Steve Harris , bassist and founder of Iron Maiden , recalled the albums that featured Blaze Bayley on vocals. The X Factor (1995) and Virtual XII (1998) were part of the most turbulent period in the group's history and were not well received by fans.
In an interview with Metal Hammer , Harris defended both albums, stating that they are "strong and powerful." The musician also affirmed that, over time, fans have come to recognize their quality.
“I said this at the time [of the release] and I still believe it: these are two really strong and powerful albums. People will appreciate them later. Fans are giving them another chance, and discovering and realizing that they are good,” he said [transcription via Metal Injection ].
Steve Harris also answered which of the two albums recorded with Blaze Bayley is his favorite. The Englishman chose The X Factor , whose dark lyrical themes are directly related to the artist's personal life. At the time, Harris was divorcing his first wife, psychotherapist Lorraine Jury .
“ The X Factor in particular is very good, but it’s a dark album. Probably because I was in a somewhat dark place with Bruce [Dickinson] and going through a divorce. But the result was powerful. You take negative things and transform them into positive ones, these emotions come to the surface and that’s what you can do with them. That’s why music is such a powerful thing,” he concluded.
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