Adrian Smith’s Forgotten 2010s Side Project: Primal Rock Rebellion…

Adrian Smith’s Forgotten 2010s Side Project: Primal Rock Rebellion…

 

Adrian Smith, the iconic guitarist of Iron Maiden, is no stranger to stepping outside the bounds of the band’s legendary heavy metal formula. While fans remember his classic solos and songwriting contributions to Maiden, many forget one of his more curious ventures from the 2010s: Primal Rock Rebellion.

 

Formed in 2011, Primal Rock Rebellion was a collaboration between Smith and Mikee Goodman, the eccentric and energetic frontman of progressive metalcore band SikTh. The pairing raised eyebrows in the metal world—Smith, the polished master of melodic metal, and Goodman, known for his chaotic vocal style and avant-garde lyrics, seemed an unlikely duo. But it was exactly that contrast that made Primal Rock Rebellion such a fascinating project.

 

The band released its only album, Awoken Broken, in February 2012 via Spinefarm Records. It was a dense, aggressive, and experimental record that combined modern metal riffage with Smith’s trademark harmonies and a unique vocal performance that veered from spoken word to guttural growls and soaring melodies. Tracks like “No Place Like Home” and “I See Lights” showcased the hybrid sound: heavy, yet melodic; technical, yet raw.

 

Smith not only played guitar but also handled bass duties on the album, and his influence grounded the more chaotic tendencies of Goodman’s writing. There were moments where Smith’s Iron Maiden DNA shone through—layered guitar lines, galloping rhythms—but this was far from a Maiden side project. It leaned more into alternative and progressive metal territory, drawing comparisons to bands like Tool, Deftones, and even Nine Inch Nails in its atmospheric elements.

 

Despite critical praise for its boldness and originality, Primal Rock Rebellion struggled to find a wide audience. The lack of touring, limited promotion, and the overwhelming shadow of Iron Maiden meant the project quickly faded from view. Fans of Maiden were often divided—some intrigued by Smith’s willingness to explore new sonic territory, others turned off by Goodman’s unconventional style.

 

Smith himself remained relatively quiet about the project in the years that followed. With Iron Maiden’s relentless touring schedule and eventual release of The Book of Souls in 2015, Primal Rock Rebellion became a distant memory. Goodman returned to SikTh and other musical endeavors, and the duo never officially disbanded but also never reunited for a follow-up.

 

In retrospect, Primal Rock Rebellion stands as a bold, one-off experiment—an outlet for Adrian Smith to stretch beyond the NWOBHM legacy and collaborate with a newer generation of metal artists. It may be forgotten by the masses, but for those who discovered it, the album remains a hidden gem in the broader landscape of 2010s progressive and alternative metal.

 

Perhaps the greatest takeaway from the project is a reminder: even legends like Adrian Smith are still willing to take risks. And sometimes, those risks create something truly unique—even if only a few take notice.