Released 31 years ago this October
The X Factor
Iron Maiden · 1995
71 min · 11 tracks · heavy metal
Dark, introspective melodies intertwine with powerful riffs and haunting vocals, reflecting a new chapter for the band.
Top tracks — play these first
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Sign of the Cross Start here — Opening with an atmospheric intro, this nearly twelve-minute epic showcases the band's orchestral ambitions and sets a somber tone for the album.
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Man on the Edge — This track features a driving rhythm and engaging lyrics that reflect modern anxieties, making it one of the standout singles from the album.
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Blood on the World’s Hands — With its poignant narrative about war and suffering, this song exemplifies the album's darker thematic content while showcasing Bayley's vocal range.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The X Factor showcases complex compositions and darker themes, marking a distinct shift in Iron Maiden's sound.
What we noticed
- The first track, 'Sign of the Cross', features a lengthy instrumental intro that sets a dark tone before vocals enter.
- The album's lyrics often explore themes of despair and conflict, with multiple songs featuring narrative storytelling elements.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- wave-like pacing with resolution
- introspective moments of reflection
- dark atmospheric soundscapes
- immersive late-night listening experience
- extended tracks for deep engagement
Maybe skip if you
- prefer quick, upbeat tracks
- seek straightforward song structures
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — Introduced a new vocalist and darker themes, marking a significant shift in sound.
- Themes
- personal struggle· post-Dickinson transition
- Career context
- Released on October 2, 1995, The X Factor was Iron Maiden's first album after the departure of vocalist Bruce Dickinson. This marked a significant shift in their sound as they introduced Blaze Bayley as the new frontman, highlighting a period of experimentation following their commercial peak in the early '90s.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Judas Priest· Helloween· Megadeth
Tracklist
- 1 Sign of the Cross Start here 11:17
- 2 Lord of the Flies 5:03
- 3 Man on the Edge 4:13
- 4 Fortunes of War 7:23
- 5 Look for the Truth 5:10
- 6 The Aftermath 6:20
- 7 Judgement of Heaven 5:12
- 8 Blood on the World’s Hands 5:57
- 9 The Edge of Darkness 6:39
- 10 2 A.M. 5:37
- 11 The Unbeliever 8:10
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
October Rust
Type O Negative
Shares a dark, atmospheric sound and introspective lyrics focusing on personal struggle and melancholy.
Alternative 4
Anathema
Explores somber themes with complex arrangements and a blend of heavy and melodic elements.
Draconian Times
Paradise Lost
Combines heavy metal with dark atmospheres and introspective themes of despair and transition.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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