Alive In The Superunknown #1 - Prowler by Iron Maiden

This week sees the debut of a new feature on this blog, ‘Alive In The Superunknown’, in which I choose a track a week and write about its musical significance. There is without a doubt no better way to kickstart this exploration of musical milestones than with a song that was partially responsible for the explosion of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, and almost fully responsible for the career of the UK’s biggest (and in my opinion best) ever metal band, Iron Maiden.

The Bandwagon's 'Heavy Metal Chart', with 'Prowler' at the top

Although 'Prowler' itself was never a single, it was the opening track on the band’s first self-titled album, and more importantly opened their first ever demo tape and EP. The band’s demo – which later became ‘The Soundhouse Tapes’ EP – was responsible for their shoot to success in the NWOBHM scene when it was handed to Neal Kay, the DJ at The Bandwagon Heavy Metal Soundhouse. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, The Soundhouse was the centre of the booming London metal scene. When Iron Maiden’s bassist Steve Harris offered Neal Kay his band’s demo, the DJ’s reaction was an incredulous “Yeah, you and half the world mate!”. On the official documentary 'The History of Iron Maiden: The Early Days' Kay admits that it wasn’t until he played the cassette for the first time that he thought “This is really happening! Who are these guys?”. Within a week 'Prowler' was Number 1 on The Bandwagon’s chart of most requested songs, above established and esteemed bands such as Black Sabbath, Rush and Judas Priest. The song was consistently received with a fantastic reception by regulars at the club.

“Me and Paul[Dianno, Iron Maiden’s vocalist at the time] actually went down there one night, and obviously no-one knew who we were, so we just went and stood and sort of, waited to see what happens when we came on, and when they played Prowler the place went berserk! There was people up like, throwing serious shapes, with all the air guitar and all this business. We were going ‘What the hell’s going on here? Is this real thing happening?’” – Steve Harris in 'The History of Iron Maiden: The Early Days'

After the success brought to the band by 'Prowler', they went on to play sold-out shows with storming success at venues like The Bandwagon, which led to them being spotted by EMI and becoming signed artists. The rest, as they say, is history!

Upon listening to ‘Prowler’, it becomes obvious why the song – and as a result the band – was so successful. The track blasts into the speakers with chunky, staccato power chords and a catchy riff layered with a thick wah effect. Paul Dianno’s vocals sound raw and punk-influenced, and coupled with Steve Harris’ signature, virtuosic bass playing style create a truly unique sound. The lyrics may not be especially poetic – centered around a prowling exhibitionist – but if anything their simplicity makes them all the more catchy! It’s practically guaranteed that after listening to 'Prowler', you’ll be singing “Got me talking but, feel like walking around!” all day long. Add to this mix an extremely technical, impressive guitar solo, a fast pace and strong pulse to rock out to, and the melodic guitar and bass flourishes that define the genre, and you’re left with a perfect example of what makes the NWOBHM so great.

By the time the drums roll and crash to the song's conclusion, Iron Maiden have made clear their position in the music scene, as well as establishing the signature sound that is still present in even their latest albums. The raw, untamed energy and musical talent of 'Prowler' is the very reason why Iron Maiden rose to the position that they are at, and why to this day, decades after the song’s release, they are still at the top of the heavy metal game.

...So, there's the first edition of 'Alive In The Superunknown'! What did you think? (Leave constructive feedback below, please!) I can now reveal that the song that I'll be writing about next week is...

'Please' by Jakwob ft. Kano

In case you've missed some of my earlier blog posts, the reason why I'm following such a classic metal track with a brand new, experimental jam is because each week I'll be alternating between older, milestone tracks and new, exciting hits. This means that by following the blog, you might discover a new favourite band from the realms of past or present music! 

Leave a comment if there are any new or classic songs that you'd like to see me write about - I take requests!

PsyD