OTHER ACTS' ANALYSES

Fear of the Dark

(Steve Harris/ Iron Maiden)

Better known for its marvellous live versions, the studio version is fantastic as well.

General Info:

Music & Lyrics by: Steve Harris
Arranged by: Steve Harris
Written: 1991-1992
Length: 7:18
Released on: 12th May 1992

Produced by: Martin Birch

Recorded: January-April 1992

Key: Dm
Metre: 4/4
Form: Cyclic

Drums: Nicko McBrain
Bass: Steve Harris
Keyboards: Steve Harris
Guitars: Dave Murray & Janick Gers

Vocal: Bruce Dickinson

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Form:

Intro
Verse/2
Verse
Chorus
Verse
Verse
Chorus
Verse
Chorus
Verse
Solo I
Solo II
Solo III
Solo IV
Coda
Coda
Coda
Verse
Verse
Chorus
Chorus
Verse/2
Verse/2

The (ab)use of AA and AA' sections is very common in hard-rock and heavy metal (e.g. Stairway to Heaven, Civil War...). Queen had a similar semi-acyclic interlude in Innuendo.

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Motif:

Simple but effective motif transposed several times (the same formula as the Innuendo solo). I had the honour of seeing Iron Maiden live, and this song took my breath away.

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Harmony:

Mostly basic chord functions, nothing special.

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