"The X Factor" is the 10th studio album by the renowned English heavy metal band, Iron Maiden. This album was released on October 2, 1995, through EMI and marked some significant changes for the band. Notably, this album is the first to feature Blaze Bayley as the vocalist, who replaced long-time member Bruce Dickinson.
"The X Factor" represents a change in the band's sound and is often considered as one of their darkest records. The album is heavily influenced by Steve Harris's divorce, contributing to the melancholy and gloominess that is pervasive in the songs. The 11-track album features songs such as 'Man on the Edge' and 'Lord of the Flies', which are often fan favorites. The album received generally positive reviews, although it is considered by some fans and critics to be a departure from Iron Maiden's characteristic style.
The album's artwork was also noteworthy, introducing an updated and more grotesque version of Eddie, the band's mascot. The album cover, which was created by Hugh Syme, represents Eddie undergoing a lobotomy. This new interpretation differed greatly from the past stylized, cartoon-ish versions of Eddie.
On its release, "The X Factor" reached number 8 in the UK Albums Chart and remained in the charts for 4 weeks. However, it charted lower in the United States compared to previous records but still managed to achieve a Gold certification. The band embarked on the X Factour to promote the album, and the live album "Best of the B'Sides" features performances from this tour.
