Iron Maiden is a British heavy metal band formed in Leyton, East London, in 1975. They are considered one of the most influential and enduring bands in the heavy metal genre. The band’s lineup has undergone several changes over the years, but founding member and bassist Steve Harris has remained the driving force behind Iron Maiden’s music and vision.
Iron Maiden gained popularity in the late 1970s and early 1980s with the release of their self-titled debut album in 1980, followed by “Killers” in 1981 and “The Number of the Beast” in 1982. These albums established the band’s distinctive sound, characterized by fast-paced guitar riffs, galloping basslines, and operatic vocals.
Some of Iron Maiden’s most iconic songs include “Run to the Hills,” “The Trooper,” “Fear of the Dark,” and “Hallowed Be Thy Name.” The band’s lyrics often draw inspiration from history, literature, and mythology, covering themes such as war, religion, and the supernatural.
Iron Maiden is also known for their elaborate stage shows and mascot, “Eddie,” who appears on their album covers and merchandise. The band’s live performances are legendary for their energy and spectacle, featuring elaborate sets, pyrotechnics, and Harris’s trademark “gallop” while playing bass.
Despite changes in the music industry and shifts in popular trends, Iron Maiden has maintained a dedicated fanbase and continued to release new music. They have sold over 100 million albums worldwide and are regarded as one of the greatest heavy metal bands of all time.
Throughout their career, Iron Maiden has received numerous awards and accolades, including a Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance in 2011. They have also been inducted into the Hollywood RockWalk and the Metal Hammer Hall of Fame, cementing their status as legends of the heavy metal genre.
1. Aces High
“Aces High” is a song by the British heavy metal band Iron Maiden. It appears as the opening track on their fifth studio album, “Powerslave,” released in 1984. The song was written by the band’s bassist and primary songwriter, Steve Harris.
“Aces High” is inspired by aerial combat during World War II, particularly the Battle of Britain. The lyrics vividly describe the experience of fighter pilots as they engage in dogfights against enemy aircraft. The chorus, “Run, live to fly, fly to live, do or die,” captures the adrenaline-fueled rush of aerial combat and the high stakes involved.
Musically, “Aces High” is characterized by its galloping rhythm, fast-paced guitar riffs, and powerful vocals by lead singer Bruce Dickinson. The song features dynamic shifts in tempo and intensity, reflecting the tension and drama of the subject matter.
The opening of “Aces High” includes a spoken intro by British actor Winston Churchill, excerpted from one of his speeches during World War II. This adds to the song’s epic and cinematic feel, setting the stage for the aerial battle that unfolds in the lyrics.
“Aces High” has become one of Iron Maiden’s most beloved and enduring songs, often performed as part of their live setlist. Its energetic pace and anthemic chorus make it a favorite among fans, while its thematic depth and historical references showcase Iron Maiden’s talent for storytelling through music.
2. Rime Of The Ancient Mariner
“Rime of the Ancient Mariner” is a song by the British heavy metal band Iron Maiden, featured on their 1984 album “Powerslave.” The song is based on the poem of the same name by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, which was published in 1798 as part of his collection “Lyrical Ballads.”
Iron Maiden’s adaptation of “Rime of the Ancient Mariner” is an epic piece, spanning over thirteen minutes in length. The song’s lyrics closely follow the narrative of Coleridge’s poem, telling the story of a mariner who experiences supernatural events and faces the consequences of his actions after shooting an albatross.
Musically, “Rime of the Ancient Mariner” is characterized by its dynamic shifts, intricate guitar work, and powerful vocals by Bruce Dickinson. The song features multiple sections, ranging from atmospheric passages to intense and fast-paced metal riffs, reflecting the dramatic elements of the poem.
“Rime of the Ancient Mariner” is regarded as one of Iron Maiden’s most ambitious and iconic compositions, showcasing the band’s musical prowess and storytelling abilities. It has become a fan favorite and a staple of their live performances, cementing its status as a classic in the heavy metal genre.
3. Phantom Of The Opera
“Phantom of the Opera” is a song by the British heavy metal band Iron Maiden, featured on their self-titled debut album, released in 1980. The song was written by bassist and primary songwriter Steve Harris.
“Phantom of the Opera” is one of Iron Maiden’s most iconic and enduring songs. It’s known for its fast-paced tempo, intricate guitar work, and dynamic shifts in rhythm and melody. The lyrics are inspired by the novel “The Phantom of the Opera” by Gaston Leroux, which tells the story of a mysterious figure who haunts the Paris Opera House.
The song showcases Iron Maiden’s trademark twin-guitar harmonies, with Dave Murray and Dennis Stratton (and later Adrian Smith) delivering memorable solos and melodies. Bruce Dickinson’s powerful vocals add to the song’s intensity, while Steve Harris’s driving bass lines and Clive Burr’s energetic drumming provide a solid foundation.
“Phantom of the Opera” is a fan favorite and a staple of Iron Maiden’s live performances. Its epic structure and theatrical elements have made it one of the standout tracks in the band’s extensive discography, revered by heavy metal fans worldwide.
4. 2 Minutes To Midnight
“2 Minutes to Midnight” is a song by the British heavy metal band Iron Maiden. It appears on their fifth studio album, “Powerslave,” released in 1984. The song was written by the band’s bassist and primary songwriter, Steve Harris, and lead vocalist Bruce Dickinson.
“2 Minutes to Midnight” is known for its politically charged lyrics, which address the threat of nuclear war during the Cold War era. The title refers to the symbolic Doomsday Clock maintained by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, which measures the likelihood of global catastrophe, with midnight representing the hypothetical apocalypse. At the time, the clock was set at 11:58 PM, or “2 minutes to midnight,” symbolizing the imminent danger of nuclear conflict.
Musically, “2 Minutes to Midnight” features Iron Maiden’s trademark galloping rhythm, driving guitar riffs, and powerful vocals by Bruce Dickinson. The song’s memorable chorus and infectious energy make it a fan favorite and a staple of the band’s live performances.
The song’s release sparked controversy and debate due to its politically charged lyrics and its criticism of global leaders and their handling of nuclear tensions. Despite this, “2 Minutes to Midnight” became one of Iron Maiden’s most successful singles, reaching the top ten in the UK Singles Chart and earning critical acclaim for its powerful message and memorable musicality.
Over the years, “2 Minutes to Midnight” has remained a classic in Iron Maiden’s discography and a testament to the band’s ability to tackle complex and timely issues through their music. It continues to be celebrated by fans as one of the band’s greatest songs and a potent reminder of the dangers of nuclear proliferation.
5. Wasted Years
“Wasted Years” is a song by the British heavy metal band Iron Maiden, released in 1986 as the lead single from their album “Somewhere in Time.” The song was written by the band’s guitarist Adrian Smith.
“Wasted Years” is a melodic heavy metal anthem with introspective lyrics that reflect on the passage of time and the regrets of missed opportunities. The song’s memorable guitar riff and catchy chorus make it a standout track on the album. Adrian Smith’s emotive guitar solos further enhance the song’s emotional impact.
The track received positive reviews from both fans and critics and achieved commercial success, reaching the top 20 in several countries. It remains a fan favorite and a staple of Iron Maiden’s live performances, often eliciting sing-alongs and enthusiastic responses from audiences.
“Wasted Years” is celebrated for its powerful blend of melody and heaviness, showcasing Iron Maiden’s ability to craft memorable and thought-provoking songs within the heavy metal genre.
6. Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son
“Seventh Son of a Seventh Son” is the title track from Iron Maiden’s seventh studio album, released in 1988. It’s a concept album that explores themes of mysticism, prophecy, and the supernatural. The song itself is the culmination of the album’s narrative, focusing on the titular character, who possesses clairvoyant abilities as the seventh son of a seventh son.
Musically, “Seventh Son of a Seventh Son” is a dynamic and epic piece, clocking in at over nine minutes. It showcases Iron Maiden’s trademark dual-guitar harmonies, intricate arrangements, and Bruce Dickinson’s powerful vocals. The song features multiple sections, including slower, atmospheric passages and fast-paced, energetic segments, reflecting the narrative’s twists and turns.
Lyrically, “Seventh Son of a Seventh Son” tells the story of the protagonist’s struggle to come to terms with his psychic powers and the burden of his destiny. The lyrics delve into themes of fate, free will, and the eternal struggle between good and evil.
The album “Seventh Son of a Seventh Son” marked a departure for Iron Maiden, incorporating more progressive and experimental elements into their sound. The title track exemplifies this shift, with its ambitious songwriting and complex arrangements.
“Seventh Son of a Seventh Son” remains one of Iron Maiden’s most beloved and enduring songs, revered by fans for its epic scope, musical virtuosity, and thought-provoking lyrics. It’s a standout track in the band’s discography and a testament to their ability to push the boundaries of heavy metal music.
7. Powerslave
“Powerslave” is a song by the British heavy metal band Iron Maiden, released in 1984 as the title track of their fifth studio album. The song was written by the band’s bassist and primary songwriter, Steve Harris.
“Powerslave” is an epic heavy metal composition with a dynamic structure and intricate musical arrangements. The song features powerful riffs, intense drumming, and Bruce Dickinson’s soaring vocals. Lyrically, “Powerslave” explores themes of power, dominance, and rebellion, with references to ancient Egyptian mythology and themes of oppression.
The track showcases Iron Maiden’s musical virtuosity and their ability to create grandiose and theatrical compositions. With its fast-paced tempo, intricate guitar harmonies, and memorable chorus, “Powerslave” has become a fan favorite and a staple of the band’s live performances.
The “Powerslave” album, including the title track, received critical acclaim upon its release and is regarded as one of Iron Maiden’s finest works. The song remains a classic in the heavy metal genre, revered by fans for its epic scale, powerful energy, and intricate musicianship.
8. The Trooper
“The Trooper” is a song by the British heavy metal band Iron Maiden. It was released as the second single from their fourth studio album, “Piece of Mind,” in 1983. The song was written by the band’s bassist and primary songwriter, Steve Harris.
“The Trooper” is inspired by the Charge of the Light Brigade, a famous military action during the Battle of Balaclava in the Crimean War. The lyrics vividly describe the bravery and sacrifice of the soldiers as they charge into battle against overwhelming odds. The iconic opening riff, played by guitarist Dave Murray, is instantly recognizable and sets the tone for the song’s energetic and powerful performance.
Musically, “The Trooper” is characterized by its galloping rhythm, fast-paced guitar solos, and Bruce Dickinson’s impassioned vocals. The song’s dynamic structure and memorable chorus make it a fan favorite and a staple of Iron Maiden’s live performances.
“The Trooper” has become one of Iron Maiden’s most iconic and enduring songs, often cited as one of the greatest heavy metal tracks of all time. Its themes of heroism, valor, and the horrors of war resonate with listeners, while its exhilarating musicality showcases the band’s talent and creativity. The song’s impact has extended far beyond the realm of heavy metal, earning recognition as a cultural touchstone and a classic in the annals of rock music history.
9. Hallowed Be Thy Name
“Hallowed Be Thy Name” is a song by the British heavy metal band Iron Maiden, released in 1982 as the final track on their album “The Number of the Beast.” The song was written by the band’s guitarist Steve Harris.
“Hallowed Be Thy Name” is widely regarded as one of Iron Maiden’s greatest and most iconic songs. It’s a powerful and epic composition that showcases the band’s trademark style, featuring complex guitar melodies, dynamic shifts in tempo, and Bruce Dickinson’s soaring vocals.
Lyrically, “Hallowed Be Thy Name” explores themes of mortality, spirituality, and existential dread, with the protagonist facing his impending execution and reflecting on his life and the afterlife. The song’s dramatic narrative and emotive delivery add to its impact, creating a sense of intensity and urgency.
“Hallowed Be Thy Name” has become a fan favorite and a staple of Iron Maiden’s live performances, often serving as the closing song of their concerts. Its epic scale, memorable melodies, and thought-provoking lyrics have solidified its status as one of the quintessential heavy metal anthems of all time.
10. Fear Of The Dark
“Fear of the Dark” is a song by Iron Maiden, released in 1992 as the title track of their ninth studio album. The song was written by the band’s bassist and primary songwriter, Steve Harris. “Fear of the Dark” has become one of Iron Maiden’s most iconic and beloved songs, often serving as the closing number for their live performances.
The lyrics of “Fear of the Dark” explore the theme of fear and the psychological effects it can have on an individual. The song describes the experience of feeling anxious and vulnerable in the darkness, with the protagonist grappling with irrational fears and imagined threats lurking in the shadows.
Musically, “Fear of the Dark” features Iron Maiden’s trademark galloping rhythm, melodic guitar solos, and Bruce Dickinson’s powerful vocals. The song’s atmospheric intro sets the mood for the haunting and atmospheric journey that follows, while its anthemic chorus invites audience participation and sing-alongs during live performances.
“Fear of the Dark” has become a fan favorite and a staple of Iron Maiden’s live setlists, often eliciting enthusiastic responses from audiences around the world. Its timeless appeal and universal themes have cemented its status as one of the band’s most enduring and iconic songs, earning it recognition as a classic in the heavy metal genre.