A lyric video for “Death Threat” from Midwestern metalcore outfit Miss May I has just been released by the band. The track serves as the fourth advance single from their eighth studio album, “No Place For Me”. The record will mark the band’s first release through Solid State Records and is slated to arrive on October 02nd.
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When Fernanda Partridge sat down in the famous black chair on Mastermind this week, she was following in the footsteps of a small group of contestants brave enough to choose Iron Maiden as their specialist subject. “Having been an Iron Maiden fan since I was 12 years old,” Fernanda told MetalTalk, “I wanted to put my knowledge to the test and what better stage to do that than going on Mastermind.
“I actually got the chance to meet Bruce Dickinson earlier this year at the Armed Forces Day Event in Aldershot and told him about my appearance on the show. Who knows, maybe he’ll also be watching.”
Partridge scored nine points in a round that tested considerably more than just a knowledge of Maiden albums and songs. But how does nine compare with the other Iron Maiden Mastermind performances?
Fernanda Partridge – Iron Maiden was her specialist subject on Mastermind. Photo: Fernanda Partridge
We went digging, and it turns out that Iron Maiden have quite a history with the famous black chair.
We found five documented occasions when Iron Maiden were chosen as a specialist subject. Rachel Hobbs scored 16 points in 2007, Tom Scotney scored 12 in 2011, while singer-songwriter Frank Turner managed seven on Celebrity Mastermind in 2014, and BBC football commentator Guy Mowbray scored ten in another celebrity edition in 2017.
The regular Mastermind contestants faced two minutes of specialist questions, while Frank Turner and Guy Mowbray had only 90 seconds on Celebrity Mastermind. That makes Rachel Hobbs’ 16 an extraordinary raw score, but it also makes Guy Mowbray’s ten look impressive. Mowbray faced 12 questions in 90 seconds, and got ten correct with no passes.
Frank Turner stormed the general knowledge round, scored 13 more points and won Celebrity Mastermind with 20. So the man at the bottom of the Iron Maiden specialist scoreboard is also the only one on our list who walked away as a Celebrity Mastermind winner.
The highest Iron Maiden specialist score we have found belongs to Rachel Hobbs. An Iron Maiden Fan Club member, Hobbs appeared on Mastermind on 8 October 2007, with Maiden wishing her luck before the broadcast in a post on their website.
When Tom Scotney took on Maiden four years later, as part of his preparation, he listened through the Maiden albums and reportedly worked his way through around half a dozen books about the band, which he said were, “without exception, terrible.”
Fernanda’s nine left her well placed going into the general knowledge round. She eventually finished second with 19 points, just one behind winner Donald, who progressed to the semi-final with 20.
Fernanda’s Iron Maiden year is not over yet. “Now I get to look forward to seeing the boys on stage in October when they return to my home country of Brazil,” she said. “It will be my 12th time seeing them live. I can’t wait.
One obvious question remains. How many would you get right?
Fernanda finished her message to MetalTalk with a challenge. “Thank you to everyone who’s watched the show,” she said, “and I hope you enjoyed it. How many answers did you get right?”
So, naturally, we’re going to find out. We have gone back through the Mastermind archives and pulled together questions faced by the people who chose Iron Maiden as their specialist subject.
Now it’s your turn to face the black chair.
Here are 18 Iron Maiden questions that have been on Mastermind before. You can click on a question to reveal the answer. No Google, no checking the record collection and no asking Eddie.
1. Which British Prime Minister was depicted on the sleeves of Sanctuary and Women In Uniform?
Margaret Thatcher
2. Which song was written about Rod Smallwood and appeared as a B-side to Wasted Years?
Sheriff Of Huddersfield
3. On which children’s television programme did Iron Maiden famously appear in 1980?
Tiswas
4. Which drummer left Iron Maiden in 1982 and was replaced by Nicko McBrain?
Clive Burr
5. Which song did Maiden perform live on Top Of The Pops in 1980 after refusing to mime?
Running Free
6. What name was given to the Boeing 757 used by Iron Maiden on their 2008 world tour?
Ed Force One
7. Which Iron Maiden beer takes its name from one of the band’s best-known songs?
Trooper
8. Which instrumental on Killers is named after the founder of the Mongol Empire?
Genghis Khan
9. What was the title of Iron Maiden’s 2015 double studio album?
The Book Of Souls
10. In which Italian city did Bruce Dickinson make his live debut with Iron Maiden in 1981?
Bologna
11. In which South American country was a planned Maiden concert cancelled in 1992 amid accusations of Satanism?
Chile
12. On what date in 1975 did Steve Harris form Iron Maiden?
Christmas Day
13. Who was Iron Maiden’s original lead singer?
Paul Mario Day
14. Which masked drummer briefly played with Iron Maiden in 1977?
Thunderstick
15. What was the name of Iron Maiden’s 2008–09 world tour?
Somewhere Back In Time World Tour
16. Which management company did Iron Maiden join after leaving Sanctuary?
Phantom Music Management
17. What form did the giant Eddie take during performances on The Final Frontier tour?
An alien mutant
18. At which Canadian venue did Bruce Dickinson and Adrian Smith play their first concert after rejoining Maiden in 1999?
Harbour Station, Saint John, New Brunswick
How Did You Do?
0–6 You need to spend some more time with Eddie. 7–8 You are in Frank Turner territory. 9 You’ve matched Fernanda Partridge. 10–11 You have reached Guy Mowbray territory. 12–15 You are in Tom Scotney territory. 16 You’ve matched the highest Iron Maiden Mastermind score we’ve found – Rachel Hobbs. 17–18 You’ve beaten them all. The black chair awaits.
A fundraiser has been set up to support guitar great Chris Spedding, who has been diagnosed with blood cancer. The 82-year-old, who has played with Roxy Music, Bryan Ferry, Elton John, John Cale, Jack Bruce, Tom Waits, Paul McCartney and more – as well as playing pivotal early roles in the careers of The Cramps and The Sex Pistols – has just started an intensive, nine-month course of chemotherapy.
“In recent months, Chris was diagnosed with large B-cell high-grade, non-Hodgkin lymphoma,” says campaign organiser Eden Cale. “Because this fight will pause his ability to work and tour, Chris and his wife, Jody, need our support to help cover essential living expenses and additional medical expenses as they navigate this difficult period.
“Anyone who knows Chris knows he is a kind, generous soul who would step up for anyone in need. For decades, he has given us unforgettable music. Now, it is our turn to rally around him to show our appreciation for him during this challenging time.”
Spedding has also played with Roger Daltrey, Joan Armatrading, Donovan, Cass Elliott, Art Garfunkel, John Lodge, Frankie Miller, Harry Nilsson, The Vibrators, Jeff Wayne, Pretenders and more, and is famous for turning down the opportunity to tour with the Rolling Stones in 1975, having already committed to live work with folkie Roy Harper.
In addition to his session and live work, Spedding also produced the first demo tapes by the Sex Pistols and The Cramps.
VIEW HEAVY AUSTRALIAN CONTENT DIGIMAG #279 HERE With Necrosonic Festival upon us this weekend the obvious choice for our featured cover insterview this week is Lynchmada, who are hitting the Mansfield Tavern on a mission! There’s also a retrospective on Segression, Vyrian and Pestilential Shadows, plus a comprehensive guide to the day and what’s happening. […]
This song begins with a very mysterious sound that introduces an intense and enigmatic arpeggio. It draws listeners deeply into the night. The female voice emerges with its hypnotic and ritualistic cadence, infused with enchanting sensuality. Then, the guitars enter with a hard and intense presence. They elevate the overall sound with elongated chords, occasionally punctuated by sharp stops.
The song features an epic melody, creating a thrilling atmosphere. Subsequently, the track empties again into the verse, revealing something magical and expansive. This quality renders the song remarkably engaging. It encourages listeners to heed their inner instinct— that voice often stifled but carrying profound truths.
This is an intense epic track that highlights the impressive compositional abilities of this band. Sweet Mess consistently delivers music that signifies quality. The powerful blend of intense guitar riffs and evocative vocal delivery forges an emotional connection. Each note emphasizes the underlying themes of mystery and self-discovery, making for an immersive experience.
The Warning – Sound and Atmosphere
The contrast between the enigmatic introduction and the explosive guitar interludes contributes to the song’s dynamic feel. The listeners might find themselves swaying to the rhythm, entranced by the unfolding layers of sound. Listeners are urged to listen more closely to their emotions. This journey through sound is not only an auditory experience but also an exploration of deeper personal truths.
The repeated motifs throughout the song reinforce its central themes while providing a sense of continuity. Sweet Mess manages to craft a piece that is musically complex and relatable. Their dedication to high-quality artistry is evident upon each listen. The emphasis on lyrical depth draws the audience in, making them want to reflect and connect.
The Warning – Performance and Production
The vocal performance stands out as a crucial element. With its larger-than-life presence, the singer’s voice carries an ethereal quality. This characteristic adds to the ritualistic tone of the song, enhancing its immersive nature. The evocative lyrics convey messages that resonate on a personal level, encouraging introspection.
“The Warning” serves as a prime example of how music can inspire and provoke thought. It challenges the listener to explore their pathways to self-awareness. The song marks another successful venture for Sweet Mess, solidifying their reputation for artistic depth.
“The Warning” is a multifaceted experience. Sweet Mess not only engages the listener but also encourages them to reflect on their truth. Their continued exploration of sound and emotion paves the way for an exciting musical journey.
The EP kicks off with “Hope is a Hell of a Drug.” This track begins with an ethereal sound that resonates deeply. The production quality is exceptional, highlighting the artist’s command over every sonic nuance. The initial serene atmosphere is soon transformed into an energetic, heavy sound. It evokes a desire to dance, reminiscent of the energy from bands like Rage Against the Machine combined with Nine Inch Nails. The continuous shifts in tempo and mood keep listeners intrigued throughout this mesmerizing journey.
Following this strong introduction is “Black Sugar,” another intense piece. The architecture of the song incorporates unique harmonic visions. The intricate layers create a rich musical experience. Each section feels carefully constructed and filled with emotional depth.
Next is “La Sombra,” which delivers an incredible sonic assault. It has a diverse range of influences that blend darkness and light. Elements of heaviness strike a perfect balance with pastoral moments, creating an unpredictable listening experience. The transitions between the more serene and aggressive sections leave listeners in awe. This song does not allow for a moment of calm; it pushes boundaries in every direction.
Salt & Static – Sound and Atmosphere
“Monolanguage” begins with classical elements that are sharp and cutting. This opening sets a dramatic tone that is hard to ignore. The song builds powerfully, as expected, infused with hip-hop influences. The driving force behind this track is its full and potent sound. The rhythmic shifts appear seamless, guiding listeners through its ebbs and flows.
“Father Asphyxia” takes a different approach, starting as a futuristic ballad with a sci-fi feel. As with the previous compositions, predictability is absent. The song meanders through varied landscapes until it culminates in an extraordinary sonic explosion near the end. This descent into chaos is exhilarating and unexpected, remaining true to the artist’s signature style.
The penultimate track, “Quiet Quit,” serves as a powerful statement. It captures the essence of this musical project, showcasing a unique and visionary sound that is hard to find elsewhere. Each moment feels potent, creating an impactful experience for listeners. The genius of the project shines through in every note, reflecting the artist’s extensive creativity and skill.
Salt & Static – Performance and Production
This EP is an excellent representation of bold artistry. It challenges the norms and urges listeners to engage fully with its dynamic range. This is a musical experience that demands to be heard and understood.
“Salt & Static” has successfully blended various influences, creating a distinctive identity. The craftsmanship in song structure and production lifts the entire project to new heights. The interplay between heavy and serene moments showcases technical skills and emotional depth.
Pick Up Goliath’s EP is a powerful journey worth embarking upon. “Salt & Static” stands out as a remarkable achievement in contemporary music. This is an EP that should resonate with casual listeners and those deeply invested in innovative sound.
VIEW HEAVY AUSTRALIAN CONTENT DIGIMAG #279 HERE With Necrosonic Festival upon us this weekend the obvious choice for our featured cover insterview this week is Lynchmada, who are hitting the Mansfield Tavern on a mission! There’s also a retrospective on Segression, Vyrian and Pestilential Shadows, plus a comprehensive guide to the day and what’s happening. […]
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