The X Factor is a heavy metal album released October 2, 1995 by Iron Maiden.

It is notable for being the band's first album to include Blaze Bayley, formerly of Wolfsbane, as vocalist, replacing Bruce Dickinson who left the band to work on solo projects after getting tired of touring with Iron Maiden.

Many Maiden-fans regard the album as being the darkest in the band's history, being both quite melancholic and political. This was mostly fueled by the personal tragedies of Steve Harris whose marriage had recently ended and whose father had also died.

The tour for the album, like the tour for their next album, Virtual XI, was cut short after Blaze suffered a violent allergic reaction to certain elements used on the stages where the band performed.

"Man On The Edge" and "Lord Of The Flies" were released as singles.

Track listing

1. "Sign of the Cross" (Harris) – 11:17
2. "Lord of the Flies" (Harris, Gers) – 5:03
3. "Man on the Edge" (Bayley, Gers) – 4:13
4. "Fortunes of War" (Harris) – 7:23
5. "Look for the Truth" (Bayley, Gers, Harris) – 5:10
6. "The Aftermath" (Harris, Bayley, Gers) – 6:20
7. "Judgement of Heaven" (Harris) – 5:12
8. "Blood on the World's Hands" (Harris) – 5:57
9. "The Edge of Darkness" (Harris, Bayley, Gers) – 6:39
10. "2 A.M." (Bayley, Gers, Harris) – 5:37
11. "The Unbeliever" (Harris, Gers) – 8:10

Credits

• Blaze Bayley - vocals
• Dave Murray – guitar
• Janick Gers – guitar
• Steve Harris – bass guitar
• Nicko McBrain – drums

with

• Michael Kenney - Keyboards

External links

• Album lyrics

1995 albums | Iron Maiden albums | Heavy metal albums

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