Iron Maiden – Fear Of The Dark (180g Vinyl 2LP)

Iron Maiden – Fear Of The Dark (180g Vinyl 2LP) is the powerful ninth studio album from British heavy metal legends Iron Maiden, originally released on 11 May 1992. Featuring the unforgettable title track Fear of the Dark, alongside Be Quick or Be Dead, Afraid to Shoot Strangers and Wasting Love, the album combines Maiden's trademark galloping rhythms, intricate guitar harmonies and epic storytelling with a darker, more atmospheric sound.

Recorded during a period of transition for heavy metal, Fear Of The Dark captures Iron Maiden exploring new musical territory while remaining firmly connected to the sound that made them one of the world's most influential metal bands. It was the band's final studio album with vocalist Bruce Dickinson before his departure in 1993, making it an important chapter in their history.

The album features Dickinson alongside guitarists Dave Murray and Janick Gers, bassist and principal songwriter Steve Harris, and drummer Nicko McBrain. Produced by Harris and longtime collaborator Martin Birch, the recordings combine driving heavy metal with melodic hard rock, introspective ballads and extended compositions.

Opening track Be Quick or Be Dead launches the album with an aggressive guitar riff, rapid-fire drumming and Dickinson's unmistakable vocals. Its sharp lyrical commentary and relentless energy make it one of the band's most powerful opening tracks.

From Here to Eternity follows with a more straightforward hard rock groove, while Afraid to Shoot Strangers introduces a dramatic change of atmosphere. Beginning with restrained guitar melodies, the song gradually develops into an epic arrangement featuring soaring twin-guitar harmonies and powerful rhythmic passages. Inspired by the Gulf War, it remains one of the album's most emotionally compelling compositions.

Side B opens with Fear Is the Key, exploring themes of anxiety and social change through a darker, blues-influenced arrangement. Childhood's End combines atmospheric melodies with a driving rhythm, while Wasting Love reveals the band's more reflective side. Its emotional lyrics, expressive vocals and melodic guitar work make it one of Iron Maiden's most distinctive ballads.

The second LP begins with The Fugitive, a fast-moving track inspired by the television series and film of the same name. Chains of Misery follows with a memorable chorus and energetic guitar riffs, while The Apparition explores mortality and reflection through a more unconventional arrangement.

The final side features Judas Be My Guide, a compact, energetic metal track driven by sharp guitar harmonies. Weekend Warrior offers a commentary on football hooliganism, combining hard rock influences with the band's characteristic storytelling.

The album concludes with the extraordinary Fear of the Dark, one of the most celebrated songs in Iron Maiden's catalogue. Beginning with an atmospheric acoustic guitar introduction, the track builds into a powerful heavy metal anthem filled with memorable melodies, dramatic tempo changes and soaring guitar solos.

Its instantly recognisable chorus has become a defining moment at Iron Maiden concerts, where audiences regularly sing along to the guitar melody. The song remains a centrepiece of the band's live performances and one of the most enduring heavy metal recordings of the 1990s.

Upon release, Fear Of The Dark reached number one on the UK Albums Chart, demonstrating Iron Maiden's continuing popularity during a period when alternative rock and grunge were transforming the music industry.

Blending traditional heavy metal, hard rock and progressive metal influences, the album showcases the band's ability to combine powerful riffs with melodic songwriting and ambitious arrangements. Its balance of aggressive tracks, emotional ballads and epic compositions makes it an essential addition to any Iron Maiden collection.

This 2017 Remastered Edition presents the complete twelve-track album across two heavyweight 180g black vinyl LPs. Released through Parlophone Records, the edition uses the 2015 high-resolution digital remasters, bringing renewed clarity and detail to the original recordings.

The double LP is housed in a gatefold sleeve featuring the album's distinctive artwork by Melvyn Grant, with lyrics, credits and photographs inside. Its iconic cover depicts Iron Maiden's mascot Eddie emerging from a sinister tree, reflecting the album's dark atmosphere.

Whether you're revisiting a classic or discovering Iron Maiden's early 1990s recordings for the first time, Fear Of The Dark offers an unforgettable combination of powerful heavy metal, memorable melodies and epic songwriting.

Supplied brand new and sealed.

Available from Heathen Records, your independent Australian online record store specialising in new and collectible vinyl.

Details

• Artist: Iron Maiden
• Album: Fear Of The Dark
• Format: 2LP Vinyl
• Edition: 2017 Remastered Reissue
• Vinyl Colour: Black
• Vinyl Weight: 180g Heavyweight
• Original Album Release: 11 May 1992
• Vinyl Reissue: 19 May 2017
• Genre: Heavy Metal / Traditional Metal / Hard Rock
• Record Label: Parlophone / Warner Music
• Catalogue Number: 0190295852344
• Barcode: 0190295852344
• Producers: Martin Birch and Steve Harris
• Remastering: 2015 High-Resolution Digital Remaster
• Packaging: Gatefold Sleeve
• Cover Artwork: Melvyn Grant
• Tracks: 12
• Condition: Brand New and Sealed

Tracklist

LP1 – Side A

• A1 Be Quick or Be Dead
• A2 From Here to Eternity
• A3 Afraid to Shoot Strangers

LP1 – Side B

• B1 Fear Is the Key
• B2 Childhood's End
• B3 Wasting Love

LP2 – Side C

• C1 The Fugitive
• C2 Chains of Misery
• C3 The Apparition

LP2 – Side D

• D1 Judas Be My Guide
• D2 Weekend Warrior
• D3 Fear of the Dark