.04 - Be Quick or Be Dead (Fear of the Dark)
3.26 - The Educated Fool (Virtual XI)
3.32 - Charlotte the Harlot (Iron Maiden)
3.34 - Chains of Misery (Fear of the Dark)
3.40 - Weekend Warrior (Fear of the Dark)
3.76 - From Here to Eternity (Fear of the Dark)
3.81 - 2 A.M. (The X Factor)
3.90 - The Assassin (No Prayer For the Dying)
3.95 - Don't Look to the Eyes of a Stranger (Virtual XI)
n/a - Death or Glory (The Book of Souls)
n/a - Shadows of the Valley (The Book of Souls)
n/a - Speed of Light (The Book of Souls)
n/a - Tears of a Clown (The Book of Souls)
n/a - The Great Unknown (The Book of Souls)
n/a - The Man of Sorrows (The Book of Souls)
n/a - The Red and the Black (The Book of Souls)
n/a - When the River Runs Deep (The Book of Souls)

Albums

Spoiler

Iron Maiden 4/9 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 2 Top 100: 12
Killers 8/11 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 1 Top 50: 9 Top 100: 36
The Number of the Beast 4/9 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 0 Top 100: 16
Piece of Mind 3/9 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 0 Top 100: 10
Powerslave 3/8 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 3 Top 100: 14
Somewhere in Time 2/8 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 0 Top 100: 15
Seventh Son of a Seventh Son 2/8 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 0 Top 100: 13
No Prayer For the Dying 9/10 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 4 Top 100: 18
Fear of the Dark 9/12 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 0 Top 100: 20
The X Factor 8/11 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 2 Top 50: 5 Top 100: 40
Virtual XI 7/8 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 1 Top 50: 9 Top 100: 13
Brave New World 3/10 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 1 Top 100: 11
Dance of Death 7/11 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 0 Top 100: 30
A Matter of Life and Death 3/10 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 0 Top 100: 15
The Final Frontier 5/10 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 0 Top 100: 24
The Book of Souls 7/11 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 0 Top 100: 6

 

[Black Wizard]

I love how there's loads of positive comments and in the middle Forostar gives the song an absolute battering.

 

[Operations666]

I love the lyrics of No More Lies. "Their time is up just like me. But they just don't know it yet." Damn right, Steve.

 

[bornless1]

Has that perfect Dance of Death feel. Great intro and powerful lyrics, beautiful guitar melodies . Could the chorus have a bit more variety and a tad less repetition? Perhaps. But the song is so strong it's not an issue. 9/10.

 

[LooseCannon]

T69: Face in the Sand - Dance of Death (Smith, Harris, Dickinson)
Average score: 8.13/10 Deviation: 1.24
Dance of Death 8/11
Top 50: 2006, 2008
Top 100: 2004, 2005, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016

This one's on a truly interesting journey, but has been very well regarded over the years. A stronger reputation earlier on but more recent, lower, performances have balanced that out and pushed this down to the lower-eights. A higher deviation, but nothing crazy. I suspect this one has landed about right. Many people praise the lyrics and the intro, while noting the song devolves into repetition by the end of the track.

Choice comments:

'Face in the Sand' is probably the most unerrated Maiden song ever and a real highlight in terms of lyrics and vocal performace!Awesome intro, great guitar solo and one, if not the best Maiden chorus ever!

Perhaps this is a commentary on how the Middle East (specifically Iraq) has become the new warzone for the world. No longer is it the jungles of Indochina or Latin America, but the "desert sand mounds" of the Middle East. Maybe this song is best viewed as a sequel to "Afraid to Shoot Strangers"

this is the only Maiden song that made me cry everytime i've listen to it, not to mention its emotion-packed guitar solo by H! .. being ignored by the band when it come to live rendition, this song is criminally underrated!!!

The brilliant intro is, unfortunately, not sustained, — despite an awe-inspiring turn by Nicko. Huge, over-the-top and lyrically depressing, it’s a song I like more from a critical perspective than for my own personal enjoyment.

The intro is absolutely brilliant, and while the rest of the song isn't as great, it's still pretty good. I really like the verse riff (Bruce doesn't sing the greatest though), the chorus is great though and the instrumental section isn't one of their best, but it works well enough.

I like this song, but feel a tiny bit guilty for enjoying it because it seems very dark, a song of dark thunderous clouds rolling in and people running for fear of the impending celestial war. It feels like that kind of feeling you get when you look over a cliff edge, and therefore I think the song is very well executed.

The song never quite lives up to the power of the intro. The strings and bass pedal combo is pretty awesome. But the orchestral sound is a bit high up in the mix and Bruce sounds a bit Fear of the Dark-y. But then again the chorus is a cracker. A real mixed bag.

Statistics

Spoiler

Yearly ratings & rankings
2004: 8.04; 78/123
2005: 8.26 +0.22; 58/124 +20
2006: 9.00 +0.74; 38/124 +20
2008: 8.86 -0.24; 50/134 -12
2011: 7.78 -1.08; 73/144 -23
2012: 100/144 -27
2014: 7.76 -0.02; 84/144 +16
2015: 7.92 +0.16; 74/144 +10
2016: 8.05 -0.47; 60/155 -6

Overall

Spoiler

69 - Face in the Sand (Dance of Death)
69 - No More Lies (Dance of Death)
71 - Out of the Silent Planet (Brave New World)
71 - Prowler (Iron Maiden)
73 - Wrathchild (Killers)
74 - Man on the Edge (The X Factor)
74 - The Great Unknown (The Book of Souls)
76 - The Ides of March (Killers)
77 - Tears of a Clown (The Book of Souls)
78 - The Educated Fool (Virtual XI)
79 - Futureal (Virtual XI)
80 - Different World (A Matter of Life and Death)
80 - No Prayer For the Dying (No Prayer For the Dying)
82 - Run to the Hills (The Number of the Beast)
82 - The Red and the Black (The Book of Souls)
84 - Prodigal Son (Killers)
85 - Die With Your Boots On (Piece of Mind)
86 - The Prophecy (Seventh Son of a Seventh Son)
87 - The Alchemist (The Final Frontier)
87 - Deja Vu (Somewhere in Time)
89 - El Dorado (The Final Frontier)
89 - Mother of Mercy (The Final Frontier)
91 - Flash of the Blade (Powerslave)
92 - Out of the Shadows (A Matter of Life and Death)
93 - Blood on the World's Hands (The X Factor)
94 - Montsegur (Dance of Death)
95 - Journeyman (Dance of Death)
96 - Back in the Village (Powerslave)
97 - Purgatory (Killers)
98 - The Man of Sorrows (The Book of Souls)
99 - The Man Who Would Be King (The Final Frontier)
99 - Lightning Strikes Twice (Virtual XI)
101 - Lord of the Flies (The X Factor)
102 - 2 A.M. (The X Factor)
102 - Fortunes of War (The X Factor)
102 - Death or Glory (The Book of Souls)
105 - Satellite 15... The Final Frontier (The Final Frontier)
106 - Mother Russia (No Prayer For the Dying)
107 - Como Estais Amigos (Virtual XI)
108 - The Pilgrim (A Matter of Life and Death)
109 - Losfer Words (Big 'Orra) (Powerslave)
110 - Running Free (Iron Maiden)
111 - Total Eclipse (The Number of the Beast)
112 - Speed of Light (The Book of Souls)
113 - Wasting Love (Fear of the Dark)
114 - Judgement of Heaven (The X Factor)
115 - The Unbeliever (The X Factor)
116 - Heaven Can Wait (Somewhere in Time)
116 - Childhood's End (Fear of the Dark)
118 - Can I Play With Madness? (Seventh Son of a Seventh Son)
119 - Twilight Zone (Killers)
120 - The Mercenary (Brave New World)
121 - When the River Runs Deep (The Book of Souls)
122 - The Fallen Angel (Brave New World)
123 - Shadows of the Valley (The Book of Souls)
124 - Charlotte the Harlot (Iron Maiden)
125 - Invaders (The Number of the Beast)
126 - Age of Innocence (Dance of Death)
126 - Look For the Truth (The X Factor)
128 - When Two Worlds Collide (Virtual XI)
129 - Drifter (Killers)
130 - Another Life (Killers)
131 - Public Enema Number One (No Prayer For the Dying)
132 - Sun and Steel (Piece of Mind)
132 - Innocent Exile (Killers)
134 - Sanctuary (Iron Maiden)
135 - Be Quick or Be Dead (Fear of the Dark)
136 - Wildest Dreams (Dance of Death)
137 - Don't Look to the Eyes of a Stranger (Virtual XI)
138 - The Fugitive (Fear of the Dark)
139 - The Assassin (No Prayer For the Dying)
140 - Iron Maiden (Iron Maiden)
141 - Fates Warning (No Prayer For the Dying)
142 - New Frontier (Dance of Death)
143 - Holy Smoke (No Prayer For the Dying)
143 - Tailgunner (No Prayer For the Dying)
145 - Gangland (The Number of the Beast)
146 - Quest For Fire (Piece of Mind)
147 - Bring Your Daughter... ...To the Slaughter (No Prayer For the Dying)
148 - Gates of Tomorrow (Dance of Death)
149 - The Angel and the Gambler (Virtual XI)
150 - From Here to Eternity (Fear of the Dark)
151 - Fear is the Key (Fear of the Dark)
152 - Chains of Misery (Fear of the Dark)
153 - Hooks in You (No Prayer For the Dying)
153 - Weekend Warrior (Fear of the Dark)
155 - The Apparition (Fear of the Dark)

Song deviance (least to greatest)

Spoiler

0.26 - Different World (A Matter of Life and Death)
0.26 - Mother of Mercy (The Final Frontier)
0.27 - The Alchemist (The Final Frontier)
0.34 - The Fallen Angel (Brave New World)
0.39 - Satellite 15... The Final Frontier (The Final Frontier)
0.44 - Die With Your Boots On (Piece of Mind)
0.54 - El Dorado (The Final Frontier)
0.55 - Prowler (Iron Maiden)
0.55 - The Man Who Would Be King (The Final Frontier)
0.60 - Flash of the Blade (Powerslave)
0.66 - Deja Vu (Somewhere in Time)
0.68 - Invaders (The Number of the Beast)
0.70 - Montsegur (Dance of Death)
0.70 - The Prophecy (Seventh Son of a Seventh Son)
0.76 - Fates Warning (No Prayer For the Dying)
0.78 - The Mercenary (Brave New World)
0.80 - Can I Play With Madness? (Seventh Son of a Seventh Son)
0.81 - Another Life (Killers)
0.85 - The Pilgrim (A Matter of Life and Death)
0.86 - Total Eclipse (The Number of the Beast)
0.90 - Run to the Hills (The Number of the Beast)
0.90 - Heaven Can Wait (Somewhere in Time)
0.92 - Fear is the Key (Fear of the Dark)
0.93 - Sun and Steel (Piece of Mind)
0.96 - Innocent Exile (Killers)
1.02 - Lord of the Flies (The X Factor)
1.03 - No Prayer For the Dying (No Prayer For the Dying)
1.04 - Purgatory (Killers)
1.08 - Como Estais Amigos (Virtual XI)
1.15 - Mother Russia (No Prayer For the Dying)
1.22 - Wrathchild (Killers)
1.23 - Fortunes of War (The X Factor)
1.24 - Face in the Sand (Dance of Death)
1.26 - No More Lies (Dance of Death)
1.29 - Gangland (The Number of the Beast)
1.31 - Futureal (Virtual XI)
1.45 - When Two Worlds Collide (Virtual XI)
1.46 - Childhood's End (Fear of the Dark)
1.46 - Running Free (Iron Maiden)
1.52 - Journeyman (Dance of Death)
1.52 - The Fugitive (Fear of the Dark)
1.52 - Wasting Love (Fear of the Dark)
1.54 - Out of the Silent Planet (Brave New World)
1.54 - Prodigal Son (Killers)
1.56 - Iron Maiden (Iron Maiden)
1.58 - The Unbeliever (The X Factor)
1.67 - Out of the Shadows (A Matter of Life and Death)
1.68 - Man on the Edge (The X Factor)
1.68 - The Apparition (Fear of the Dark)
1.82 - Drifter (Killers)
1.83 - Tailgunner (No Prayer For the Dying)
1.84 - Age of Innocence (Dance of Death)
1.86 - Back in the Village (Powerslave)
1.86 - Sanctuary (Iron Maiden)
1.87 - Judgement of Heaven (The X Factor)
1.94 - Public Enema Number One (No Prayer For the Dying)
1.94 - Quest For Fire (Piece of Mind)
1.95 - The Angel and the Gambler (Virtual XI)
2.04 - Wildest Dreams (Dance of Death)
2.10 - Blood on the World's Hands (The X Factor)
2.20 - Lightning Strikes Twice (Virtual XI)
2.20 - New Frontier (Dance of Death)
2.22 - Hooks in You (No Prayer For the Dying)
2.26 - Losfer Words (Big 'Orra) (Powerslave)
2.27 - Look For the Truth (The X Factor)
2.72 - Twilight Zone (Killers)
2.82 - Gates of Tomorrow (Dance of Death)
2.87 - The Ides of March (Killers)
2.93 - Bring Your Daughter... ...To the Slaughter (No Prayer For the Dying)
2.94 - Holy Smoke (No Prayer For the Dying)
3.04 - Be Quick or Be Dead (Fear of the Dark)
3.26 - The Educated Fool (Virtual XI)
3.32 - Charlotte the Harlot (Iron Maiden)
3.34 - Chains of Misery (Fear of the Dark)
3.40 - Weekend Warrior (Fear of the Dark)
3.76 - From Here to Eternity (Fear of the Dark)
3.81 - 2 A.M. (The X Factor)
3.90 - The Assassin (No Prayer For the Dying)
3.95 - Don't Look to the Eyes of a Stranger (Virtual XI)
n/a - Death or Glory (The Book of Souls)
n/a - Shadows of the Valley (The Book of Souls)
n/a - Speed of Light (The Book of Souls)
n/a - Tears of a Clown (The Book of Souls)
n/a - The Great Unknown (The Book of Souls)
n/a - The Man of Sorrows (The Book of Souls)
n/a - The Red and the Black (The Book of Souls)
n/a - When the River Runs Deep (The Book of Souls)

Albums

Spoiler

Iron Maiden 4/9 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 2 Top 100: 12
Killers 8/11 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 1 Top 50: 9 Top 100: 36
The Number of the Beast 4/9 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 0 Top 100: 16
Piece of Mind 3/9 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 0 Top 100: 10
Powerslave 3/8 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 3 Top 100: 14
Somewhere in Time 2/8 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 0 Top 100: 15
Seventh Son of a Seventh Son 2/8 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 0 Top 100: 13
No Prayer For the Dying 9/10 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 4 Top 100: 18
Fear of the Dark 9/12 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 0 Top 100: 20
The X Factor 8/11 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 2 Top 50: 5 Top 100: 40
Virtual XI 7/8 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 1 Top 50: 9 Top 100: 13
Brave New World 3/10 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 1 Top 100: 11
Dance of Death 8/11 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 2 Top 100: 37
A Matter of Life and Death 3/10 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 0 Top 100: 15
The Final Frontier 5/10 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 0 Top 100: 24
The Book of Souls 7/11 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 0 Top 100: 6

 

[LooseCannon]

68: Judas Be My Guide - Fear of the Dark (Dickinson, Murray)
Average score: 8.14/10 Deviation: 1.62
Fear of the Dark 10/12
Top 50: 2006, 2016
Top 100: 2004, 2005, 2008, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015

Certainly one of the better-regarded tracks off of Fear of the Dark, this one has a fairly stable opinion, but it's had a few drops over time, returning once again to the Top 50 in 2016, indicating it's on the rise. Many people note the first solo is awesome, and that it is a breath of fresh air on the album. A few people have noted they don't quite get the genius others recognize, suggesting it's not a universal acclaim.

Choice comments:

I´ve always liked this song. As soon as it starts you feel that something dark is about to unveil. With the first of Murray´s solos we get the feeling that a new apocalipse is heading our way.

Yes, I find it short too, however, I can´t imagine how it would be if it was longer. Its perfect as it is !!!

I see the lyrics as a strong criticism of the harsh capitalism that rules today, where human and moral values are twisted for the sake of money. Judas is a religious parallel here - Jesus is often depicted as a man who prospered humanity and morale and stuff like that. Judas betrayed him, like the world is betraying basic humanity principles today.

A nice, compact little number that gets in, makes its point, then gets out. First they give us that attention-grabbing little intro, then some of those gorgeously pure Davey lead runs as the band kicks into gear. The chorus is great, I love the bridge, and the solo is more vintage Murray. The band and some fans seem to think this one should be lumped in with the lesser “singles” like Sun and Steel and New Frontier. I think it more properly fits with the 23:58s and Rainmakers of the world.

This is a song which has grown on me a lot since I first heard the album, and I think it's good for what it is - a short, positive rocker with a catchy chorus and some nice solos. Better than some of the songs from the album, and quite a bit worse than a couple of others

OK, I don't get this track. It is obviously well liked as you can see by the polled scores, but I have never got into this track and find it very forgettable.

Talk about a forgotten gem! I love this one from start to finish, it's gripping, dramatic, energetic and simply brilliant.

Despite the rave reviews above, I've always found this to be a pretty average kind of track. An enjoyable listen, but not more than that.

This is one of those songs that is really on the cusp of greatness. For its length, I think it's pretty fantastic, and Bruce sounds his best on this album. The little intro solo is blistering.

Statistics

Spoiler

Yearly ratings & rankings
2004: 8.46; 54/123
2005: 8.58 +0.12; 52/124 +2
2006: 9.00 +0.42; 38/124 +14
2008: 8.72 -0.28; 54/134 -16
2011: 7.38 -1.34; 93/144 -39
2012: 91/144 +2
2014: 7.59 +0.21; 91/144 NC
2015: 7.80 +0.21; 81/144 +10
2016: 8.45 +0.65; 43/155 +38

Overall

Spoiler

68 - Judas Be My Guide (Fear of the Dark)
69 - Face in the Sand (Dance of Death)
69 - No More Lies (Dance of Death)
71 - Out of the Silent Planet (Brave New World)
71 - Prowler (Iron Maiden)
73 - Wrathchild (Killers)
74 - Man on the Edge (The X Factor)
74 - The Great Unknown (The Book of Souls)
76 - The Ides of March (Killers)
77 - Tears of a Clown (The Book of Souls)
78 - The Educated Fool (Virtual XI)
79 - Futureal (Virtual XI)
80 - Different World (A Matter of Life and Death)
80 - No Prayer For the Dying (No Prayer For the Dying)
82 - Run to the Hills (The Number of the Beast)
82 - The Red and the Black (The Book of Souls)
84 - Prodigal Son (Killers)
85 - Die With Your Boots On (Piece of Mind)
86 - The Prophecy (Seventh Son of a Seventh Son)
87 - The Alchemist (The Final Frontier)
87 - Deja Vu (Somewhere in Time)
89 - El Dorado (The Final Frontier)
89 - Mother of Mercy (The Final Frontier)
91 - Flash of the Blade (Powerslave)
92 - Out of the Shadows (A Matter of Life and Death)
93 - Blood on the World's Hands (The X Factor)
94 - Montsegur (Dance of Death)
95 - Journeyman (Dance of Death)
96 - Back in the Village (Powerslave)
97 - Purgatory (Killers)
98 - The Man of Sorrows (The Book of Souls)
99 - The Man Who Would Be King (The Final Frontier)
99 - Lightning Strikes Twice (Virtual XI)
101 - Lord of the Flies (The X Factor)
102 - 2 A.M. (The X Factor)
102 - Fortunes of War (The X Factor)
102 - Death or Glory (The Book of Souls)
105 - Satellite 15... The Final Frontier (The Final Frontier)
106 - Mother Russia (No Prayer For the Dying)
107 - Como Estais Amigos (Virtual XI)
108 - The Pilgrim (A Matter of Life and Death)
109 - Losfer Words (Big 'Orra) (Powerslave)
110 - Running Free (Iron Maiden)
111 - Total Eclipse (The Number of the Beast)
112 - Speed of Light (The Book of Souls)
113 - Wasting Love (Fear of the Dark)
114 - Judgement of Heaven (The X Factor)
115 - The Unbeliever (The X Factor)
116 - Heaven Can Wait (Somewhere in Time)
116 - Childhood's End (Fear of the Dark)
118 - Can I Play With Madness? (Seventh Son of a Seventh Son)
119 - Twilight Zone (Killers)
120 - The Mercenary (Brave New World)
121 - When the River Runs Deep (The Book of Souls)
122 - The Fallen Angel (Brave New World)
123 - Shadows of the Valley (The Book of Souls)
124 - Charlotte the Harlot (Iron Maiden)
125 - Invaders (The Number of the Beast)
126 - Age of Innocence (Dance of Death)
126 - Look For the Truth (The X Factor)
128 - When Two Worlds Collide (Virtual XI)
129 - Drifter (Killers)
130 - Another Life (Killers)
131 - Public Enema Number One (No Prayer For the Dying)
132 - Sun and Steel (Piece of Mind)
132 - Innocent Exile (Killers)
134 - Sanctuary (Iron Maiden)
135 - Be Quick or Be Dead (Fear of the Dark)
136 - Wildest Dreams (Dance of Death)
137 - Don't Look to the Eyes of a Stranger (Virtual XI)
138 - The Fugitive (Fear of the Dark)
139 - The Assassin (No Prayer For the Dying)
140 - Iron Maiden (Iron Maiden)
141 - Fates Warning (No Prayer For the Dying)
142 - New Frontier (Dance of Death)
143 - Holy Smoke (No Prayer For the Dying)
143 - Tailgunner (No Prayer For the Dying)
145 - Gangland (The Number of the Beast)
146 - Quest For Fire (Piece of Mind)
147 - Bring Your Daughter... ...To the Slaughter (No Prayer For the Dying)
148 - Gates of Tomorrow (Dance of Death)
149 - The Angel and the Gambler (Virtual XI)
150 - From Here to Eternity (Fear of the Dark)
151 - Fear is the Key (Fear of the Dark)
152 - Chains of Misery (Fear of the Dark)
153 - Hooks in You (No Prayer For the Dying)
153 - Weekend Warrior (Fear of the Dark)
155 - The Apparition (Fear of the Dark)

Song deviance (least to greatest)

Spoiler

0.26 - Different World (A Matter of Life and Death)
0.26 - Mother of Mercy (The Final Frontier)
0.27 - The Alchemist (The Final Frontier)
0.34 - The Fallen Angel (Brave New World)
0.39 - Satellite 15... The Final Frontier (The Final Frontier)
0.44 - Die With Your Boots On (Piece of Mind)
0.54 - El Dorado (The Final Frontier)
0.55 - Prowler (Iron Maiden)
0.55 - The Man Who Would Be King (The Final Frontier)
0.60 - Flash of the Blade (Powerslave)
0.66 - Deja Vu (Somewhere in Time)
0.68 - Invaders (The Number of the Beast)
0.70 - Montsegur (Dance of Death)
0.70 - The Prophecy (Seventh Son of a Seventh Son)
0.76 - Fates Warning (No Prayer For the Dying)
0.78 - The Mercenary (Brave New World)
0.80 - Can I Play With Madness? (Seventh Son of a Seventh Son)
0.81 - Another Life (Killers)
0.85 - The Pilgrim (A Matter of Life and Death)
0.86 - Total Eclipse (The Number of the Beast)
0.90 - Run to the Hills (The Number of the Beast)
0.90 - Heaven Can Wait (Somewhere in Time)
0.92 - Fear is the Key (Fear of the Dark)
0.93 - Sun and Steel (Piece of Mind)
0.96 - Innocent Exile (Killers)
1.02 - Lord of the Flies (The X Factor)
1.03 - No Prayer For the Dying (No Prayer For the Dying)
1.04 - Purgatory (Killers)
1.08 - Como Estais Amigos (Virtual XI)
1.15 - Mother Russia (No Prayer For the Dying)
1.22 - Wrathchild (Killers)
1.23 - Fortunes of War (The X Factor)
1.24 - Face in the Sand (Dance of Death)
1.26 - No More Lies (Dance of Death)
1.29 - Gangland (The Number of the Beast)
1.31 - Futureal (Virtual XI)
1.45 - When Two Worlds Collide (Virtual XI)
1.46 - Childhood's End (Fear of the Dark)
1.46 - Running Free (Iron Maiden)
1.52 - Journeyman (Dance of Death)
1.52 - The Fugitive (Fear of the Dark)
1.52 - Wasting Love (Fear of the Dark)
1.54 - Out of the Silent Planet (Brave New World)
1.54 - Prodigal Son (Killers)
1.56 - Iron Maiden (Iron Maiden)
1.58 - The Unbeliever (The X Factor)
1.62 - Judas Be My Guide (Fear of the Dark)
1.67 - Out of the Shadows (A Matter of Life and Death)
1.68 - Man on the Edge (The X Factor)
1.68 - The Apparition (Fear of the Dark)
1.82 - Drifter (Killers)
1.83 - Tailgunner (No Prayer For the Dying)
1.84 - Age of Innocence (Dance of Death)
1.86 - Back in the Village (Powerslave)
1.86 - Sanctuary (Iron Maiden)
1.87 - Judgement of Heaven (The X Factor)
1.94 - Public Enema Number One (No Prayer For the Dying)
1.94 - Quest For Fire (Piece of Mind)
1.95 - The Angel and the Gambler (Virtual XI)
2.04 - Wildest Dreams (Dance of Death)
2.10 - Blood on the World's Hands (The X Factor)
2.20 - Lightning Strikes Twice (Virtual XI)
2.20 - New Frontier (Dance of Death)
2.22 - Hooks in You (No Prayer For the Dying)
2.26 - Losfer Words (Big 'Orra) (Powerslave)
2.27 - Look For the Truth (The X Factor)
2.72 - Twilight Zone (Killers)
2.82 - Gates of Tomorrow (Dance of Death)
2.87 - The Ides of March (Killers)
2.93 - Bring Your Daughter... ...To the Slaughter (No Prayer For the Dying)
2.94 - Holy Smoke (No Prayer For the Dying)
3.04 - Be Quick or Be Dead (Fear of the Dark)
3.26 - The Educated Fool (Virtual XI)
3.32 - Charlotte the Harlot (Iron Maiden)
3.34 - Chains of Misery (Fear of the Dark)
3.40 - Weekend Warrior (Fear of the Dark)
3.76 - From Here to Eternity (Fear of the Dark)
3.81 - 2 A.M. (The X Factor)
3.90 - The Assassin (No Prayer For the Dying)
3.95 - Don't Look to the Eyes of a Stranger (Virtual XI)
n/a - Death or Glory (The Book of Souls)
n/a - Shadows of the Valley (The Book of Souls)
n/a - Speed of Light (The Book of Souls)
n/a - Tears of a Clown (The Book of Souls)
n/a - The Great Unknown (The Book of Souls)
n/a - The Man of Sorrows (The Book of Souls)
n/a - The Red and the Black (The Book of Souls)
n/a - When the River Runs Deep (The Book of Souls)

Albums

Spoiler

Iron Maiden 4/9 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 2 Top 100: 12
Killers 8/11 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 1 Top 50: 9 Top 100: 36
The Number of the Beast 4/9 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 0 Top 100: 16
Piece of Mind 3/9 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 0 Top 100: 10
Powerslave 3/8 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 3 Top 100: 14
Somewhere in Time 2/8 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 0 Top 100: 15
Seventh Son of a Seventh Son 2/8 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 0 Top 100: 13
No Prayer For the Dying 9/10 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 4 Top 100: 18
Fear of the Dark 10/12 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 2 Top 100: 27
The X Factor 8/11 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 2 Top 50: 5 Top 100: 40
Virtual XI 7/8 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 1 Top 50: 9 Top 100: 13
Brave New World 3/10 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 1 Top 100: 11
Dance of Death 8/11 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 2 Top 100: 37
A Matter of Life and Death 3/10 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 0 Top 100: 15
The Final Frontier 5/10 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 0 Top 100: 24
The Book of Souls 7/11 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 0 Top 100: 6

 

[Black Wizard]

'Face in the Sand' is a top 10 song for me. It's very underappreciated.

 

[LooseCannon]

67: The Duellists - Powerslave (Harris)
Average score: 8.17/10 Deviation: 2.50
Powerslave 4/8
Top 50: 2005, 2006, 2008
Top 100: 2004, 2011, 2012, 2016

Universal acclaim for the guitars on this track, but the rest seems to be up in the air. Some love it and some think it's particularly boring, save for the guitar solos. Some criticism of the way Bruce sings, but again, some people love it. Statistically, this song has gone up and down, peaking at 26th and falling down to 102 fairly recently. We'll see how this one fares as the years get along, but it seems to be in the "pretty good" range for now.

Choice comments:

This album, along with this song, has to be some of the best guitar work for maiden. Every song seems to have a different part to it (format-wise). This song for example has the whole solo section that just develops in a classical format kind of way........ the bass arpeggios are so damn fitting. You have so many other things going on in there and not one outshines the other. Great work with great with great harmonies!

I must say I am very impressed with this song. Since duelling is sort of fast paced in its nature, Bruce's singing compliments it. The guitar work is just great here, and the atmosphere puts it as a Maiden masterpiece. I really like this song a lot. You can imagine, fighting for your life for the sake of honor requires every moment, he who hesitates is lost. and dead in this case.

I can't find anything interesting about the middle part. Yeah, it's different, but I just can't find anything particularly captivating about it. The vocals sound strained, the rest of the music sounds uninspired. To me, this is utterly forgettable.

Equal 3rd favourite song off the album, which I think is also vastly underrated. That middle instrumental section is just awesome with the great melodies. Also, I don't mind the high singing by Bruce too much in the chorus either.

The Duellists is for me the ultimate "forgotten song" in Maiden’s catalogue. I find it very underrated and I can’t understand people when they say it’s boring. I like it because of the brilliant mid piece. GREAT melodic guitar work, with the rhythm tandem McBrain/Harris underneath it. The song has a catchy chorus, that stays in your head (not the way the chorus of TAATG stays in your head!). No weak parts.

Another pleasant surprise like Still Life on the last album. The vocals aren't as memorable as many classics, but this song is saved by the outstanding guitar work in this song.

To me, this is the twin of Flash Of The Blade, but also the cousin of Where Eagles Dare.
It has the same vibe as Flash have, with lyrics about fencing and similar sound overall. It also have the same structure as Eagles with verses in the beginning and in the end with a long instrumental passage in between (This is one of several times where I usually lose myself in the fantastic album cover).

For me, this is one of the weakest tracks on the album. A good guitar solo surrounded by an average song.

Statistics

Spoiler

Yearly ratings & rankings
2004: 8.24; 66/123
2005: 9.40 +1.16; 29/124 +37
2006: 9.82 +0.42; 26/124 +3
2008: 9.28 -0.54; 35/134 -9
2011: 7.32 -1.96; 97/144 -62
2012: 70/144 +27
2014: 7.33 +0.01; 102/144 -32
2015: 7.43 +0.10; 101/144 +1
2016: 8.18 +0.75; 55/155 +46

Overall

Spoiler

67 - The Duelists (Powerslave)
68 - Judas Be My Guide (Fear of the Dark)
69 - Face in the Sand (Dance of Death)
69 - No More Lies (Dance of Death)
71 - Out of the Silent Planet (Brave New World)
71 - Prowler (Iron Maiden)
73 - Wrathchild (Killers)
74 - Man on the Edge (The X Factor)
74 - The Great Unknown (The Book of Souls)
76 - The Ides of March (Killers)
77 - Tears of a Clown (The Book of Souls)
78 - The Educated Fool (Virtual XI)
79 - Futureal (Virtual XI)
80 - Different World (A Matter of Life and Death)
80 - No Prayer For the Dying (No Prayer For the Dying)
82 - Run to the Hills (The Number of the Beast)
82 - The Red and the Black (The Book of Souls)
84 - Prodigal Son (Killers)
85 - Die With Your Boots On (Piece of Mind)
86 - The Prophecy (Seventh Son of a Seventh Son)
87 - The Alchemist (The Final Frontier)
87 - Deja Vu (Somewhere in Time)
89 - El Dorado (The Final Frontier)
89 - Mother of Mercy (The Final Frontier)
91 - Flash of the Blade (Powerslave)
92 - Out of the Shadows (A Matter of Life and Death)
93 - Blood on the World's Hands (The X Factor)
94 - Montsegur (Dance of Death)
95 - Journeyman (Dance of Death)
96 - Back in the Village (Powerslave)
97 - Purgatory (Killers)
98 - The Man of Sorrows (The Book of Souls)
99 - The Man Who Would Be King (The Final Frontier)
99 - Lightning Strikes Twice (Virtual XI)
101 - Lord of the Flies (The X Factor)
102 - 2 A.M. (The X Factor)
102 - Fortunes of War (The X Factor)
102 - Death or Glory (The Book of Souls)
105 - Satellite 15... The Final Frontier (The Final Frontier)
106 - Mother Russia (No Prayer For the Dying)
107 - Como Estais Amigos (Virtual XI)
108 - The Pilgrim (A Matter of Life and Death)
109 - Losfer Words (Big 'Orra) (Powerslave)
110 - Running Free (Iron Maiden)
111 - Total Eclipse (The Number of the Beast)
112 - Speed of Light (The Book of Souls)
113 - Wasting Love (Fear of the Dark)
114 - Judgement of Heaven (The X Factor)
115 - The Unbeliever (The X Factor)
116 - Heaven Can Wait (Somewhere in Time)
116 - Childhood's End (Fear of the Dark)
118 - Can I Play With Madness? (Seventh Son of a Seventh Son)
119 - Twilight Zone (Killers)
120 - The Mercenary (Brave New World)
121 - When the River Runs Deep (The Book of Souls)
122 - The Fallen Angel (Brave New World)
123 - Shadows of the Valley (The Book of Souls)
124 - Charlotte the Harlot (Iron Maiden)
125 - Invaders (The Number of the Beast)
126 - Age of Innocence (Dance of Death)
126 - Look For the Truth (The X Factor)
128 - When Two Worlds Collide (Virtual XI)
129 - Drifter (Killers)
130 - Another Life (Killers)
131 - Public Enema Number One (No Prayer For the Dying)
132 - Sun and Steel (Piece of Mind)
132 - Innocent Exile (Killers)
134 - Sanctuary (Iron Maiden)
135 - Be Quick or Be Dead (Fear of the Dark)
136 - Wildest Dreams (Dance of Death)
137 - Don't Look to the Eyes of a Stranger (Virtual XI)
138 - The Fugitive (Fear of the Dark)
139 - The Assassin (No Prayer For the Dying)
140 - Iron Maiden (Iron Maiden)
141 - Fates Warning (No Prayer For the Dying)
142 - New Frontier (Dance of Death)
143 - Holy Smoke (No Prayer For the Dying)
143 - Tailgunner (No Prayer For the Dying)
145 - Gangland (The Number of the Beast)
146 - Quest For Fire (Piece of Mind)
147 - Bring Your Daughter... ...To the Slaughter (No Prayer For the Dying)
148 - Gates of Tomorrow (Dance of Death)
149 - The Angel and the Gambler (Virtual XI)
150 - From Here to Eternity (Fear of the Dark)
151 - Fear is the Key (Fear of the Dark)
152 - Chains of Misery (Fear of the Dark)
153 - Hooks in You (No Prayer For the Dying)
153 - Weekend Warrior (Fear of the Dark)
155 - The Apparition (Fear of the Dark)

Song deviance (least to greatest)

Spoiler

0.26 - Different World (A Matter of Life and Death)
0.26 - Mother of Mercy (The Final Frontier)
0.27 - The Alchemist (The Final Frontier)
0.34 - The Fallen Angel (Brave New World)
0.39 - Satellite 15... The Final Frontier (The Final Frontier)
0.44 - Die With Your Boots On (Piece of Mind)
0.54 - El Dorado (The Final Frontier)
0.55 - Prowler (Iron Maiden)
0.55 - The Man Who Would Be King (The Final Frontier)
0.60 - Flash of the Blade (Powerslave)
0.66 - Deja Vu (Somewhere in Time)
0.68 - Invaders (The Number of the Beast)
0.70 - Montsegur (Dance of Death)
0.70 - The Prophecy (Seventh Son of a Seventh Son)
0.76 - Fates Warning (No Prayer For the Dying)
0.78 - The Mercenary (Brave New World)
0.80 - Can I Play With Madness? (Seventh Son of a Seventh Son)
0.81 - Another Life (Killers)
0.85 - The Pilgrim (A Matter of Life and Death)
0.86 - Total Eclipse (The Number of the Beast)
0.90 - Run to the Hills (The Number of the Beast)
0.90 - Heaven Can Wait (Somewhere in Time)
0.92 - Fear is the Key (Fear of the Dark)
0.93 - Sun and Steel (Piece of Mind)
0.96 - Innocent Exile (Killers)
1.02 - Lord of the Flies (The X Factor)
1.03 - No Prayer For the Dying (No Prayer For the Dying)
1.04 - Purgatory (Killers)
1.08 - Como Estais Amigos (Virtual XI)
1.15 - Mother Russia (No Prayer For the Dying)
1.22 - Wrathchild (Killers)
1.23 - Fortunes of War (The X Factor)
1.24 - Face in the Sand (Dance of Death)
1.26 - No More Lies (Dance of Death)
1.29 - Gangland (The Number of the Beast)
1.31 - Futureal (Virtual XI)
1.45 - When Two Worlds Collide (Virtual XI)
1.46 - Childhood's End (Fear of the Dark)
1.46 - Running Free (Iron Maiden)
1.52 - Journeyman (Dance of Death)
1.52 - The Fugitive (Fear of the Dark)
1.52 - Wasting Love (Fear of the Dark)
1.54 - Out of the Silent Planet (Brave New World)
1.54 - Prodigal Son (Killers)
1.56 - Iron Maiden (Iron Maiden)
1.58 - The Unbeliever (The X Factor)
1.62 - Judas Be My Guide (Fear of the Dark)
1.67 - Out of the Shadows (A Matter of Life and Death)
1.68 - Man on the Edge (The X Factor)
1.68 - The Apparition (Fear of the Dark)
1.82 - Drifter (Killers)
1.83 - Tailgunner (No Prayer For the Dying)
1.84 - Age of Innocence (Dance of Death)
1.86 - Back in the Village (Powerslave)
1.86 - Sanctuary (Iron Maiden)
1.87 - Judgement of Heaven (The X Factor)
1.94 - Public Enema Number One (No Prayer For the Dying)
1.94 - Quest For Fire (Piece of Mind)
1.95 - The Angel and the Gambler (Virtual XI)
2.04 - Wildest Dreams (Dance of Death)
2.10 - Blood on the World's Hands (The X Factor)
2.20 - Lightning Strikes Twice (Virtual XI)
2.20 - New Frontier (Dance of Death)
2.22 - Hooks in You (No Prayer For the Dying)
2.26 - Losfer Words (Big 'Orra) (Powerslave)
2.27 - Look For the Truth (The X Factor)
2.50 - The Duelists (Powerslave)
2.72 - Twilight Zone (Killers)
2.82 - Gates of Tomorrow (Dance of Death)
2.87 - The Ides of March (Killers)
2.93 - Bring Your Daughter... ...To the Slaughter (No Prayer For the Dying)
2.94 - Holy Smoke (No Prayer For the Dying)
3.04 - Be Quick or Be Dead (Fear of the Dark)
3.26 - The Educated Fool (Virtual XI)
3.32 - Charlotte the Harlot (Iron Maiden)
3.34 - Chains of Misery (Fear of the Dark)
3.40 - Weekend Warrior (Fear of the Dark)
3.76 - From Here to Eternity (Fear of the Dark)
3.81 - 2 A.M. (The X Factor)
3.90 - The Assassin (No Prayer For the Dying)
3.95 - Don't Look to the Eyes of a Stranger (Virtual XI)
n/a - Death or Glory (The Book of Souls)
n/a - Shadows of the Valley (The Book of Souls)
n/a - Speed of Light (The Book of Souls)
n/a - Tears of a Clown (The Book of Souls)
n/a - The Great Unknown (The Book of Souls)
n/a - The Man of Sorrows (The Book of Souls)
n/a - The Red and the Black (The Book of Souls)
n/a - When the River Runs Deep (The Book of Souls)

Albums

Spoiler

Iron Maiden 4/9 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 2 Top 100: 12
Killers 8/11 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 1 Top 50: 9 Top 100: 36
The Number of the Beast 4/9 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 0 Top 100: 16
Piece of Mind 3/9 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 0 Top 100: 10
Powerslave 4/8 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 6 Top 100: 18
Somewhere in Time 2/8 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 0 Top 100: 15
Seventh Son of a Seventh Son 2/8 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 0 Top 100: 13
No Prayer For the Dying 9/10 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 4 Top 100: 18
Fear of the Dark 10/12 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 2 Top 100: 27
The X Factor 8/11 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 2 Top 50: 5 Top 100: 40
Virtual XI 7/8 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 1 Top 50: 9 Top 100: 13
Brave New World 3/10 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 1 Top 100: 11
Dance of Death 8/11 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 2 Top 100: 37
A Matter of Life and Death 3/10 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 0 Top 100: 15
The Final Frontier 5/10 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 0 Top 100: 24
The Book of Souls 7/11 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 0 Top 100: 6