Delve into the dark allure of a classic Iron Maiden video that perfectly captures their signature blend of history, mythology, and heavy metal might.
The Song
"The Evil That Men Do" is a powerful track from Iron Maiden's seventh studio album, "Seventh Son of a Seventh Son", released in 1988. The song's lyrics, primarily penned by bassist Steve Harris, are inspired by William Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar", specifically Mark Antony's famous line, "The evil that men do lives after them; The good is oft interred with their bones". This thematic depth is characteristic of the album, which explores concepts of prophecy, good versus evil, and destiny. Musically, it showcases the band's progressive leanings during this era, featuring intricate guitar harmonies from Dave Murray and Adrian Smith, a driving rhythm section, and the distinctive operatic vocals of Bruce Dickinson.
The Artist
Iron Maiden, formed in London in 1975, are one of the most influential and successful heavy metal bands of all time. Pioneers of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM), they quickly established a formidable reputation for their dual guitar attack, sophisticated song structures, and energetic live performances. By the late 1980s, with albums like "The Number of the Beast", "Powerslave", and "Somewhere in Time", they had achieved global superstardom. "Seventh Son of a Seventh Son" marked a significant creative peak, incorporating synthesizers more prominently while retaining their signature sound, making them a dominant force in the global music scene.
Chart Performance
"The Evil That Men Do" was released as the second single from "Seventh Son of a Seventh Son" and performed strongly on the charts. It peaked at number 5 on the UK Singles Chart, showcasing the band's continued popularity in their home country. The single also achieved chart success internationally, further solidifying the album's global impact and Iron Maiden's enduring appeal to their fanbase worldwide.
Cultural Impact
The song and its accompanying video cemented Iron Maiden's status as intellectual heavy metal pioneers, capable of blending literary references with hard-hitting music. The visual imagery in the video, while not as narrative-driven as some of their other works, reinforced the band's dark aesthetic and powerful stage presence. For fans, it's a testament to the band's consistency and ability to deliver compelling themes alongside their musical prowess. The phrase "the evil that men do lives after them" resonates beyond the metal community, becoming a well-known cultural idiom.
Fun Facts
- The song's title and lyrical inspiration come directly from William Shakespeare's play "Julius Caesar".
- The music video primarily features live performance footage, highlighting the band's powerful stage presence during the "Seventh Tour of a Seventh Tour".
- "Seventh Son of a Seventh Son" is Iron Maiden's only concept album to date, exploring a cohesive storyline throughout its tracks.
- The album marked the return of producer Martin Birch, who had worked with the band on many of their classic albums.