Customer Reviews

The X Factor

5 star:		(55)
4 star:		(41)
3 star:		(18)
2 star:		(18)
1 star:		(35)

 

 

Most of these reviews say that if you like this album, you must not be a a loyal Maiden fan. Well, I am a hardcore Maiden fan and I think this album is more than exceptional. It is definitely a change from there power riff sound, but the dark overtones give it a sinister sound that sounds awesome. Even though the riffs don't sound like typical Maiden, they are still captivating. Hey, nobody likes a slave to routine. I recommend this as a good album if your a hardcore Maiden fan or just someone who enjoys heavy metal. The only setback is that Blaze Bayley, formerly of Wolfsbane, does not have the rawpower of Bruce Dickinson. At times he sounds like a cheap imitation. However the songs overcome this setback. I think perhaps most Iron Maiden fans feel an obligation to hate this CD because it doesn't have the mighty Bruce Dickinson on vocals. If you look past that, You may find that there is some great music to hear.

Oh my god, BRUCE isn't on this album!!! *throws the CD in the trash without even listening to it* Unfortunantly a lot of Iron Maiden fans are this way.

The only reason that people don't like this album is (1) They are the fan I mentioned above or (2) They don't get into heavy metal. I'm sorry, but Bruce Dickinson was NOT Iron Maiden. Blaze Bayley brings a totally new style to the band...

The music is very dark, very doom like. Quite a few songs deal with the "War is Hell" category. It sounds like nothing Iron Maiden had ever done before. The Music sounds different, the vocals sound different(of course), and that is enough to send most Maiden fans running.

Blaze added new life to the band who were dying. Bruce Dickinson was very indulged in his solo career during No Prayer For the Dying and Fear of the Dark, and I think it shows on those albums. Sure, he does not possess the range that Bruce did, but he sure is good! Maybe he wasn't the "best" choice for Maiden, but I'm sorry, there is only ONE Bruce Dickinson. There is also only ONE Blaze Bayley. Just remeber that Bruce Dickinson was a replacement for Paul Di'Anno, and there were a lot of people unhappy by that decision too(at first anyway)...In my not so humble opinion, this was the BEST Iron Maiden album sinec Seventh Son of a Seventh Son, and one of Maiden's most UNDERRATED works.

70 minutes and 54 seconds...That is the running time of the cd. I'm impressed just to say the least. Maiden always did the "epic" the best, and with only 11 tracks, there has to be some PRETTY long song on here. That was something Maiden had moved away from on No Prayer for the Dying and Fear of the Dark.

What are my highlight tracks? I am very partial of the following...

Sign of the Cross: They open the album with an epic. This one is one great song. It should be right up there with "Hallowed Be Thy Name" and "Rime of the Ancient Mariner" Sadly it isn't.

Fortunes of War: Accoustic opening, very solemn and packed full of emotion and maybe some hate? It picks up in a hurry and before you know it you are in the middle of a heavy metal song. The only complaint I have is one that appears on a few other songs as well. The chorus. All he says is "Fortunes of War" x3 "No Pain anymore" Every chorus gets faster and faster however and it does happen to be quite catchy. The song ends the way it started...

Blood on the World's Hand: I have no idea what it is about this song. I like the message the song gives, and it just gets stuck in my head. The chorus suffers a bit like the "Fortunes of War" chorus.

The Edge of Darkness: It starts out with a helicopter flying in, which is accompanied by some soft, almost spooky guitar work. Blaze comes in...the drums come in softly...and then "BOOM!" it just erupts into the heavy metal you know is coming. No chorus problem, because there is NO chorus! This might be my favorite song on the album. The line at the end where Blaze practically screams "Here I am the knife in my hand now I understand why the genius must die" just sends shivers down my spine everytime. Another very underrated song...

The chorus problem is not nearly as bad as it would get to be on Virtual XI. All of the other tracks are pretty solid too. I personally don't care for "Lord of the Flies". "Man on the Edge" will probably remind you of the Maiden of old, which is why it is probably on several Greatest Hits albums.

Overall, this is a VERY solid offering. If you could listen to this album with no pre-expectations or think of it as any other band other than "Iron Maiden" you will like it. Give it a chance...Just, give it a chance. Accept it for what it is.

God, I've gotta stop listening to people on the internet so much, at least when it comes to giving things negative reviews. Frankly, it's pretty damn tough for a metal band that I like to make an album that I dislike. And this tendency plays out here. Hell, I even think this would be a pretty first rate IM album were it not for the 2 most notable filler tracks. ('Search for the Truth' and 'Blood on the World's Hands') And yeah it's pretty far removed from classic Maiden, but much of what we all loved about IM remains. (And don't get me started about those conceited a**holes who claim that this 'isn't Iron Maiden'. Sorry friends, but Iron Maiden determines what Iron Maiden is, not you. As a matter of fact, you haven't got a damn thing to do with it.) It's got the darker, more epic edge, which I think works well with Blaze's voice. As for Blaze himself, he's certainly not great, but I really can't find anything particularly wrong with him. Not much range, admittedly, but, again, I think it's pretty well suited for the material.

The album opens with 'Sign of the Cross', which is brilliant and among the best song IM has ever recorded. (That's a pretty damn long list, however) The intro is perhaps a bit drawn out, but it's got a fabulous chorus and an excellent, very drawn out middle section. 'Lord of the Flies' is a solid, moderately speedy rocker. Nice, catchy chorus. 'Man on the Edge' is the only speed metal song here, but it's a great one, and about as catchy as any one they've ever done. 'Fortunes of War' is very slow building and moody, but it comes to a fine climax and is effective throughout. It's a sorta descendent of the 'Children of the Damned' school of song writing. 'Aftermath' is similar, but less moody and less effective. Still a strong track, however. 'Judgment of Heaven' is one of the few relatively energetic, vaguely happy sounding songs on the album. It's got one of the stronger choruses as well. 'The Edge of Darkness' is one of the very best songs here. Again a multipart epic, pretty low key much of the time, but about as energetic as this albums gets at other parts. '2 AM' is one of the more ignored tracks, but I really like it. Again, I just really like the chorus and it's effectively depressive, considering the subject matter. 'The Unbeliever' is effective if not truly remarkable. Nice instrumentation, even if the ox are a bit lacking.

If this album were lacking those two aforementioned filler tracks it would be a lot stronger. This is particularly significant as this is a very long, often slow album, which makes it especially important that the song writing be strong throughout. Some fast thrash or death albums can get by on sheer force of personality, but not a contemplative 70 minute work like this.

Some have complained about the production, but I like it pretty well. Again, it's darker with bassier, compressed guitars and thudding powerful bass and an immediate, snappy drum sound.

Overall, a very good album. Try and give a serious, unbiased listen and you may be surprised.

First off, I'd like to thank and pay my respects to all the true Iron Maiden fans who reviewed this cd and thought it was good, and I'd like to bash and mutilate all the stupid phonys who thought this is "putrid slop." Let me tell you fakes something: A band should not have to depend on one single member to lead the band. You people complained when Smith left, therefore downgrading NPFTD and FOTD and now that they got a new singer, you're tearing them down even more. Blaze has a GREAT voice! While he's no Paul or Bruce, he's still an effective singer and puts effort into his work. He can sing low, high, and his screams are sweet! Everything about this cd is awesome, and while it does have its cons, I beleive its a Maiden gem! Its probably their darkest cd and definetly the gloomiest, but its awesome! The intros are some of the best intros Maiden has ever created, and the lyrics are new and imaginative. Blaze doesn't need to rhyme; he sings those lyrics like his life depended on it. And dont get me started with these insane solos; they're so creative and fit so well with the rhythm, I dont need to say no more!

Sign of the Cross: This is definetly the gem on this cd! The intro, which sounds like a Roman Cult Choir, is creative and new. When the guitars come in (and what sweet guitars), and Blaze growls the first lines, the song is on its way! The many interludes and solos are crazy, and need I say more? 10/10

Lord of the Flies: Another classic on this cd! I first listened to this song and wasnt too impressed, but I listened to it more and more and just got hooked! The intro guitar work is really catchy, and the chorus is addictive. The only thing wrong with this song is that there's not a lot of transition between the second verse and chorus! 9/10

Man on the Edge: Another greatest hit, and what a hit! This fast-paced rocker is a masterpiece and a great sing-along! The lryris are cool and the solo is incredible! 9/10

Fortunes of War: This intro is just mind-blowing! The lyrics are really powerful and Blaze really carries the song well! I love the interludes and the chorus. A sure-fire hit in my opinion! 9/10

Look for the Truth: This high-speed rocker is very cathy, plus one of my favorites on this cd! I listened to it 3 times in a row once, and it never got old. The chorus is spectacular and the verses are incredible! Just a great song! 9/10

Aftermath: The lyrics on this one are quite sad when you think about it and their about the damage war does! (Since alot of these songs deal with war, I'm wondering if Blaze has some experience in the army)? Anyway, this song is heavy but slower and I think its a great work of art! 8/10

Judgement of Heaven: This is my second favorite song on this cd, and is it awesome? Hell Yes! I love the chorus and the verse leading into the chorus is really easy to get into! Great solo and awesome intro, this song rocks! 10/10

Blood on the World's Hands: The acoustic bass intro is really fast and creative! I love the chorus and the verses are sweet too. Its not super special but its a good song nonetheless. 8/10

Edge of Darkness: Another one of my favorites! This song starts with sweet guitars and ends with helicopter wings! Sweet interludes and awesome verses! A sure hit! 9/10

2 A.M.: Not a bad song! I like the intro and the verses, but the chorus is a bit weak. Its still a good listener, just not like Fortunes of War or Man on the Edge. 7/10

Unbeleiver: I love this song! The chorus, when it gets heavier, is really awesome! The verses are really sweet and the sycopated guitar with the vocals is cool! Check out the sweet interlude!

>While this cd doesnt get much fan-fair and get mixed reviews, listen to mine! A good, dark album with a new singer and new riffs. Thats all it is. Dont be scared to buy this cd, in fact, borrow it and give it a listen. You might be turned off at first, but get into it and give it a chance!

When I heard about X Factor coming out I was actually kind of excited that Maiden would be producing an album without Bruce Dickinson on vocals. Yes, I am a Dickinson fan, but I don't think a band should be held hostage simply because one member is unavailable, and let's face it, Iron Maiden is Steve Harris' baby, and Bruce only came to Maiden on the 3rd album. And I liked that Maiden chose someone who wasn't a Bruce clone as Judas Priest did with Ripper Owens replacing Rob Halford. Maiden chose someone who was almost the polar opposite of Bruce, with Blaze Bayley.

Musically, X Factor is pure Maiden. The guitar riffs, the heavy bass lines sometimes taking over meloday, the pounding drum work, all sounds familiar. Lyrically...well Blaze just doesn't have the chops to front Maiden. His vocal range is very small, his baritone doesn't fit the music as well, and he just lacks the power needed to be Iron Maiden's lead singer. With Paul Di'Anno you had the lower vocal register, but man...he sang with power and passion. Bruce Dickinson's vocal range is amazing, and when he sings, you take notice. Blaze was just kind of there, a mediocre lead vocalist at best. I can appreciate what Maiden was trying to do, and there are some moments that work on the album, "Sign of the Cross" and "Lord of the Flies" are two, pretty good rockers, just not up to the Iron Maiden level we are used to.

I think the thing with X Factor, is that Maiden fans will always wonder what if......what if Dickinson had sung lead, or what if Di'Anno had rejoined the band for this record? Though full of potential, X Factor doesn't really get off the ground.

The X Factor is without a doubt, the most underrated Maiden album. While its true that The X Factor isn't on par with some of the classics such as Piece of Mind, this is still a solid release from Maiden, and in fact, the best album that Maiden put out between Seventh Son and Brave New World.

Right of the bat, it is apparent that this is a different sound from all of Maiden's previous releases. This album is more guitar-harmony oriented, so in other words, if you enjoy songs such as Afraid to Shoot Strangers from Fear of the Dark, you will enjoy this album. The roots of Brave New World and Dance of Death's progressiveness can be found in The X Factor.

This is also a very dark album. There aren't any happy songs such as Run to the Hills, Can I Play With Madness, Holy Smoke, etc, but instead, we have songs that are have a dark mood, and rightfully so since Steve Harris was going through a lot of turmoil at the time.

It is also cool to experiment a little and not be so formulatic. For example, the album's big epic, Sign of the Cross, is the album opener(which is unusual, considering epics usually close off albums). However, sign of the Cross is a great track with some good instrumetal work in the middle of it. The two singles that came out of this album, Lord of the Flies and Man on the Edge are fast rockers that are enjoyable to listen to. Fortunes of War is a great song that tells of returning soldiers and the hell they go through. Look for the Thruth is a good song that starts out soft but then goes into a slow maiden gallop. The Aftermath is another good song that is similar to its predesessor, but has some really good guitar solos. Judgement of Heaven is a solid track with a really catchy guitar harmony in it. Blood on the World's Hands follows the same formula as a lot of the songs on this album, but like the others, its a good track. The Edge of Darkness is an excellent track with some really cool lyrics about a Vietnam War era version of the novel Heart of Darkness (which ironically, I'm currently reading because it was assigned to me from school). The Edge of Darkness is my personal favorite track from this album. 2 a.m. is another solid song with some good guitar work, and then the album closses off with The Unbeliever, which is the second epic off the album, and is a fine closer to a good album.

This is a good album and it does not deserve the the criticism it gets. I also agree that Bruce is better than Blaze, but I'm an Iron Maiden fan before I'm a Bruce Dickinson fan, and lets face it, The X Factor isn't as bad as some say it is. Its definetaly superior to No Prayer For the Dying and Fear of the Dark. Also, I understand that some people won't like this album, but to call people who actually like this album "Not" true maiden fans is an injustice. Please, give me a break, where not true Maiden fans for liking a Maiden album? Where's the logic in that? Anyways, I recommend this album and be open minded about it.

Sincerily, I hate when i see people saying that this album is bad. It's always like that, when a band want to change his style, the fans don't understand the way of the band. So they aren't really fans. Because times changes. And for a change, the album The X factor is simply great. You know why I like so much this album, It's simple, i knew Maiden when this album came up. So, It was the first album I heard! It's true if you think that is a another band than Maiden, you'll like it.
1.The opening is incredible with a song like
SIGN OF THE CROSS.
2.LORD OF THE FLIES is a powerful song.
3.MAN ON THE EDGE is a fast song and a classic song from Maiden.
4.FORTUNES OF WAR is a very mature song with deep feelings.
5.LOOK FOR THE TRUTH has a lot of energy for a mid-slow song.
6.THE AFTERMATH has a good progression with differents changes of rythm.
7. JUDGEMENT OF HEAVEN is my favorite song after SIGN OF THE CROSS, it's simply amazing , good melody and good drum sound like the rest of the album.
8. BLOOD ON THE WORLD'S HANDS , check that bass!!! it's Steve Harris of course!
9. THE EDGE OF DARKNESS is another song with a good progression and with feelings in the lyrics.
10. 2 AM , i like this song for the melodies.
11. THE UNBELIEVER, listen carefuly this song, it's maybe one of the best song of the album, it's a little progressive, and very original, Maiden plays so well!
The entire album has this atmospheric feeling, and Iron Maiden proves his talent on this album.

In conclusion, this album is different fron the others, It's unique, and much better than VIRTUAL XI. Check the sound??
I never hear anobody says anything about the sound, it has the better sound of Maiden's album. Even better sound than Virtual and Brave New world.
It has the Maiden standard of quality...UP THE IRONS!

It seems you either love or hate this album. This was the only Maiden album I did not have on CD or LP; I had a mediocre tape dub which I had only played a few times on bad equipment. I finally decided to buy the CD a few days ago. What a revelation! I am not sure what everyone hates so much about this album; I tend to think it has less to do with music and more to do with resistance to change.

This album is different: darker, more progressive, more experimental. The lyrics are also more mature. Congratulations to the band for having the guts to try something new, and in my opinion, succeeding admirably. I cannot say the same for the subsequent Virtual XI, which seems like they got scared by the invective and created a formulaic CD.

Despite what others say, I really do not think there is a weak song on the album, and a few really stand out: "The Aftermath", "Look for the Truth". And "Blood On the World's Hands" has one of the funkiest bass intros Steve has ever done.

Despite the fact that slamming Blaze and Janick in public is rude; it is also mislead. Both of have contributed greatly to the sound of the band, and I find many of my favorite tunes bear their stamp. It is great to see Bruce and Adrian back, and I think "Brave New World" is fantastic, but their return does not negate the work of those who initially replaced them anymore than Nicko's arrival negates the fine work done by Clive Burr or vice-versa.

If this is not an Iron Maiden album to you, fine. Close your eyes, listen to the music, and forget the band that made it. Maybe then "The X Factor" can be appreciated for what it is: an excellent album.

This album recieved unfair criticism in my opinion people tending not to concentrate on the music but what Bruce Dickinson would sound like on this album. Blaze was stunning and co-wrote some of Maidens finest songs Man On the Edge and Look For The Truth. The guitaring was also superb and the Dark feel to the album was also fantastic....paving the way for superb instrumental sections

Sign of the cross is one of the best Songs ever written, superb chorus one of the many highlights on the album,get out and buy this master piece!!

Is this the most underrated album in all of Iron Maiden's discography? You bet your a** it is. For all the haters out there that dislike and disregard this album simply because Bruce Dickinson isn't performing the lead vocals I say, go to hell!. Blaze does a great job on this album, particularly on songs like Sign of the Cross, Man on the Edge, Look for the Truth, Blood on the Worlds Hands and 2 A.M. Give the guy a break, and really take the time to listen to this album without any biased veiws and you will enjoy it, for sure. (Oh, and anyone wanting to hear a really brilliant live version of Look for the Truth, check out Blaze's Alive in Poland DVD, the intro to which his sings particularly well)