Iron Maiden : No Prayer For The Dying A-1U / B-1U 1st Press

This first pressing has to be the finest example that I have ever had the pleasure in listening to.  There is no interference on either side and the clarity and depth of the audio is stunning to say the least.  It has hardly ever been played - there is no spindle wear and also a little vinyl 'flecking' around the spindle hole which you rarely see on a 30+ year old record!  In all honesty this is good as a high quality vinyl pressed only yesterday!

The cover is also in great condition with barely any shelf wear and the lyric inner is perfect.

EMD 1017 // A - 1U / B - 1U

The audio on S1 is Mint(-)

The audio on S2 is Mint(-)

The cover is Near Mint-

The labels are Mint

The lyric inner is Mint

Visual grading

The vinyl is in beautiful condition and still has an immaculate jet-black glossy sheen.  There are no marks or scratches and has only a couple of faint hairlines on S1 that are a little more obvious although they are still very 'thin' and have no affect on the perfect audio.  As stated the S1 spindle hole has some vinyl 'flecking' and there is no spindle wear on either side.  The run out grooves are also very clean.

Play grading

The intro on 'Tailgunner' could not play any better and 'as new' is a correct description.  It continues in the same way with no interference at all, not even a dust tick.  The clarity is phenomenal and from start to finish this is Mint in every way.

'Holy Smoke' is of the same standard and the definition of the audio cannot be faulted.  Every note can be heard so clearly with 100% perfect clarity and already it is patently obviously this is one beautifully preserved vinyl!  Remember there is no spindle wear and judging by the audio quality has hardly been played.  Another Mint track.

The title track 'No Prayer For The Dying' is stunning from the first groove and this 'high end' quality does not diminish the further you progress.  The 'quieter' sections are 'as new' and the 'heavier' section plays to the same standard also.  Even the long fade out of the final note has no 'background'.  Mint

'Public Enema Number One' is awesome from the get go!  From start to finish there is no interference and Mint is more than deserved.  The power and depth of the audio could not be any more impressive.

The quieter intro on 'Fates Warning' plays perfectly and as the volume increases this quality is more than maintained.  There is no inner groove distortion and the clarity and power of the audio cannot be faulted.  It's rare on a 30+ year old vinyl that every track on the same side play with such immaculate precision but that is what we certainly have here!  The playback is STUNNING in every way and this is Mint without a doubt.

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'The Assassin' on S2 continues this fine form and from the first groove to the last the clarity is outstanding.  There is one very faint tick during the first chorus but blink and you miss it!  It is so quiet and totally non-intrusive.  From on it plays with with superb precision and Mint- is a fair assessment of the audio.

The quiet intro on 'Run Silent, Run Deep' is nigh on perfect with only a small number of mega light dust ticks - you find this on new vinyl let alone one of this age!  Thereafter it plays as well as you would want it to!  With sublime definition and power...and no interference and that applies to the final 'quiet' verse also.  I cannot overstate how stunning the audio is here and Mint is again very much deserved.

Whilst trying not to repeat myself 'Hooks In You' is of the same standard with imperious power and clarity all the way through.  No ticks, clicks or pops, no underlying static, this is Mint every day of the week!

'Bring Your Daughter...To The Slaughter' also plays with immense power and depth with...no interference.  No need to prevaricate - a perfect Mint version.

The progressive 'Mother Russia' closes the album with supreme audio from the intro to the final second.  ln fact this has to be finest intro I have ever heard and it continues to play with breathtaking quality.  Again what stands out is the sheer depth of the audio which is all the more impressive when you consider it is the final track.  There is no distortion and the end section is just incredible - so dynamic and the quiet ending is nigh on perfect aside from a little static at the end of the fade out!  A Mint- finish for sure.

In summary this first pressing is a superb example of a vinyl that has been so well preserved down the years.  There is no interference on either side unless you count 3/4 seconds of minor static at the end of S2 on the fade out!  The sonic quality is phenomenal and I have no hesitation in saying this is the best version of this classic album that I have ever heard.  No one click or pop and no underlying static, this can honestly be described 'as new'.  What an album!

The Cover

The cover is in superb condition with barely any wear.  The edges are near perfect with only a little rubbing on the bottom edge next to the right corner.  The spine is super clean with no wear and remains 100% legible and there is very little corner wear all round.  The opening edge has no handling wear also.  The front cover is in perfect shape with no marking and the back cover is almost as impressive with only very minor fading/scratching that you can only see when held at a certain angle.  A stunning example of this iconic cover.

The Lyric Inner

The glossy lyric inner is pristine with no side splits, marking or creasing - never seen better!

The Labels

They are perfect with no marking or writing and no spindle wear and as stated there is a little vinyl 'flecking' on the S1 label.

Play tested on my Pro-Ject Essential III Turntable / B&W 684 Speakers

This record has been cleaned on a Pro-Ject VC-S machine

EMD 1006 // A - 1U / B - 1U

I grade according to "Record Collector" guidelines.

Any questions please feel free to ask

Please pay within 4 days of auction end

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Postage & Packaging

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