Judgement Of Heaven (Iron Maiden) Acoustic - Blaze Bayley, Thomas Zwijsen & Anne Bakker 

This song in 1995 literally saved my life and tells the story of it. When I wrote to the Iron Maiden P.O. Box thanking them for this so inspiring song, they wrote me back sending me a band picture with actual autographs of all of them

The Blaze era ages like fine wine

One of the most under-rated Maiden songs ever.

The X Factor! My first Iron Maiden's album. I didn't start listen Iron Maiden with Bruce! 😂😂😂😂😂 Crazy, I Love Blaze's song!

For me, never was a matter of being better or worse than Bruce in Iron Maiden. It's just different. Love the Blaze era, last week I was listening X-Factor a lot, great and classic Maiden album!

For those who absolutely refuse to listen to "The X Factor" or "Virtual XI", I'd like to respectfully remind people there was an Iron Maiden for two albums before Bruce Dickinson. These are good albums, and they deserve a second listen, and, in some cases, a first.

So many nice comments already, awesome, thanks! There are more cool videos with Blaze coming next week, so definitely subscribe to this channel!

My favourite "Blaze era" Maiden song. So much feelings! Blaze sings with all his heart

Saw Blaze live some years ago in a small venue. No matter if he performs in front of 400 or 40 000 people, he always gives 105% for the fans.

The original version of this song came to me at a very tough time in my life. I was 14 years old and had recently moved to a new town and new school. I was a severe stutterer and had tremendous difficulty making new friends, or even finding people willing to listen to me. There were a couple years of near constant laughing, teasing, and being the target of pranks. Even today, although I've found success in life and have overcome my stutter to a degree, certain things will trigger memories of this difficult time in my life - like how smelling a wine cork may take you back to the first nice dinner with your wife or a strong fir scent will take you back to Christmas morning. Your brain has a way of not just triggering these memories, but manifesting anew the feelings so closely tied to these memories. It was the end of 1998/beginning of 1999 and I had just discovered Iron Maiden on a recommendation from my guitar instructor, buying their self-titled record and being blown away. I had been a punk and "mall metal" guy who, as much as it pains me to admit it, was turned off by Maiden's artwork and had written Iron Maiden off as "death metal." As someone who proudly wears his 10 or so Iron Maiden shirts and has turned many non-metal people onto the band, this is painful to admit! Anyway, I started picking up Maiden albums as often as I could. Since this was before Spotify and before I had disposable income, I looked forward to each weekend as a chance to go down to the music store and pick up another Maiden disc from their already-extensive catalog. That's the benefit of getting into a band 18 years late! It was a strange time for me. On the one hand, I hated myself and wanted to die. The only real friend I made in my new school had moved away and I was barely hanging onto the idea that maybe things would get better as I got older. On the other hand, I hadn't yet heard every Iron Maiden album! Their music was so dynamic and each album I bought blew me away in a different way than the one I had bought the week or two before. I was discovering I had an incredible passion for music, well beyond the passing enjoyment that most people I knew had for it. I've always been a collector (baseball cards, comics, etc.), so finding new bands and buying their albums was extraordinarily fulfilling for this boy. I got to not only amass a new type of collection, but the music was breathing new life into me and speaking to me in a way that so many people in the world outside were refusing to do, both literally and figuratively. Early into my Maiden acquisitions, I picked up X-Factor and Virtual XI from Columbia House, which was one of those "Get 12 CDs for the price of 1" deals in the USA. I've always been a guy who checks reviews and commentary (thank you internet!), so I was well aware of the backlash against these two albums with Blaze. Maybe due to discovering each of Iron Maiden's singers at basically the same time and having no bias, I took to Blaze's voice as easily as I took to Paul's and probably easier than I took to Bruce's! As much as I was loving Iron Maiden so far, they had yet to appeal to me on a more emotional, introspective level. I was drawn more to the raw power, musicianship, and catchiness of their songwriting. That is, until I dove into these two albums with Blaze - specifically Judgement of Heaven (and The Educated Fool!) You know in the movies when someone is watching TV and the person on the screen starts speaking directly to the character, who then looks around in disbelief that the guy on TV is speaking directly to him? That's how it was listening to these songs. It's like I was sitting in my room, holding the not-always metaphorical razor and begging for a sign of good faith that life would get better, when a calming voice came out of my speakers to echo the anguished cries in my head: "A lonely cry for help reaching out for help to anyone..." How could it be that the band with the scary monsters on their album covers that sing about war and old books was understanding exactly what I was going through? Is there any part of my soul these guys couldn't hit? How could I want my world to come to an end when there are still Iron Maiden albums I haven't heard, Iron Maiden albums yet to be written, and Blaze himself is telling me things will get better? Hearing the incredible Thomas Zwijsen for the first time this week and diving into his wonderful collaborations with Blaze has brought back such intense feelings and memories. It's like I'm a troubled kid again, realizing, with the help of music, that life is worth living. Only now these memories include so much more, like my dad, who took me to my first Iron Maiden concert (Ed Hunter) when I had no one to go with and with whom I shared so many Iron Maiden memories before he passed in 2014. This discovery couldn't have come at a better time, as I have been questioning my own self worth these last few weeks as I struggle to find employment and have been pushing away friends and family to wallow alone in a bout of self pity. This song is a lovely reminder that things get better and there is always something to look forward to, even if it's hard to see or a challenge to find. I realize I've just spend two hours typing up a youtube comment that will probably never be read by anyone, but hopefully/maybe it helps someone in a similar situation find solace and make sense of their own feelings.

The only problem Blaze had with Maiden is that he's not Bruce, so people didn't consider him so much. In addition to this, most of the band's songs include very high notes, Blaze hasn't Bruce's extention so during the concerts he was disadvantaged. He was probably not the best choice for the kind of music Maiden record, but he's truly underrated. I think he's great, such a unique voice, very simple to recognize. Rock on Blaze Bayley!

I love X Factor album.

X-Factor is one of my favorite Maiden's albums

You know, now that I think about it, I was shown to The X Factor when I was 14/15 years old, and was a very though time of my life. Dad was really violent, almost killed my mother, my mother neve knew how to take control of the situation and since kid I needed to learn to take care of my problems. Maybe this broken state of mind and spirit made me identify myself with this whole album. I even didn't understand english back then, but music is trully the lenguage of soul. Thank you Blaze!

Bayley doesn't only sing with his tongue but also with his heart.

I lost count how many times I came here to watch this masterpiece

It shouldn't matter who's "the best" Iron Maiden singer, they're all the best, if we're all fans we shouldn't fight, we as Iron Maiden fans are a family, I guess you could say... We're Blood Brothers

Blaze is THE MAN!!!! Long live, Blaze Bayley!

Sorry that this post is so late, but Blaze sounds awesome. I always liked your singing from the Maiden days, but your voice is even better today than the 1990's, and everyone knows singing in a metal band is tough on the voice.

I´m IMPRESSED, I love this singer, the dark era of Maiden, and his solo albums...the Baze era is extremly underrated, a surprising fact to me as there were so many brilliant songs written and performed in this particular time, and the interesting thing is that we still hear echoes of the Blaze era music in their later music....he made an enormous impact to their music, no doubt what so ever, and I´m ever so grateful to Blaze for doing so.....

What an amazing version. I cried like a child. God bless you guys...

Such a phenomenal version.

I am ashamed i was ever anti Blaze. He is a wonderful man and performer!! Man is so good!

wow amazing such an incredible singer .

Que hermosa versión, me conmueve hasta las lágrimas.

This song always makes me cry! Marvelous!!!

I've been going through some emotional drama this last month, and been listening to X-Factor the entire album, multiple times and checking out Blaze's solo work.. Two close friends passed on one fell and died from heat exhaustion, and the other murdered. This song has so much meaning.

Blaze mostrando o vocalista FANTÁSTICO que é 👏🏻👏🏻♥️♥️♥️

Too bad that Blaze era songs have never really received the credit they deserve because of the circumstances under which they were released..some of them are easily among top 15 Maiden songs ever IMO

The hard truth: the Blaze era was Iron Maiden's most original and avant-garde moment. This will NEVER repeat!

Love this version

Blaze is incredible in this song.

his voice alone is a whole band!

I seen Blaze recently in Belfast - his voice is flawless, great performer. This was one of the Maiden songs I hadn't really listened to before but the words and arrangement in this version make me kinda emotional.

By the by, what a solemn place of the performance!

Blaze is one of the most humble and talented human beings i've had the oportunity to meet in person. Unfortunately it wasn't my hometown, so i was without my CDs and ended up without an autograph. But it was one of the most amazing concerts of my life. Sung these chorus out loud with these three ins Santos, Brazil

Cuánta magia y química hay entre Blaze y Thomas, es de esperar que a día de hoy sigan colaborando y compartiendo sus resultados. Ambos son geniales

Im a New Maiden Fan and it truly hurt me to know how underated Blaze is because it was the X factor that got me into Iron Maiden. To me it is their best work. Blaze just sounds incredible on it and it really hits the soul more so than other albums to me. It really has that x factor. It got me into all of Blazes solo work as well. He's absolutely incredible to me. Keep on singing Blaze. We truly appreciate you. You're my favorite rock singer ever

for me too this song have a big importance in my life, he is very powerful in emotion, thanks you blaze, really

In 1996, I purchased the CD THE X FACTOR, at a time of all sorts of difficulties. Impressive as this song and especially its message through a revealing letter of our deep inner conflicts resounds in my soul with deep emotion. The letter portrays the necessary overcoming of all the pains of life through self-reflection and the search for redemption of our failures and mistakes. Beautiful the message...

In my sad childhood...."I felt LIKE a suicide a dozen of times os more" TOO...this Song made me Strong!!!....and i discovered the power of God in my Life!!!

Always loved the X-Factor album, great songs and Blaze gave his best. Guy got a great opportunity to sing for one of the biggest bands in heavy metal and of course grabbed it. He was never the right man for this job but its not Blaze's fault. He even did a good job on VIrtual XI. One of the biggest problems was the refusal of the band (leader?) to tune down 1 step or more. Because of that he had to push his voice to the limit and no matter how good someone is he might get away with that for a gig but no way for a tour. Still Blaze managed to reinvent himself and here he is 25+ years later creating good music. Horns up!!!!!!!

Great singer. Great voice. Great music. Great lyrics

One of the best Maiden songs! Spiritual, dark, epic and lyrical! Criminally underrated!!!!!!!

2:47 - 3:46 ... sometimes music takes you on a trip nothing else can take you ..

J’ai acheté The X Factor en K7 à sa sortie, j’étais très déçu du départ de Dickinson et j’avais une appréhension avant d’écouter l’album avec un nouveau chanteur pour Maiden. Mais j’ai vite accroché à cet album. Cette version de Judgement of heaven est juste sublime ! Quel coffre Blaze Bayley. Respect total !

Thomas As always excellent, blaze the same I really like your albums as blaze and with maiden, together they are an excellent combination, congratulations and much success for you

Blaze sempre mostrando que é um vocalista foda. Gosto mto dos dois álbuns com o maiden. Os fãs sabem agradecer o Blaze. Fodam se os fanáticos.

PERFECT!!!!!! ONE OF MY FAVORITE IRON MAIDEN SONGS. XFACTOR IS STILL ONE OF MY FAVORITES. HERO!!!!!!!

❤ I’m listening blaze magical voice every day before start working at office ,voice is from heaven

Blaze was and is an amazing singer love his voice!

I can still remember the very first time that I listen to Iron Maiden, it was The X-factor... I was 12, I felt Blaze´s voice touching my heart. Thanks Blaze.

Love this song!

The X Factor is such an underated classic! It's my favourite album next to their 80's releases and they haven't topped it yet! There are so many beautifull songs on there and the singing is excellent!

This is so different, the interpretation in the church brings a new dimension to the song.

Something really good happens when Blaze sings

I prefer this version over the original, good job! Now I'm a big fan of both of you.

Man, I can't believe in what my eyes see. Blaze and Thomas ! Good job guys!

Powerful voice and great guitar playing

Favorite maiden song ever

Wonderful music, wonderful scenery. I love Iron Maiden and gothic architecture.

One of my favourite Blaze's song. Beautiful version!!

The best song of blaze in Iron!!!

Love the catholic aesthetics of The X Factor. By far my favorite Maiden record, it feels really sincere.

I am surprised with this version but I believe IT´S GREAT.

Blaze Bailey albums had some of my favourite Maiden songs, definitely deserve more recognition

one of the best Acoustics versions of Thomas and vocals by *BLAZE* makes it even more special...!!! #RESPECT

Maiden owe great to Blaze, he kept the fire burning. Great singer and great track also!

Great song, great singer.

I think blaze voice sounds better than ever , i really like the blaze era and those 2 iron albums too

X-Factor is my favourite Iron Maiden album. The songs are just epic.

Performance sensacional do Blaze! Esse cara é um gigante. Peitou no Maiden o que muitos músicos não peitariam, totalmente fora da sua zona de conforto. X Factor é com certeza uma das minhas obras preferidas da maior banda de heavy metal do mundo! Up the Irons, caralho!!!

All of my life now I have believed Judgement of Heaven awaits for me great lyrics Blaze great singer great guitar work Thomas

Los trabajos de Maiden con Blaze marcaron una época especial de mi vida, tengo muy buenos recuerdos, eran trabajos oscuros, nostálgicos, algo depresivos, me encantan, la voz de Blaze increíble

It's not just a music, it's a masterpiece

Great stuff!

Hail blaze. Thanks for all...

Wonderful place , for a wonderful version ! Thomas and Blaze are fantastic , as alwaws , Blaze's voice is very incredible , and the violon bring a wonderful sadness . Congratulations for you 3 ! Up the nylon

con el me inicie con el mundo del metal, nunca lo aceptaron, pero con el tiempo se dieron cuenta, que es un gran cantante del metal.- up the blaze, up the irons!!!!

The Clansman, Lord of the Flies, Blood on the World's Hands, Futureal, Sign of the Cross, Fortunes of War, some of the best Iron Maiden songs imo, and Blaze was a big part of them.

I'll always talk about how X-Factor, was the most melancholic Iron Maiden has ever sounded. Its mostly (cause we have Man On The Edge which is more upbeat) warm and apologetic tone has a very special place in my heart, even though it's not even my favorite 90's Iron Maiden record (that's Fear Of The Dark). I really like Blaze's voice and attitude in general, saw him live 5 years ago, and he was such a nice guy, signing everything you wanted, willing to take pictures etc. Props to you, mr. Bayley, and Thomas as well for this great piece of work.

I actually really like Blaze's vocals on this song. They fit it so well, and this accoustic version, just wow. Blaze's of voice hasn't changed a bit since the early 90's, still sounds so healthy and vital

Blaze puts your heart in your song, amazing performance. Blaze is a real rock star.

awesome version! love the original, love this perhaps more! great job guys Greetings from Finland!

this Maiden song has always meant so much to me. Makes me feel uplifted! Excellent version! Truly great

From the music, to the place when you record video, this is so fantastic. 😃

Like many fans, I felt a special connection to this song as soon as I heard it on the original album. But the delicate quality of the melodies, combined with Blaze's special timbre, come through here that much more. Thank you so much for this fantastic version, it is inspirational, and I rarely say that about any songs, ever.

ALL OF MY LIFE NOW I HAVE BELIEVED JUDGEMENT OF HEAVEN AWAITS FOR ME!!!

Blaze is Awesome!!

First time I comment anything in youtube, this is really something unbelievable, my favorite album X Factor and Blaze, thank you Thomas! Up the irons!

Baritones always being underrated in heavy metal and popular music, tenors set the standards. It was impossible for Blaze to succeed as a Maiden Vocalist without lowering the keys to what HIS BODY was anatomically able to do. Me as a Baritone myself take great pleasure in seeing this beautiful recording.

Wow, Blaze sounds great, the guitar and violin sound great. The Basillica is a stunning visual backdrop. Amazing!!

Este señor merece mucho respeto y tiene mi respeto y admiración por su humildad ,los 2 discos con el el las voces son únicos .

this is why the x factor is a very under rated album . top marks to the both of yous .

In my list of the top five Maiden albums, X factor gets there.. as the 5th, but still there. And, this is one.of my favourites in the album

The X Factor is one of the best Maiden recordings in my opinion.

Рад видеть Блэйза! Альбомы с его участием нравятся!!!

Goosebumps, tears, smile. I love the albums made with Blaze!

Blaze is real hero of rock who never surrender!

Mandando muito ainda o velho Blaze. Parabéns, ficou maravilhoso!