The X-Factor was and still is a great album.

X Factor is the most underrated Iron Maiden album.

Massive respect for highlighting the Blaze era! I think it has aged well as more and more people are coming to realize that it contained many gems and interesting experiments. I think the release of Senjutsu was a good time for Blaze too as people were mentioning The X Factor in comparison to it. Great timing with this video too, Blaze needs all the support and positivity we can give him, wishing him all the best! He deserves it for all he has given to Metal.

I absolutely love The X Factor. It was the first album I bought from Iron Maiden back in 1995 when I was 13. 🤘🏼😎

Janick's solos on "The Aftermath" on the live version from BEST OF THE B SIDES is phenomenal

There's an alternate universe where, after Blaze left Maiden, he joined Tommy Iommi and they did some incredible Sabbath style music. Iommi's riffs and Blaze's voice are a pair made for each other.

I personally loved the Blaze Bayley era of Maiden. His solo career is absolutely amazing. I do agree that here in North America in the 90's metal bands went underground and had a different sound. I really focused more on power metal music out of Europe like Stratovarius, Hammerfall, Gammaray etc.

When I first listened to The X Factor, I really didn’t know what to think of it. Over time though, as I’ve gotten older and listened to it more and more I’ve thankfully grown a lot more appreciative over it. I like how the band went with someone like Blaze Bayley, and went in a darker and different direction than their albums before. He did a great job and put his heart and soul into singing songs like 2 A.M. and Fortunes of War. The rest of the band did a great job too, especially Dave and Janick. Everybody loves Adrian, and I do too, and he’s great with Dave, but damn, so is Janick. Him and Dave have some of their finest guitar work in all of Maiden History here for me, and made a great duo. Sign of the Cross for me has the best solos in Maiden History. While not an entirely perfect album, it’s still one I really enjoy, and genuinely think is underrated and deserves more recognition. It’s an album that certainly deserves its spot firmly in Iron Maiden’s catalog.

My favourite moment is in the middle section and guitar solos of The Sign of the Cross 🎸

i was there when x factor was released here in brazil and it took me to a journey maiden never offered me til that moment. seventh son if my fav maiden album from the 80s and xfactor is my fav maiden album from the 90s

I love this album, it's my 4th favorite from them. Some of the album's highlights are the last riff before the vocals come back in in Sign Of The Cross, the change to the gallop part in Fortunes Of War, the chorus in Blood On The World's Hands and the tom driven solo section of The Unbeliever.

As a drummer, The X Factor is my personal favourite drum mix. 🥁 That Premier Signia + Paiste Signature kit, (the same used in Raising Hell). is so dynamic.

Sending many good vibes to Blaze! I had the chance to see him live a few years ago and he's a really humble and kind guy. I like The X Factor a lot. My favorite songs are Sign of the Cross and The Edge of Darkness.

This is my favourite Iron Maiden album. Everything is perfect, I love the vibe of it and I love the artistic direction. My favourite song use to be Sign of the cross, but now it's Fortune of war. My favourite moment ? the bridge part in the middle of The Unbeliever. It's so beautiful, and it's my second favourite moment of Iron maiden's entire career. My favourite moment is the calm part of The Thin Line Between Line and hate. Thanks for making this video

Unbelievable. I could've written your video. Look for Truth and Judgement are the only two songs I've always struggle with (except for the beautiful guitar harmonies of the second). Blood on the World's Hands, Sign of the Cross, The Edge of Darkness are 3 masterpieces!

My taste in music is heavily susceptible by atmosphere and sounds rather than arrangements. That's why some of the X Factor tracks are among my favourites of Maiden, like The Aftermath and Fortunes of War. I love the sounds of the drums and the guitars and Blaze's voice is great in those songs

I really like the X Factor, and to this day, I remember perfectly hearing the first chords of Sign of the Cross and being very impressed. I love this album!

Fantastic album, blaze brought raw sound to maiden’s darkest album. Love it

Definitely an underrated album and one that grows on you over time. Nice and moody.

The dark voice of Blaze Baley is just amazing... Thank you for this Video

i also wish blaze a quick recovery!! ❤️

Nico, KILLER Video! Appreciate your Unique Style of Presentation! I like 2 AM. Thanks.

TXF is awesome!! It's in my top 5 of Iron Maiden albums

My thoughts - I was probably 15 or 16 when I first heard the X-Factor. Back then. I was like, “oh my god, this singer can’t hold a candle to Bruce! What we’re they thinking?” And ultimately, as you said in the video, the I couldn’t help but feel that the production of the album was flat and that it didn’t have that same pop that Fear of the Dark had - I liked how the drums sounded but the guitars were really dull and didn’t stand out in the mix. I also think they seemed to choke or hold back a lot of the music in some spots on the album. It sometimes has that really “jagged” sound as you mentioned…or left me feel like wanting. Now that I’ve been listening to X-Factor for several years, however, I’ve come to really enjoy the album and how unique it is. And honestly, Blaze really is an excellent singer and I wish I would’ve gave him more of a chance when I first heard him. Here’s to a healthy, speedy and successful recovery Blaze! You are an amazing singer and human being, I wish you all the best!

First I want to say that your explanations are really enjoyable and always feel very sincere. The guitar examples are super nice too. You really know your stuff when it comes to Maiden. I've never quite been able to enjoy the Blaze era of the band, but I also understand (at least in hindsight) that I probably never gave him much of a chance. To me he was always a strange choice, as I was firmly in the the "let's-hope-for-Michael-Kiske" camp. Or at least someone with a similar vocal range. I'm sure Blaze is a great guy who gave it his all, but I just couldn't get my head around why they didn't choose someone capable of reaching the higher notes, as that had become a pretty important part of the Iron Maiden sound. I'm sure there's truth to the band wanting to try a different angle in the (then) current musical climate and with Bruce out of the picture, but I could never welcome it myself. Being negative really doesn't feel good at all but I have to be honest. Maybe it's time for another listen to The X Factor, hopefully with a more open mind. It's definitely not easy to notice the parts that are actually good when my brain constantly screams how "wrong" everything feels... 😄

Defiantly sending positive vibes Blaze's way , solid dude who had enormous shoes to fill and did it with class. Both albums are highly underrated and his solo stuff is solid as well.

I appreciate you making this video to recognize Blaze's time in IM and the respect he deserves.

I got into Maiden (age 13) at the moment Bruce had just left and I was totally stoked about the build up to the X-Factor album. I loved it then and even though I hardly ever listen to it again still really enjoy many of the songs. The first live show I went to was the X-Factour! All the best to Blaze, I hope he makes a full recovery soon.

This is in my top 4 Maiden albums. Perhaps I Lauren to this one just slightly less than AMOLAD and historically not as much as SSOASS. X-Factor is that great, I feel. I'm happy my son grew up post- reunion and takes singers with a grain of salt so that he easily gets by the 80s obsession. This was a transformative record that allowed the band to keep cranking out long intros and instrumentals. Blaze's rendition of Blood Brothers is great as well. It also gives you a sense of whar BNW would have been like without the reunion. Keep it up Blaze!!!

Blaze is such a lovely guy. He was never right for Maiden but I'm happy to see him forging his own path. Would love Maiden to take him out on support...

Great Video Nico! Looking forward to the next one. I love the x factor and share alot of the same feelings on this one. My favorites are Sign of the cross and fortunes of war. I hope Blaze recovers quickly and sings alot more for all his fans, me included. Blaze kept Maiden alive and noone could have replaced Bruce to be fair...noone. I also believe that after Bruce and Adrian came back alot of people could enjoy the Blaze albums knowing Maiden was whole again....so to speak. Thanks for sharing your views Nico! UP THE IRONS 🤘

I still adore "The X Factor". Being a dark album, it carried me through some dark times.

Great Video, as always, Brother🤗 I love 2am, as I listened to a lot during my divorce. Fit perfectly😉 I must say I enjoyed this album a lot👏 Up the mighty Irons!!!!🤘🤘🤘🤘

The unbeliever is such an interesting song. It feels like such a random collection of ideas thrown together, but yet it still makes sense. Always worth bearing in mind as well that Steve wasn’t in a good place personally when writing this album. Blaze had an impossible task, and wasn’t helped by the band at times, but he still performed with passion and pride so he quite rightly deserves praise. Looking forward to part 2.

This album and the song Virus are so underrated.

You know, Nico. It is a pleasure to watch your videos. The things you say match the things I think about Maiden in general. I really love Blaze’s era and Blaze himself. There are 2 different Maidens with Bruce and Blaze, but lots of people don’t give it a chance. I also bought the singles and the album on their release dates (a smiled when you said that 😄) and these 2 albums are just brilliant to me. Waiting for the Part 2 😉

Dark, dark days for Iron Maiden. Thank God that Bruce and Adrian came back

Hi Nico, let me tell you a story from 2003. We went from Zagreb to Debrecen, 9 hours bus trip for the first show of The Dance of the Death tour. What is good about thant is that you do not know what will be the setlist. And after the 4-5 „normal“ Maiden songs they did this „block“ of songs that fit so perfectly: Rainmaker, Brawe new world, Paschendale and then Gers starts to play Lord of the flies. Nobody really believe what was happening, but the song fit so perfectlly! After the solo, that melody, Bruce sing it so emotionaly, it broke the tears to my eyes, and I was 2nd row in front of Gers both hands up crying ,I was 20, he actually pointed to me , that was so so good. You can see this songs live on The Death of the road dvd but is not as near seeing it live. Such a great song, such great album X factor

Get well soon Blaze! I'd really recommend Blaze's William Black trilogy from his solo discography. It's a great concept trilogy :) As for his Maiden work: How do you replace Bruce Dickinson in the fans hearts? You don't. Iron Maiden losing both Adrian and Bruce put them in a rut, one that would kill any other band. Blaze stepped up to the plate when almost anyone else would shy away. The albums are not Maiden's best, but it's not his fault but he's an easy target. The reunion was inevitable but thank you Blaze, you did amazingly.

I saw Wolfsbane and Blaze at a dingy little venue on the south coast of England long before the Maiden days. It was a highly charged in-your-face night that I still have vivid memories of.

Finally a fair and well thought review of this great album.

I remember clearly listening to this on a specialized radio program ( Sunday about 10pm) , it felt amazing at the time. I don't know why but the day after at school most of my colleagues were talking about the double bass drum sound, we were all mistaken. I went to the store to get it as fast as my economy at the time allowed me to... It became somewhat a very important part of the soundtrack of my adolescence, I was 14 at the time. Today I recall this album a very underrated one

Man, thank you SO MUCH for making this little series on Blaze era! I think both The X Factor and Virtual XI are still pretty underrated and deserve all the attention as they're just great albums... No matter what anyone says, Blaze is an amazing singer and his voice really fits many of the songs on albums recorded with him. If I had to choose, I'd say Man On The Edge is probably my most favorite song from this album. It's just so powerful, the music video is also great, lyrics just the same... Excellent piece of music! Being someone who lived through this whole change in band members thing, I can say that probably most of the "hate" the band got at the time came from basically this really shallow mindset - "No Bruce? No Adrian? Well, meh!" Which is a shame... And as much as I don't understand why Maiden didn't wanna try to fit Blazes vocal range better (or rather at all during their live performances), this era of theirs will always have a sweet spot in my heart. I can't say I wasn't surprised that they chose Blaze as their new singer, but damn was I glad for it, as he didn't bring disappointment, he brought another powerful voice that just blows my mind close to any time I hear him! On some songs his performance is simply unbeatable! 💯 I hope Blaze will fully recover as soon as possible and will return on stage as I love his solo work too! Up The Irons! 🤘🏻

I really like Judgement of Heaven. Also I wish nothing but the best for Blaze.

I do remember the context of mid 90s, Metal bands were seen as outcasts and historical arenas for gigs were replaced by smaller locations! This affected the new project with Blaze. However, X Factor is a really good album, more consistent and refined than the previous two. Sign of the cross stands out! The problem was the live performance as Blaze had to sing Bruce's songs without having his skills! Thanks for this review, Doctor Nico👍💪

All the best for Blaze. And hope to see a tour with Bruxe / Blaze / Paul sharing the vocals.

BLAZE BAYLEY era was brilliant!

I really agree with what you said about the mix and overall sound. Songs, melodies, solos and so on are great, but the album lacks life in some moments to me. Edit: Sign of the cross is the absolute highlight to me. This song blew me away live last year

Well done! Bravo! Get well soon Blaze!

2 of my favorite songs on this album are ones you don’t love. 😂 But that’s what’s great about music; It’s personal and subjective. I love so much about The XF and I’m so glad you covered it! 🙏

I love the X factor. "Sign of cross" is my 2nd favorite song from Maiden.

Interesting. Instructive. Priceless. More Iron Maiden studies like this please.

I think I was 13 at the time, so around '97-'98. My dad comes home with a Powerslave cd he picked up 2nd hand from a used record store, hands it to me and says here, I hear they've got some good guitar players. I had just started playing about a year ago and was absolutely stunned by what I was hearing. I had never been exposed to classic metal and it was a life changing moment. Even more so that my father was a trombone player who was addicted to jazz, big band, and rock groups like Chicago. I don't believe he had ever even listened to any heavy metal so I'm not sure what prompted him to get that for me, and even he doesn't remember. I wanted to get more and my first purchase was X-Factor. I didn't know much about the band so I was confused that Bruce had departed and Blaze was in. It was really quite striking how this bombastic, fast, melodic band had put out such a slow, plodding, and moody album. Right away, I didn't like it. To this day, I feel like their direction on this record was wrong. Not only were the songs too slow, but Steve didn't adjust his song writing to suit Blaze, at least in my opinion. While super human Bruce could handle those tongue twister lines with 30 syllables in a measure, Blaze could not. It sounded clumsy and forgettable. I don't mind songs sung in a lower register and Blaze certainly had some powerful moments, but like you mentioned here, they could have adjusted the key signatures of a few tracks and allowed Blaze to shine more. I've since learned to appreciate it more over the years, but it's still easily my least favorite Maiden record. It's still disappointing to me to this day because Bruce puts out The Chemical Wedding just a few years later, and that is pretty similar, although assuredly heavier than X-Factor, but hearing Bruce explore darker heavier music, and not with Maiden, was quite disappointing to my teenage self. While neither the tone of X-Factor or The Chemical Wedding are my favorite types of metal, I still long to know what this album would have been had Bruce stayed, and everyone leaned into this new territory together. As always, cheers for the highly introspective coverage of my favorite band. Love the channel, keep it up! Looking forward to watching part 2 on Virtual XI which while still having some of the issues of the X-Factor was much more agreeable to my musical sensibilities.

My favorite moment was not so much the album but the time. I had the privilege of seeing the very first concert with Blaze in a small club in Jerusalem. While the sound took some time to get used to, it felt cool knowing that we were witnessing Maiden history.

Underrated album. It's always refreshing to me, it gives you another kind of a vibe that you cannot find in their other albums.

Very interesting video! And I think it's very nice of you to highlight Blaze's work at a time like this. I feel that his voice is very powerful and charismatic, something that really comes across on acoustic songs, like What will come and Remember. It's like the simplicity of having a few acoustic instruments allows for his voice to flex and show how dynamic it can be, going from low and contemplative to booming and hopefull. A great singer and a great personality.

This was brilliant. Thank you so much for these videos. In part 2 will you cover the Virus EP too?

Blazes voice got me into maiden

From the Aftermath: "Once a ploughman hitched his team, where he sowed his little dream now bodies, arms and legs are strewn, where mustard gas and barbwire bloom." My favorite lyrical section of maiden ever!!!

The X Factor is the first album I bought with my own money back then, and it has always had a special place in my heart. I remember not liking it at first, as Bruce always was my favorite singer when I was younger, but it quickly grew on me. This album felt more serious, more thought out, and I felt like Steve Harris was back, with grooves that felt fresh and imaginative. I never liked the production, always wished it would have sounded heavier, to better serve the songs and album overall! The best song on this album, to me, is Blood On The World's Hands, what an incredible piece of music! Get well soon Blaze, and keep on making great music!

Great analysis, and wonderful idea for a series of videos. I really like X-Factor, and I agree 100% with you about BotWH and Unbeliever. Blaze has an impossible task ahead of him, and he did help keep the band afloat through some hard times. He's also a really stand-up bloke and deserves all our respect. I'd be curious to hear what you think of his solo work? I haven't gotten into the later stuff as much, but the first few albums - especially Promise & Terror, are fantastic. He had a killer band, especially on P&T, and there are some real bangers on that album. I spin it regularly. Wishing him prompt recovery and a a succesful return to his career.

I actually missed what nicko said happened to blaze but I googled and see he had a heart attack, these heart issues are getting out of control along with cancer becoming more rampant and it's no coincidence

Any chance to see you review the first IRON MAIDEN album of 1980...? Will be very interesting to hear a musical review from the songs and the impact that had, at that time, also with the appear of eddie in the Album cover... Congratulation to all your job, that you do with all yours publication!👍

Heal and get well soon, Blaze Bayley🤗 Up the Irons🤘

I genuinely love the X factor. While I might not LOVE Virtual XI, I appreciate it so much more than the typical maiden listener. Sign of the Cross, fortunes of war, aftermath, blood on the worlds hands and the unbeliever are just top tier maiden for me

Very good analysis on the X Factor. I liked the album back then , still enjoy the album. I consider Look for the Truth one the best performances from Bayley in Maiden. My faves are : The Sing of the Cross, Man on the Edge, Blood on the World's hands and The Unbeliever.

my favourite blaze era song has probably always been 'look for the truth' :)

X-Factor is a masterpiece... Its a unique Maiden album

Hi Nico, good afternoon. I really like "The X Factor", especially the songs: "Sign of the Cross"; "Judgement of Heaven"; and "Man on the Edge" (the latter I believe should be part of the band's set list), as you said, it even reminds you a little of Motörhead, it's a firecracker!!! Not to mention the amazing cover art with Eddie all torn apart... I didn't know Blaze was sick... Well, as a citizen of the world I wish him a good recovery immediately... (I have the Iron Maiden cd's just like the ones yours - the ones on your shelf [only the Brazilian version :)]). Big hug, dear. And this time, show us your collection of Maiden LP's and/or CD's.

The X Factor might be my most listened to Iron Maiden album; I love the sound of steel strings on the bass, and there's some really interesting stuff going on with the guitars in a lot of the tracks, especially The Unbeliever where they're smouldering in the background. Love putting it on after dark and sinking into the album.

amazing video nico! i really like x-factor... i agree production could have been much better, and it has some great songs... to me "look for the truth" and "the unbeliever" are the ones i like less, but doesn't mean they're bad... i think they could have replaced the former with "justice of the peace" and leave "look for the truth" as a b-side... shame is that lot of people blame blaze for things that were going on at the time... he always delivered great, always a gentleman and his solo stuff is amazing!... only problem was trying to sing bruce's songs live... otherwise, i wish blaze a speedy recovery, and hope one day he could join maiden to sing along bruce the clansman, when 2 worlds collide, blood brothers and sign of the cross! and why not THE NOMAD!

Blaze's Maiden era was synonymous with my late teen years. And easily the soundtrack of my life during that time period.

A few things to add to your great overview: The title and alien Eddie was quite possibly inspired by the X-Files, which was a populate TV series back then. Man On The Edge is based on the Falling Down storyline. I love your channel. Keep up the good work!

X factor is in top 3 of best Iron Maiden albums

One of my favourite channels for sure 🌟 Thanks for doing this 🙏🎶

X Factor is in my top5 Maiden Albums

I first came upon this album back around '05. My initial reaction was "eh, its okay". But over the last few years, this album gets major playtime in my car. A lot of topics the album covers didn't gel with me 18 years ago, but as I've gotten older I can relate a LOT more to songs like Fortunes of War (I'm a veteran) and Look For the Truth/2AM (mental issues) and it's always cathartic when they come on. These songs gives us a bit more insight into what Harris was going through at the time (both inside and outside of the band). Blood on the Worlds Hands is pretty much a top 5 Maiden song for me with its bleak and unsugercoated subject matter with all 5 members hitting on all cylinders. The Unbeliever took me some time to get use too, but I believe it's one of Maiden's proggiest efforts. Forgive the ramblings, but thank you so much Nico for giving this album its fair share of positivity and giving constructive criticism when needed (I do agree with you on the production). And a safe and speedy recovery for my man, Blaze! ❤

This video makes me wish I could click the Like button more than once. The X Factor is such an underrated album! It wasn't well received because it wasn't a typical Maiden album. However, if a new unknown band had released this album, it would have been the metal album of the decade!

Highly underated album

Absolutely great episode

Fantastic stuff Sir!

Nico, I think it would be important to touch on the excellent b-sides from this era too. Justice of the Peace is so good and no one ever talks about Virus! That is my favorite Blaze-era tune and one of my favorite overall.

Singing on Man on the Edge is like Aces High.

I realy enjoy this album. Not the best, not the worst, but very enjoyable. To talk about sign of the cross' masterpice is kind of obviou, but the I must say the song I most enjoy is Judgment of Heaven. Love the feeling that Blaze puts in this one.

Love your channel mate. Thanks.

Amazing and "played" review. I love Blaze era and also his solo work. Cheers

Amazing to put the "Lord of the Flies" immediately next to the "Sign of the Cross" on the album - thematically in the same religious vein, but emphasizing dichotomy in spiritual attitude. Two chapters of the same meditation? And both songs are doing the Maiden hypnotic music thing magnificently. Then, there is "Judgement of Heaven" continuing this religious arc, and finally "The Unbeliever". This album was promoted with videos showing Maiden guys visiting Jerusalem. Finally, there is video for "Afraid to Shoot Stranger" published around the same time (I think) - song coming from previous "Fear of the Dark" - also having a Middle East theme, and sung by Blaze so powerfully. I dare to say - even more suitable than Bruce, considering darker and brooding mood Maiden wanted to grasp during first half of the 90's.

Great video, Nico! Glad Blaze is doing better. Any of the reunion material or DiAnno album breakdowns on the horizon?

Sign of the Cross and The Unbeliever are among my all time favorite Maiden tunes. The latter is basically an all out prog tune to me, the bass line reminds me of a 70 prog band vibe. X Factor as a whole is in my top 5 favorite Maiden albums. Quality songs to my ears plus a slightly different flavor for the band, always refreshing to return to that album. Blaze puts his heart into his music, he has a heart made of metal so I’m sure he’ll bounce right back…here’s to Blaze…

My favourite Maiden Album

I love X Factor, it's absolutely one of my top maiden albums.

My first Maiden concert was for the X-Factor Tour. It was at a small club in Hollywood. I was a freshman in high school and nobody cared for metal.

Great vídeo!!!!

I can't believe that you remember Millencolin, that swedish punk rock band :) "Leona said we could go in for free , well Leona was so pretty indeed" 😀 Bad religion was great too, punkrock band from england, "This is just a punk rock song" 😀. My favourite songs from the X factor album are : Look for the truth and The edge of darkness Great video again from you, Nico 👍👍

love The X Factor and Fortunes of War and Judgement of Heaven

For me, the best song of the X-Factor have always been the Edge of Darkness. Too bad Maiden hasn't performed it even once since it's inception. At least in not aware. However, I must say that Blaze's live performances of it are even better than IM's. Undoubtedly bc of tuning. Unfortunately, Blaze hasn't played it live in a long time either. Anyways, I love X Factor. For me it has always been a special album. I like its dark atmosphere and Harris' approach to songwriting. Perhaps that's why I also love AMOLAD so much. But I totally agree with you on two points: mixing is terrible. I honestly believe it's weakest Maiden album on terms of mixing. Virtual XI's mix/production is way better (but IMO Virtual XI is weaker album). I also agree that this album would have sounded a whole lot better with lower tuning. Not bc of darker themes and riffs but bc of Blaze s voice as well.

Love the X-Factor. I was there when it was out, a huge shock back then. However it has dated quite well. Best moment "Lord of the flies".

Blaze has a strong baritone voice. To this day I would LOVE to hear Blaze sing in the band Nevermore. Jeff Loomis should give Blaze a call. Much respect to the late great Warrel Dane, but Blaze voice could fit very nicely in Nevermore. I hope Blaze has a speedy recovery. Great video and commentary on this era of Maiden!

Blaze recently launch a live album with 4 songs from X Factor and 1 from Virtual XI and sound fantastic!

I highly agree that they should've detuned to D for this album. It would have made for a fuller, deeper sound when the songwriting was this dark and Blaze's voice would have been given the space to shine.