IRON MAIDEN - Piece Of Mind 12" Vinyl LP Album

- European Release with Blue Rim-Text on the Record Label with Gatefold Cover

Iron Maiden Piece of Mind album cover: Eddie chained in a padded cell, snarling with glowing eyes, surrounded by yellow-lit cushions. Classic red Iron Maiden logo at top, 'Piece of Mind' in elegant gold script

This European release of "Piece Of Mind" can be uniquely identified by the outer-rim text of the record label printed in blue. Additionally it has the "Made in EEC" printed near 9'o clock. "Piece of Mind" is the fourth studio album by British heavy metal band Iron Maiden. It was originally released in 1983 on EMI, and on Capitol in the US; It was the first album to feature drummer Nicko McBrain, who had recently left the Paris-based band Trust and has been Iron Maiden's drummer ever since.

Essential Album Information For: IRON MAIDEN - Piece Of Mind Netherlands Blue Rim-Text Gatefold Cover

Album Description:

Iron Maiden's "Piece of Mind" is the fourth studio album released by the British heavy metal band in 1983. The album was released on vinyl, and this page will describe the LP version of "Piece of Mind" that was released in Europe with a blue rim text gatefold cover.

The LP version of "Piece of Mind" was released with a gatefold cover that featured an intricate painting of the band's mascot, Eddie, as a lobotomized mental patient. The painting was created by artist Derek Riggs, who had previously worked with the band on their album covers. The gatefold cover was designed to open like a book, with the vinyl record inside. T

The vinyl record itself is black, and it is housed in a protective inner sleeve. The LP also includes a printed lyric sheet, which features the lyrics to all of the songs on the album.

"Piece of Mind" contains nine original tracks that showcase Iron Maiden's trademark heavy metal sound. The album opens with the track "Where Eagles Dare," which features a fast-paced guitar riff and Bruce Dickinson's soaring vocals. Other standout tracks on the album include "Flight of Icarus," "Die With Your Boots On," and "The Trooper," which features one of the most recognizable guitar riffs in heavy metal history.

The album's lyrics are primarily focused on themes of war, violence, and the struggle for power. Iron Maiden's music has always had a strong narrative quality, and "Piece of Mind" is no exception. Each song tells a story, often based on historical events or fictional tales.

The vinyl format enhances the dynamic range of the music, allowing the listener to hear every instrument and vocal line with clarity.

Music Genre:

British Heavy Metal / NWOBHM

Label & Catalognr:

EMI 1A 064-07724

Media Format:

Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 280 gram  

Year & Country:

1983 Printed in Holland for European Distribution

Product Information and Collector Notes

 

Album Back Cover

On the bottom left of the album back cover there is:

Marketed, manufactured and distributed by EMI.
Printed in Holland by EMI Services Benelux B.V., Uden.

Record Label

Record label information:

  • "Made in EEC" on outer rim of labels, both sides of the label
  • Centerlabel Side One: 1A 064-07724 (064-07724-A)
  • Centerlabel Side Two: 1A 064-07724 (064-07724-B)
  • Labels read: Side One, Side Two.
  • Below center hole
  • ? 1983 Original sound recordings made by EMI Records Ltd.
  • © 1983 Iron Maiden (Holdings) Ltd.
  • All lyrics © 1983.
  • Rights Society: BIEM/STEMRA
  • BLUE outer ring on label.

IRON MAIDEN - Piece Of Mind Europe Blue Rim-Text Gatefold Cover Production & Recording Information

Album Packaging

This 12" LP vinyl music record comes comes in a Fold Open Cover (FOC), which is also also known as a Gatefold cover. The inner pages of this album cover has photos on the left side and lyrics of all the songs on the right side.

Producers:

Martin "Black Night" Birch - Producer

Martin Birch's: The man behind the soundboard, shaping iconic rock and metal anthems. His journey from sound engineer to legendary producer is a testament to passion and innovation. Read on his career

Sound & Recording Engineers:

Bruce Buchhalter - Sound Engineer

Denis Haliburton - Sound Engineer

Frank Gibson - Sound Engineer

Recording Location:

This album "Piece Of Mind" was recorded at: Compass Point Studios

Compass Point Studios, founded in 1977 by Chris Blackwell, the visionary owner of Island Records, stands as a pivotal and iconic institution in the realm of music production, particularly during the vibrant decades of the 1970s and 1980s. Nestled in the picturesque Bahamas, just outside Nassau, this studio emerged as a tropical oasis that not only offered a breathtaking setting but also fostered a distinctive creative atmosphere that left an indelible mark on the global music scene.

The 1970s and 1980s witnessed a plethora of influential albums recorded at Compass Point Studios, spanning various genres such as rock, reggae, funk, and pop. Artists like Bob Marley, Grace Jones, Iron Maiden Talking Heads, and The Rolling Stones all left their mark on the studio, contributing to its legacy as a hub of musical innovation.

Album Cover Design & Artwork:

Derek Riggs - Album Cover Artwork

Derek Riggs is a British artist best known for creating the iconic mascot Eddie for the heavy metal band Iron Maiden. His distinctive style, blending sci-fi, horror, and fantasy, has defined the band's visual identity since their debut album in 1980. Riggs’ artwork has appeared on numerous album covers, singles, and merchandise. Learn more about his work on this page .

Iron Maiden - Album Cover Design

Rod Smallwood - Album Cover Design

Photography:

Simon "Bullseye" Fowler - Photographer

Simon Fowler is a British photographer mainly known for photographing "Iron Maiden". For the album "Piece of Mind" he was called: Simon "Bullseye" Fowler.

 

Musicians:
  • Bruce Dickinson - Lead Vocals
    Bruce Dickinson, born August 1958, is the powerhouse vocalist who propelled Iron Maiden to legendary status. Joining in 1981, his operatic range and electrifying stage presence defined albums like The Number of the Beast and Powerslave. A solo artist, pilot, and author, his legacy spans far beyond metal. Explore his journey here.
  • Dave Murray - Guitars
    Dave Murray, born 1956, is the melodic mastermind behind Iron Maiden‘s signature twin-guitar attack. A founding member, his fluid, expressive solos and harmonized leads have defined the band’s sound since 1975. With impeccable technique and a bluesy yet electrifying style, he’s a pillar of heavy metal guitar. Learn more about his journey here.
  • Adrian Smith - Guitars
    Adrian Smith, born 1957, is the riff architect behind Iron Maiden’s most electrifying anthems. Since joining in 1981, his intricate solos and melodic sensibility have shaped classics like Two Minutes to Midnight and The Trooper. A master of tone and technique, his legacy in metal is unmatched. Explore his story here.
  • Steve Harris - Bass Guitar
    Steve Harris, born 1956, is the mastermind behind Iron Maiden’s galloping bass lines and epic compositions. Founding the band in 1975, his songwriting shaped metal anthems like The Trooper and Hallowed Be Thy Name. A pioneer of NWOBHM, his legacy as a bassist and visionary is untouchable. Discover his journey here.
  • Nicko McBrain - Drums
    Nicko McBrain, born 1952, is the powerhouse drummer who has fueled Iron Maiden’s thunderous sound since 1982. With lightning precision and unrelenting groove, he’s driven classics like Powerslave and The Number of the Beast. From Trust to Pat Travers Band, his journey shaped a legendary career. Dive deeper into his story here.
Tracklisting Side One:
  1. Where Eagles Dare
  2. Revelations
  3. Flight of Icarus
  4. Die With Your Boots On
Tracklisting Side Two:
  1. The Trooper
  2. Still Life
  3. Quest for Fire
  4. Sun and Steel
  5. To Tame a Land

IRON MAIDEN - Piece Of Mind Europe Blue Rim-Text Gatefold Cover High Resolution & Quality Photos

Front Cover Photo Of IRON MAIDEN - Piece Of Mind Europe Blue Rim-Text Gatefold Cover
Iron Maiden Piece of Mind album cover: Eddie chained in a padded cell, snarling with glowing eyes, surrounded by yellow-lit cushions. Classic red Iron Maiden logo at top, 'Piece of Mind' in elegant gold script.

Album Cover Description – Iron Maiden: Piece of Mind

The image shows the iconic artwork for Iron Maiden’s 1983 album Piece of Mind. Dominating the scene is Eddie, the band’s undead mascot, who is depicted here as a mental asylum inmate. He is shirtless and emaciated, his skin yellowed and gaunt, with exposed veins and sinewy limbs. His head is shaved, except for a few tufts, and his face is twisted in a maniacal, snarling expression, mouth wide open to reveal sharp teeth. His glowing white eyes bulge with madness. A lobotomy scar is visible on his forehead, stitched up crudely.

Eddie is chained to the walls of a padded cell, with thick steel chains around his neck and wrists. The background consists of large, yellow and brown padded cushions, tufted like upholstery, creating a claustrophobic and menacing atmosphere. The lighting is stark and eerie, casting deep shadows across the padding and Eddie's body.

At the top of the image, the band’s name IRON MAIDEN is emblazoned in bold, angular red letters with a white outline, instantly recognizable in the band's signature font. Just below it, in elegant gold script, are the words Piece of Mind, contrasting sharply in tone with the chaotic image below.

Photo Of The Back Cover IRON MAIDEN - Piece Of Mind Europe Blue Rim-Text Gatefold Cover

Back cover of Iron Maiden's Piece Of Mind LP showing band credits, tracklist, padded cell artwork, and window revealing cloudy sky

This is the back cover of Iron Maiden's 1983 LP "Piece Of Mind", European blue rim-text gatefold edition. On the left side of the artwork, the band logo appears in blue, followed by the lineup in a serif font: Bruce Dickinson on vocals, Dave Murray and Adrian Smith on guitars, Steve Harris on bass, and Nicko McBrain on drums. Below that, the tracklisting is split into Side One and Side Two, featuring iconic songs like "The Trooper" and "Flight of Icarus".

At the bottom, production credits state the album was produced and engineered by Martin "Black Night" Birch. Copyright information is printed in white text, including references to EMI Records and Iron Maiden Holdings Ltd. A biblical quote from Revelation is also featured, ending with "for the former things are passed away."

The right half of the image depicts the band’s signature padded room in grey-blue tones. A heavy padded door is open, revealing a surreal cloudy sky with eerie facial shapes subtly visible in the clouds. The yellow light from outside the cell frames the open door, creating a dramatic contrast with the moody interior. Above the clouds, the catalog number and EMI logo are printed in blue, consistent with the “blue rim-text” identifier of this rare edition.

Photo of the inside cover IRON MAIDEN - Piece Of Mind Europe Blue Rim-Text Gatefold Cover
Inside gatefold cover of Iron Maiden's Piece Of Mind showing band members at a medieval banquet table with a brain dish and dim lighting

This is the inside gatefold cover of Iron Maiden’s 1983 LP "Piece Of Mind", exclusive European blue rim-text edition. The photograph captures the band seated around an ornate, dimly lit banquet table inside a medieval-style dining hall. The atmosphere is moody and theatrical, with warm, shadowy lighting emphasizing a gothic ambiance.

From left to right, the members of Iron Maiden—Bruce Dickinson, Dave Murray, Adrian Smith, Steve Harris, and Nicko McBrain—sit in serious poses, dressed in casual yet era-defying clothing, holding glasses and utensils as though participating in a morbid feast. Behind them, two suits of armor stand guard under a vaulted window with an arched frame. A large candelabra with lit red candles casts a faint glow on their faces.

In the foreground on the right side of the table sits a silver dish containing a human brain placed atop a colorful bed of vegetables, with a metal cloche lid tilted aside. This surreal centerpiece, consistent with Iron Maiden's macabre visual themes, underscores the album’s dark conceptual tone. On the right edge, partially visible, are printed lyrics and track credits, completing the immersive presentation of the gatefold design.

Photo of the inside cover IRON MAIDEN - Piece Of Mind Europe Blue Rim-Text Gatefold Cover
Lyrics and credits page inside Iron Maiden's Piece Of Mind LP gatefold showing all song lyrics in gold on black background and inset band photo

This image shows the right inside panel of the gatefold cover for Iron Maiden’s 1983 album "Piece Of Mind" (European blue rim-text edition). The background is black with metallic gold text in a serif font, featuring the full lyrics of all nine tracks across three columns. Songs such as "The Trooper", "Revelations", and "To Tame a Land" are clearly listed with songwriting credits in parentheses.

To the top right is a small rectangular inset photo showing producer Martin "Black Night" Birch alongside another man in full medieval armor. Beneath the photo, production credits are listed, reaffirming Birch as the producer and sound engineer. Adjacent paragraphs provide an extensive band biography and acknowledgments, also printed in gold type.

At the bottom, contact addresses for various countries including the USA, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, and the UK are given for the Iron Maiden fan club or merchandise inquiries. The layout is clean yet dense, optimized for readability while maximizing the use of space on this collector-focused edition.

Close up of the IRON MAIDEN - Piece Of Mind Europe Blue Rim-Text Gatefold Cover record's label
Iron Maiden Piece Of Mind Side One label with Made in EEC, EMI logo, and blue rim-text identifiers on food-brain themed background

This image shows the close-up of the Side One label on Iron Maiden’s 1983 LP "Piece Of Mind" from the European gatefold edition with blue rim text. The background artwork features a surreal photographic arrangement of a cooked brain placed on a platter surrounded by colorful vegetables like carrots, green beans, cauliflower, and red peppers.

The album title "Piece of Mind" is printed in a stylized yellow serif font across the top center, directly above the spindle hole. Just below that, the tracklist is displayed in white serif text, listing the first four songs: "Where Eagles Dare", "Revelations", "Flight of Icarus", and "Die With Your Boots On"—along with their durations and songwriter credits.

Around the outer edge of the label, the rim text is printed in blue, an essential identifier of this specific pressing. On the left, it reads "MADE IN EEC", and at the bottom center is the bold EMI logo in white against a black background. The catalog number 1A 064-07724 is located to the right, along with BIEM/STEMRA rights society info and LC 0542 label code. Copyright lines beneath the tracklist state: ©1983 Iron Maiden (Holdings) Ltd and ℗1983 EMI Records Ltd. The label also clearly marks “Side One” in a white frame for clarity.

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