The mid-1990s marked a significant and challenging chapter in the storied history of Iron Maiden. Following the departure of Bruce Dickinson in 1993, the band made a surprising decision to recruit Blaze Bayley, who was previously the frontman for Wolfsbane.
During Bayley’s tenure,Iron Maiden released two albums: 1995’s The X Factor and 1998’s Virtual XI.While these albums did not achieve the same level of critical praise or commercial success as earlier works, bassist and chief songwriter Steve Harris contends that this period produced music worthy of reevaluation.
In a conversation with Metal Hammer, Harris expressed his belief: “I mentioned it back then and I still believe it – these two albums are indeed solid and powerful. People will come to appreciate them over time. Many are revisiting them now and realizing their worth.”
A particular focus for Harris is on the meaning of The X Factor, which was deeply influenced by his personal challenges: “The X Factor, in particular, is quite good but carries a somber tone. This might be due to my emotional state at that time—dealing with Bruce’s departure while also going through a divorce. All those factors contributed to its creation.However, from that turmoil emerged a strong album. you take negative experiences and transform them into something positive; those emotions resonate through music. Music is such a powerful medium.”
Navigating this difficult period did not lead Harris to contemplate disbanding Iron Maiden; he remarked: “Just for a couple of hours! It’s like when West Ham loses—I sulk for two hours but then you have to pick yourself up and move forward; that’s how it works.”
The years under Bayley remain both polarizing yet captivating—a time characterized by experimentation that birthed cult classics such as “Sign of the Cross,” “The Clansman,” and “Futureal.” With Harris championing this chapter’s importance, more fans may feel encouraged to revisit an era when iron Maiden’s future appeared uncertain yet brimming with potential.
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