Released: 19/05/17
Virtual XI is Iron Maiden’s eleventh studio album, released in 1998 and the second to feature vocalist Blaze Bayley. The album blends the band's signature galloping riffs and melodic solos with a more subdued, introspective tone. Highlights include “The Clansman” and “Futureal,” showcasing epic themes and a progressive edge. While divisive among fans, Virtual XI captures a transitional era for the band, marked by experimentation and a continued commitment to storytelling in metal.