Accident of Birth

Released in 1997, Accident of Birth is widely regarded as the turning point in Bruce Dickinson's solo career and a precursor to the 1999 reunion of Iron Maiden. After the experimental and alternative-leaning Skunkworks, Dickinson reunited with producer/guitarist Roy Z to craft a record that leaned heavily back into traditional metal. The inclusion of Adrian Smith on guitar provided a crucial link to the Maiden sound, reintroducing the sophisticated dual-guitar harmonies that had been absent from Dickinson's solo work. Lyrically, the album is deeply influenced by Dickinson's interest in the occult and philosophy, specifically referencing Aleister Crowley in 'Man of Sorrows.' The artwork by Derek Riggs further signaled a return to the aesthetic world of classic metal. Critically, the album was hailed as a return to form, with many noting that it sounded more like a classic Maiden record than the actual Maiden albums being released at the time.