Former Iron Maiden vocalist Paul Di’Anno has breathed new life into the iconic track “Wrathchild” with a newly released version. This fresh rendition sees Di’Anno collaborating with singer ZP Theart (Dragonforce, Skid Row), drummer Russell Gilbrook (Uriah Heep), and guitarist Cliff Evans (Tank). Di’Anno expresses his enthusiasm for this updated take: “I’m loving this version of ‘Wrathchild’ and working on the vocals with ZP Theart really brought a lot of new energy into the song.” He adds that the track continues to be a staple at his live performances, where the fans’ passion for it remains strong.
This re-recording of “Wrathchild” is a standout from Di’Anno‘s forthcoming album “The Book Of The Beast,” which is set to release on September 27 through Conquest Music. The album will be available in various vinyl editions, including blood-red, virgin white, and cold-steel, alongside a two-disc CD/DVD featuring five previously unreleased tracks. In addition to these new songs, the collection will showcase deep cuts from Di’Anno’s long career, which includes stints with bands like Battlezone, Killers, and his solo projects.
One of the unique aspects of the album is its reworking of Iron Maiden classics “Remember Tomorrow” and “Wrathchild”, featuring guest appearances from notable artists like Tony Martin (Black Sabbath), ZP Theart, and Lydia Balaban (Crowley). Di’Anno has hinted at the possibility of future collaborations with these artists, stating, “I’d be very interested in working on something special with Tony and ZP in the future.”
Reflecting on his career, Di’Anno shared his frustration with the promotion of his past work: “I’ve never felt that my albums were ever given the promotion they deserved, and record labels just didn’t take me seriously.” Now, with the support of Conquest Music, he hopes this release will give long-overdue recognition to his music.
With a resume that includes bands like Battlezone, Praying Mantis, and metal supergroup Gogmagog, Paul Di’Anno remains a prominent figure in the heavy metal scene, known for his raw, punk-infused vocal style. His early work with Iron Maiden on their first two albums continues to influence generations of musicians, with members of bands like Metallica, Pantera, and Sepultura acknowledging the impact of those records.
