Hail Satan! Not the first band to pioneer this subject, but Maiden did it the most effectively, and to the highest acclaim. To many Iron Maiden fans, this album won't ever be topped. Although it was. But not for a while. More line-up changes, with Paul Di'Anno's gritty East end punk attack being forsaken for the camp charms and incredible high notes of legendary ex-Samson vocalist, the hirsute Bruce 'Air Raid Siren' Dickinson.
I remember this album well, as it introduced me, as a child, to a new world of music. A cool world of rebellion and demons! This is the best album that i owned (on cassette) as a child, and i went back to it many years later, and was inspired to buy the entire Maiden back catalogue, converting me again, to a Maiden devotee. Essentially, the title, and great artwork, featuring 'Eddie' as a 'master of puppets' (sorry Metallica, they beat you to the punch!), with a ball of flame in one hand, and Satan on puppet strings in the other, holding an 'Eddie' dummy on strings himself in what looks like a wasteland of burning souls and vultures, is a tribute to horror classic 'The Omen'. But some journalists and Southern American Bible-bashers took it as meaning affinity with Satan, and took to burning many Maiden vinyls, only increasing their popularity and appeal with the outspoken younger generation, eager to rebel.

2. 'Children of the Damned'
A slow-burning candle-in-the-air anthem of titanic proportions, it is the kind of track only Dickinson could perform with necessary vocals and passion. Atmospheric guitars lend a perfect accompaniment to a great Dickinson performance. Superb second track.

4. '22 Acacia Avenue'
Or 'Charlotte the Harlot Part II'. More tales from the East end brothel, a lot more subtle than it's predecessor, it's a final plea for the dirty whore to give up her debauched life and run away with, er....the person in the song. Most probably Dave Murray, the guy who knew her! A solid track, if unspectacular.

6. ''Run to the Hills'
Best track on the album, the opening and main riff are just inspired, a gift from above. Harris truly covers himself in glory, with his anthem about the brutal mistreating of Native Americans, which has a brilliant 'rolling' drum rhythm, and guitars bristling with energy and enthusiasm. Maybe Maiden's most recognised track, and an astonishing high-point.

8. 'Total Eclipse'
Not on the orginal album, this is an added B-side which Harris thought should have been on the album, so appeared on the remastered version. Again co-written by Clive Burr, with Murray and Harris, it is a change of pace with thoughtful lyrics, and adept time-changes. Bit of a good 'un.