Iron Maiden: Invaders

So the band and many fans agree that Invaders should not have been the opener or should have been cut from the album. It's somewhat understandable; my first listen to NOTB had me confused as a kid with that first track (but my head blew into pieces after that). And yes, Total Eclipse should have been its replacement. But I tend to think it underrated, as it grew on me and has become one of my favorite Maiden tracks. In fact, it has been the #1 song for decades that I constantly hum, especially the intro. In other words, it's burned in my brain more than anything else, musically. Anyway, my question here is who hates it, who loves it, and who "meh's" it.

I'm not a huge fan of Number of the Beast. It's okay, like half of the record (admittedly the other half is great)

I'm in the meh category.  It's a rather weak track, as was "Gangland," compared to the rest of the album (well, I'm not crazy about "The Prisoner," but that's another thread, LOL). It is catchy, though, so I can understand it sticking in your brain. I do like the bass during the verses. I guess it's the notes after Dickinson sings "Invaders!" that seem a little cheesy. It's a fast, energetic track, so I can see why it was chosen as the opener.

Just listened to "Total Eclipse." Very nice, but I think it's a bit slow in parts to be an opening track. It would have made an excellent replacement for "Gangland," though, IMO.

I like it. I never knew it was an issue for anyone. Great opener, in my opinion.

Always liked the song and don't have any issues with it. I always though that track sounded like it was written for Killers. Invaders has never been played live - the band isn't a big fan of the track. It's a better song than Gangland - which the band had to choose between Gangland and Total Eclipse. One would be a B side and the other on the album. Gangland never was played live, but total eclipse was. Saw and interview with Adrian Smith and he basically said they made the wrong call on that one.

Invaders - cool song.

Never really thought about it much. (Shrugs) It's OK I guess. There are far better tracks on NOTB, of course.

It's not anywhere close to being one of my favorite Maiden songs, but there are certainly worse ones.

In short, I only listen to it when I'm listening to the full album; never on its own.

thejokeriv wrote:

 I always though that track sounded like it was written for Killers.

Good point, it does have that vibe.. In fact, I'd venture to add that Paul would actually sound pretty cool behind this track.

Invaders is by no means good enough to be on Killers!

I like Invaders. I never really had an issue with it. And strangely, I think I've only heard Total Eclipse 2 or 3 times so I don't feel as strongly about it being on the album.

I like it and don't have a problem with which album it's on or where on that album.

Basically for me Killers - NOTB - POM is one of the best 3 album stretches in metal history.

I have no problem with that song, then again I don't really hate anything Maiden has ever done. I freakin' like Holy Smoke for crying out loud!

I enjoy it. I think it is pretty catchy.

It's okay.  Not my favorite by Maiden, but okay.

I like the song, and think it ranks around the middle in terms of strongest to weakest tracks. Children of the Damned and Hallowed Be Thy Name are the two best songs from it (and two of the best Iron Maiden songs of all time); Gangland is the weakest track, overall.

Invaders is a nice, fast and enjoyable track. Works as an opener. What really is the problem is the chorus. The song is great all-around until it his the chorus, and then it divides people - some hate it because they expect something that's not there, I personally think it's not at all an important part of that particular song. Just like with Judas Priest's Breaking the Law. There's a chorus there, but the song is still all about the verses.

And Total Eclipse would suck as an album opener. Run to the Hills or Gangland would be better as the opener. Something to set the tone.

ZombieHavoc wrote:

I like it. I never knew it was an issue for anyone. Great opener, in my opinion.

Same opinion here as well.

I guess since I've lived with it and loved it for so long I can't imagine a different song order or track list than what exists on NOTB. Years back I picked up a Maiden greatest hits package and it drove me crazy hearing songs not as they were placed on the albums. For me it is all about those albums in their entirety.

I just listened to "Gangland" again and its not as bad as I was remembering it to be. There are only a handful of Maiden songs that I can say I don't like at all (at least from the non-Blaze albums). Chief among them would be "The Assassin."

I love that song and always have!

Fat Freddy wrote:

Never really thought about it much. (Shrugs) It's OK I guess. There are far better tracks on NOTB, of course.

I agree.

I thought Sadus did a decent job adapting the song to their American thrash style:

"Invaders" is catchy as f***. One of my favorites off that album.

glassprison wrote:

I thought Sadus did a decent job adapting the song to their American thrash style:

Yeah, we all enjoyed Sadus' WWE theme song compilation. Didn't know they covered "Invaders" though.

Great song. Not sure what the issue is. Definitely don't think it should have been cut from the album.

Amazing song. Great way to start the album. Short and punchy.

Love the vocal melody during the verses. This song is the greatest inspiration for John Arch's vocal style.

I'm shocked that there are MAIDEN fans who wouldn't like it.