Written by Dangerboner on 06.11.2006 at 23:32

What turns me off about this album is that the guitarist directly copied Mercyful Fate's guitar riff in Curse of the Pharoah for their 2 Minutes to Midnight song. Sorry, I bitch about that every time this album is mentioned.

Written by Dangerboner on 02.01.2007 at 06:36

Why don't you think Maiden knew of Mercyful Fate back then? I know it's a simple riff, but it's very distinct. Pretty much every band does this though, so I probably shouldn't have even mentioned it. Oh, and I can't comment about Venom because I never listen to them.

Written by RavenLord on 02.01.2007 at 11:49

Written by Dangerboner on 02.01.2007 at 06:36

Why don't you think Maiden knew of Mercyful Fate back then? I know it's a simple riff, but it's very distinct. Pretty much every band does this though, so I probably shouldn't have even mentioned it. Oh, and I can't comment about Venom because I never listen to them.

Because Mercyful Fate had wound up (for the first time) by '85, according to my research. Given the metal genre's obsession with big bands like Priest, KISS and Saxon around this time (don't forget, the NWOBHM held sway), I think Maiden's attention would have been on the big 'arena-rockers' of the 80's. You also have to remember that Queen were still in the game at this stage (Maiden opened for them in Rock in Rio in 1985), and I just don't think that Mercyful Fate would have circulated enough by that stage for Maiden to have come into contact with them; at least, not as much as to be very familiar with their songs. Of course, I could be wrong, but the point is, when you're talking about songs released only a handful of years apart, there isn't much room for accusations of plagirsm, especially with such a basic riff pattern.

Written by Guest on 02.01.2007 at 12:02

Your argument about the circulation of music is true, however, there was one mistake: it's spelt "plagiarism" not "plagirsm"

Written by RavenLord on 02.01.2007 at 11:49

Written by Dangerboner on 02.01.2007 at 06:36

Why don't you think Maiden knew of Mercyful Fate back then? I know it's a simple riff, but it's very distinct. Pretty much every band does this though, so I probably shouldn't have even mentioned it. Oh, and I can't comment about Venom because I never listen to them.

Because Mercyful Fate had wound up (for the first time) by '85, according to my research. Given the metal genre's obsession with big bands like Priest, KISS and Saxon around this time (don't forget, the NWOBHM held sway), I think Maiden's attention would have been on the big 'arena-rockers' of the 80's. You also have to remember that Queen were still in the game at this stage (Maiden opened for them in Rock in Rio in 1985), and I just don't think that Mercyful Fate would have circulated enough by that stage for Maiden to have come into contact with them; at least, not as much as to be very familiar with their songs. Of course, I could be wrong, but the point is, when you're talking about songs released only a handful of years apart, there isn't much room for accusations of plagirsm, especially with such a basic riff pattern.

Written by Marcel Hubregtse on 27.01.2007 at 12:44

Okay a little history is in order here.
Curse of the Pharaohs first features on Mercyful Fate's 3rd demo which was recorded in the autumn of 1981. In 1982 a MF song feaured on a compilation released by Ebony Records from England. After the release of the Mercyful Fate - Mercyful Fate e.p. in 1982 MF were already quite the buzz in the metal world. Kerrang gave that e.p. a 5K rating, when Melissa was released in 1983 all the metal mags, both the BIG and small ones gave it ratings from 8.5 - 10 out of 10. So, it is very very very likely that Iron Maiden had heard MF before Powerslave. And remember that Melissa was released on RoadRunner in 1983 and even though RoadRunner was still a young label back then it was already quite big and well-known in the metal scene, and its release were easy to obtain.
ALthough Iron Maiden was a big name in 1984 they were interested in little bands. I remember an interview back then that both Steve Harris and Bruce Dickinson were saying that they still ordered demos and stuff from unknown bands just to hear what metal was morphing into.

So, I do think Iron Maiden certainly knew Mercyful Fate but I don't think it is a rip-off. Remember that both Curse of the Pharaohs and Powerslave had that Egyptian theme, and listening to that riff it does have an oriental feel to it, so that could be the reason.

Written by HELLilac on 20.07.2007 at 04:49

I think the rating is a bit to generous considering it suffers from inconsistentcy. There're some lengendary tunes here (Aces high, Powerslave ect) but the entire album doesn't flow that well thanks to a few fillers.

I'd give it between 8.5- 9.

Written by Marcel Hubregtse on 27.01.2007 at 12:44

Written by RavenLord on 02.01.2007 at 11:49

Written by Dangerboner on 02.01.2007 at 06:36

Why don't you think Maiden knew of Mercyful Fate back then? I know it's a simple riff, but it's very distinct. Pretty much every band does this though, so I probably shouldn't have even mentioned it. Oh, and I can't comment about Venom because I never listen to them.

Because Mercyful Fate had wound up (for the first time) by '85, according to my research. Given the metal genre's obsession with big bands like Priest, KISS and Saxon around this time (don't forget, the NWOBHM held sway), I think Maiden's attention would have been on the big 'arena-rockers' of the 80's. You also have to remember that Queen were still in the game at this stage (Maiden opened for them in Rock in Rio in 1985), and I just don't think that Mercyful Fate would have circulated enough by that stage for Maiden to have come into contact with them; at least, not as much as to be very familiar with their songs. Of course, I could be wrong, but the point is, when you're talking about songs released only a handful of years apart, there isn't much room for accusations of plagirsm, especially with such a basic riff pattern.

Okay a little history is in order here.
Curse of the Pharaohs first features on Mercyful Fate's 3rd demo which was recorded in the autumn of 1981. In 1982 a MF song feaured on a compilation released by Ebony Records from England. After the release of the Mercyful Fate - Mercyful Fate e.p. in 1982 MF were already quite the buzz in the metal world. Kerrang gave that e.p. a 5K rating, when Melissa was released in 1983 all the metal mags, both the BIG and small ones gave it ratings from 8.5 - 10 out of 10. So, it is very very very likely that Iron Maiden had heard MF before Powerslave. And remember that Melissa was released on RoadRunner in 1983 and even though RoadRunner was still a young label back then it was already quite big and well-known in the metal scene, and its release were easy to obtain.
ALthough Iron Maiden was a big name in 1984 they were interested in little bands. I remember an interview back then that both Steve Harris and Bruce Dickinson were saying that they still ordered demos and stuff from unknown bands just to hear what metal was morphing into.

So, I do think Iron Maiden certainly knew Mercyful Fate but I don't think it is a rip-off. Remember that both Curse of the Pharaohs and Powerslave had that Egyptian theme, and listening to that riff it does have an oriental feel to it, so that could be the reason.

Written by Guest on 16.04.2008 at 10:13

Written by Marcel Hubregtse on 27.01.2007 at 12:44

Written by RavenLord on 02.01.2007 at 11:49

Written by Dangerboner on 02.01.2007 at 06:36

Why don't you think Maiden knew of Mercyful Fate back then? I know it's a simple riff, but it's very distinct. Pretty much every band does this though, so I probably shouldn't have even mentioned it. Oh, and I can't comment about Venom because I never listen to them.

Because Mercyful Fate had wound up (for the first time) by '85, according to my research. Given the metal genre's obsession with big bands like Priest, KISS and Saxon around this time (don't forget, the NWOBHM held sway), I think Maiden's attention would have been on the big 'arena-rockers' of the 80's. You also have to remember that Queen were still in the game at this stage (Maiden opened for them in Rock in Rio in 1985), and I just don't think that Mercyful Fate would have circulated enough by that stage for Maiden to have come into contact with them; at least, not as much as to be very familiar with their songs. Of course, I could be wrong, but the point is, when you're talking about songs released only a handful of years apart, there isn't much room for accusations of plagirsm, especially with such a basic riff pattern.

Okay a little history is in order here.
Curse of the Pharaohs first features on Mercyful Fate's 3rd demo which was recorded in the autumn of 1981. In 1982 a MF song feaured on a compilation released by Ebony Records from England. After the release of the Mercyful Fate - Mercyful Fate e.p. in 1982 MF were already quite the buzz in the metal world. Kerrang gave that e.p. a 5K rating, when Melissa was released in 1983 all the metal mags, both the BIG and small ones gave it ratings from 8.5 - 10 out of 10. So, it is very very very likely that Iron Maiden had heard MF before Powerslave. And remember that Melissa was released on RoadRunner in 1983 and even though RoadRunner was still a young label back then it was already quite big and well-known in the metal scene, and its release were easy to obtain.
ALthough Iron Maiden was a big name in 1984 they were interested in little bands. I remember an interview back then that both Steve Harris and Bruce Dickinson were saying that they still ordered demos and stuff from unknown bands just to hear what metal was morphing into.

So, I do think Iron Maiden certainly knew Mercyful Fate but I don't think it is a rip-off. Remember that both Curse of the Pharaohs and Powerslave had that Egyptian theme, and listening to that riff it does have an oriental feel to it, so that could be the reason.

doesnt matter if they used someone else's riffs.i have to say that im not Iron Maiden's fan but its so funny to say that this album is bad cause they used riffs of MF at one song.so why this song is classic ? u think that noone knows about MF but u? u think u know MF now(06.11.2006 at 23:32), but Iron Maiden didnt know them? sure they knew them and if they used somthing, its not a wrong thing! r u sure that MF invented that riff ? its the way of the rock.if u want to say that a band is pure and didnt use anyones solo's,rifft or ... its so wrong. in my opnion the important thing is that this album is good and we dont need to proof anything about this album its clear that this album is great.

this album deserves 8.5 to 9
(Doesnt matter what u see or into it what u read/ u can do it ur own way if its done it how i say )

Written by Marcel Hubregtse on 16.04.2008 at 10:49

Written by Guest on 16.04.2008 at 10:13

Written by Marcel Hubregtse on 27.01.2007 at 12:44

Written by RavenLord on 02.01.2007 at 11:49

Written by Dangerboner on 02.01.2007 at 06:36

Why don't you think Maiden knew of Mercyful Fate back then? I know it's a simple riff, but it's very distinct. Pretty much every band does this though, so I probably shouldn't have even mentioned it. Oh, and I can't comment about Venom because I never listen to them.

Because Mercyful Fate had wound up (for the first time) by '85, according to my research. Given the metal genre's obsession with big bands like Priest, KISS and Saxon around this time (don't forget, the NWOBHM held sway), I think Maiden's attention would have been on the big 'arena-rockers' of the 80's. You also have to remember that Queen were still in the game at this stage (Maiden opened for them in Rock in Rio in 1985), and I just don't think that Mercyful Fate would have circulated enough by that stage for Maiden to have come into contact with them; at least, not as much as to be very familiar with their songs. Of course, I could be wrong, but the point is, when you're talking about songs released only a handful of years apart, there isn't much room for accusations of plagirsm, especially with such a basic riff pattern.

Okay a little history is in order here.
Curse of the Pharaohs first features on Mercyful Fate's 3rd demo which was recorded in the autumn of 1981. In 1982 a MF song feaured on a compilation released by Ebony Records from England. After the release of the Mercyful Fate - Mercyful Fate e.p. in 1982 MF were already quite the buzz in the metal world. Kerrang gave that e.p. a 5K rating, when Melissa was released in 1983 all the metal mags, both the BIG and small ones gave it ratings from 8.5 - 10 out of 10. So, it is very very very likely that Iron Maiden had heard MF before Powerslave. And remember that Melissa was released on RoadRunner in 1983 and even though RoadRunner was still a young label back then it was already quite big and well-known in the metal scene, and its release were easy to obtain.
ALthough Iron Maiden was a big name in 1984 they were interested in little bands. I remember an interview back then that both Steve Harris and Bruce Dickinson were saying that they still ordered demos and stuff from unknown bands just to hear what metal was morphing into.

So, I do think Iron Maiden certainly knew Mercyful Fate but I don't think it is a rip-off. Remember that both Curse of the Pharaohs and Powerslave had that Egyptian theme, and listening to that riff it does have an oriental feel to it, so that could be the reason.

doesnt matter if they used someone else's riffs.i have to say that im not Iron Maiden's fan but its so funny to say that this album is bad cause they used riffs of MF at one song.so why this song is classic ? u think that noone knows about MF but u? u think u know MF now(06.11.2006 at 23:32), but Iron Maiden didnt know them? sure they knew them and if they used somthing, its not a wrong thing! r u sure that MF invented that riff ? its the way of the rock.if u want to say that a band is pure and didnt use anyones solo's,rifft or ... its so wrong. in my opnion the important thing is that this album is good and we dont need to proof anything about this album its clear that this album is great.

this album deserves 8.5 to 9
(Doesnt matter what u see or into it what u read/ u can do it ur own way if its done it how i say )

Where did I say that I thought this album is bad? Where did I say that non-one except me knows Mercyful Fate? Where did I say that Iron Maiden didn't know MF? (cause I said it is plausible that they did know MF all the way back in 1982/83)
And what do you mean by "u think u know MF now(06.11.2006 at 23:32),"? Just to set things straight the first time I heard Mercyful Fate was in January 1983

Written by VPeter on 11.06.2008 at 17:44

a very boring album, but then again it is Heavy Metal and most Heavy metal is boring.
the only 2 songs I find okay are "powerslave" and "Rime Of The Ancient Mariner"
the rest is soulless stuff without any feeling or heart.

Written by Guest on 13.06.2008 at 22:39

Written by VPeter on 11.06.2008 at 17:44

a very boring album, but then again it is Heavy Metal and most Heavy metal is boring.
the only 2 songs I find okay are "powerslave" and "Rime Of The Ancient Mariner"
the rest is soulless stuff without any feeling or heart.

Please fuck off and go put on a White Stripes CD or something and leave Heavy Metal for the real listeners, especially regarding classic albums like this.

Peasant.

Written by VPeter on 13.06.2008 at 23:27

Written by Guest on 13.06.2008 at 22:39

Written by VPeter on 11.06.2008 at 17:44

a very boring album, but then again it is Heavy Metal and most Heavy metal is boring.
the only 2 songs I find okay are "powerslave" and "Rime Of The Ancient Mariner"
the rest is soulless stuff without any feeling or heart.

Please fuck off and go put on a White Stripes CD or something and leave Heavy Metal for the real listeners, especially regarding classic albums like this.

Peasant.

HAHAHAHHAHA oh man how I love these kind of responses especially the for "real" listeners part,. sorry for you bud but I regard this album not as a classic but as a boring overated album and oh yeah I don't listen to the White Stripes.