Iron Maiden is one of the most iconic and enduring heavy metal bands in the world. Formed in Leyton, East London, in 1975, Iron Maiden has had a significant influence on the development of heavy metal music, known for their elaborate stage shows, distinctive album artwork, and epic compositions.
The band’s original lineup included bassist and primary songwriter Steve Harris, along with guitarists Dave Murray and Dennis Stratton, vocalist Paul Di’Anno, and drummer Clive Burr. Over the years, Iron Maiden has seen several lineup changes, but Steve Harris has remained the driving force behind the band.
Their self-titled debut album, “Iron Maiden,” was released in 1980, featuring classic tracks like “Phantom of the Opera” and “Running Free.” However, it was their follow-up albums, such as “Killers” (1981), “The Number of the Beast” (1982), and “Piece of Mind” (1983), that solidified their reputation as one of the leading bands in the heavy metal genre.
With the arrival of vocalist Bruce Dickinson in 1981, Iron Maiden reached even greater heights. Dickinson’s powerful voice and charismatic stage presence helped propel the band to international fame. Albums like “Powerslave” (1984), “Somewhere in Time” (1986), and “Seventh Son of a Seventh Son” (1988) are considered classics of the genre.
Throughout their career, Iron Maiden has maintained a dedicated fan base and continues to release new music and tour regularly. They’re known for their elaborate stage productions, featuring their iconic mascot, “Eddie,” who appears in various forms on album covers and during live performances.
With a discography spanning over four decades, Iron Maiden’s influence on heavy metal music cannot be overstated. They’ve inspired countless bands and have left an indelible mark on the genre.
1. Aces High
“Aces High” is one of Iron Maiden’s most iconic songs, released as the lead track on their fifth studio album, “Powerslave,” in 1984. The song is widely regarded as one of the band’s classics and a staple of their live performances.
“Aces High” is a fast-paced, energetic song that captures the intensity and excitement of aerial combat, particularly focusing on the Battle of Britain during World War II. The lyrics, written by Iron Maiden’s bassist and primary songwriter Steve Harris, vividly describe the experience of fighter pilots engaging in dogfights against enemy aircraft.
The song begins with the sound of a plane taking off and quickly launches into a blistering guitar riff, setting the tone for the adrenaline-fueled journey that follows. Bruce Dickinson’s powerful vocals soar over the driving rhythm section, delivering lyrics that pay homage to the bravery and determination of the pilots who fought in the skies above England.
With its catchy chorus, memorable guitar solos, and relentless energy, “Aces High” has become a fan favorite and a standout track in Iron Maiden’s extensive catalog. It’s often performed as an encore during their live shows and remains a highlight of their live performances. The song’s themes of courage, resilience, and the triumph of the human spirit resonate with audiences around the world, making it a timeless classic in the realm of heavy metal music.
2. Rime Of The Ancient Mariner
“Iron Maiden” indeed has a song titled “Rime of the Ancient Mariner” on their 1984 album “Powerslave.” The song is an adaptation of the epic poem “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” by Samuel Taylor Coleridge. It’s one of the lengthier tracks in Iron Maiden’s discography, clocking in at over thirteen minutes. The lyrics closely follow the narrative of Coleridge’s poem, telling the tale of a mariner who commits a grave sin by shooting an albatross, leading to a series of supernatural events and his subsequent redemption.
Musically, “Rime of the Ancient Mariner” is characterized by its dynamic shifts, intricate guitar work, and dramatic storytelling. The song features several distinct sections, ranging from soft and atmospheric passages to intense and energetic instrumental segments. Bruce Dickinson’s vocals effectively convey the emotions and drama of the narrative, while the band’s musicianship shines throughout the composition. Overall, Iron Maiden’s adaptation of “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” is a masterful interpretation that pays homage to the original poem while showcasing the band’s creativity and musical prowess.
3. Phantom Of The Opera
“Phantom of the Opera” is one of Iron Maiden’s early classics, featured on their self-titled debut album, released in 1980. Written by bassist and primary songwriter Steve Harris, the song showcases the band’s signature style of galloping bass lines, dual guitar harmonies, and epic storytelling lyrics.
The song is inspired by the famous novel “The Phantom of the Opera” by Gaston Leroux, which tells the story of a disfigured musical genius who lives beneath the Paris Opera House and becomes infatuated with a young soprano named Christine. Iron Maiden’s interpretation of the story adds a heavy metal twist, combining elements of horror, romance, and theatricality.
“Phantom of the Opera” features dynamic shifts in tempo and mood, alternating between fast-paced, riff-driven sections and more melodic, atmospheric passages. Bruce Dickinson’s vocals range from powerful and operatic to haunting and introspective, capturing the emotional depth of the narrative.
The song is known for its intricate instrumental sections, including a blistering guitar solo by Dave Murray and Adrian Smith, as well as Steve Harris’s complex bass work. These elements, combined with the dramatic lyrics and memorable melodies, have cemented “Phantom of the Opera” as a fan favorite and a staple of Iron Maiden’s live performances.
Over the years, “Phantom of the Opera” has become one of the band’s most beloved songs, celebrated for its musical complexity and theatrical flair. It’s often cited as a defining example of Iron Maiden’s unique blend of melody and aggression, and it continues to captivate audiences around the world.
4. 2 Minutes To Midnight
“2 Minutes to Midnight” is one of Iron Maiden’s most iconic songs, released on their fifth studio album, “Powerslave,” in 1984. The song’s lyrics address themes of nuclear war, political tension, and the Doomsday Clock, which symbolizes how close humanity is to global catastrophe. Musically, “2 Minutes to Midnight” is characterized by its energetic riffing, galloping basslines, and powerful vocals by Bruce Dickinson. The song’s memorable chorus and intense instrumentation have made it a staple of Iron Maiden’s live performances and a fan favorite over the years.
5. Wasted Years
“Wasted Years” is a song by Iron Maiden, featured on their sixth studio album, “Somewhere in Time,” released in 1986. It’s known for its melodic guitar harmonies, catchy chorus, and introspective lyrics, written by the band’s guitarist Adrian Smith.
The song reflects on the passage of time and the choices we make in life, exploring themes of regret, nostalgia, and the pursuit of dreams. The lyrics express a sense of longing for the past and the recognition that time waits for no one. Despite the title suggesting regret or lost opportunities, the song also carries a message of resilience and determination to move forward.
Musically, “Wasted Years” is driven by its memorable guitar melodies, with Adrian Smith and Dave Murray delivering harmonized solos that are both intricate and melodic. Bruce Dickinson’s vocals soar over the dynamic instrumentation, conveying the emotional depth of the lyrics.
“Wasted Years” became a commercial success for Iron Maiden, reaching high chart positions in several countries. Its accessible melody and relatable lyrics have made it a fan favorite and a regular inclusion in the band’s live setlists. The song’s universal themes and catchy hooks have ensured its enduring popularity among fans of Iron Maiden and heavy metal music in general.
6. Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son
“Seventh Son of a Seventh Son” is the title track of Iron Maiden’s seventh studio album, released in 1988. The song is notable for its complex structure, melodic guitar work, and thematic elements drawn from folklore and mysticism. The lyrics tell the story of a prophesied seventh son of a seventh son, who possesses mystical powers and is destined to bring about change and confront evil forces.
Musically, the song features dynamic shifts in tempo and mood, showcasing Iron Maiden’s versatility and musicianship. It incorporates elements of progressive rock and metal, with intricate guitar solos and atmospheric keyboard passages adding depth to the composition.
“Seventh Son of a Seventh Son” is considered one of Iron Maiden’s standout tracks and has remained a fan favorite since its release. It exemplifies the band’s ability to blend storytelling with powerful instrumentation, creating an epic and immersive listening experience.
7. Powerslave
“Powerslave” is the title track of Iron Maiden’s fifth studio album, released in 1984. It’s one of the standout songs on the album and is often regarded as one of the band’s greatest achievements.
The song’s lyrics are written by Iron Maiden’s bassist and primary songwriter, Steve Harris. They depict a pharaoh or ruler from ancient Egypt who is speaking from beyond the grave, reflecting on his life, conquests, and eventual demise. The lyrics are rich in imagery, drawing on themes of power, mortality, and the passage of time.
Musically, “Powerslave” is an epic composition, featuring dynamic shifts in tempo and mood. It opens with an atmospheric intro featuring Egyptian-themed melodies before launching into a driving rhythm propelled by galloping bass lines and powerful guitar riffs. The song showcases the virtuosic talents of Iron Maiden’s guitarists, Dave Murray and Adrian Smith, with intricate solos and harmonized leads throughout.
Bruce Dickinson’s vocals are particularly powerful on “Powerslave,” delivering the lyrics with intensity and emotion. His soaring voice adds to the grandeur and theatricality of the song, enhancing its epic scope.
“Powerslave” is a fan favorite and a staple of Iron Maiden’s live performances. Its complex arrangements, memorable melodies, and thought-provoking lyrics have cemented its status as one of the band’s most beloved songs. It’s often cited as a highlight of both the album and Iron Maiden’s discography as a whole.
8. The Trooper
“The Trooper” is a classic heavy metal song by Iron Maiden, released on their 1983 album “Piece of Mind.” The song is inspired by the Charge of the Light Brigade, a famous battle during the Crimean War. The lyrics vividly describe the chaos and bravery of the soldiers as they charge into battle.
Musically, “The Trooper” is characterized by its galloping rhythm, aggressive guitar riffs, and memorable melodies. The song features iconic dual guitar harmonies, a trademark of Iron Maiden’s sound, performed by guitarists Dave Murray and Adrian Smith. Bruce Dickinson’s powerful vocals further contribute to the song’s intensity and energy.
“The Trooper” has become one of Iron Maiden’s most beloved and enduring tracks, frequently performed live and cited as a highlight of their discography. Its catchy chorus and electrifying instrumentation have solidified its status as a heavy metal anthem.
9. Hallowed Be Thy Name
“Hallowed Be Thy Name” is a masterpiece by Iron Maiden, featured on their third studio album, “The Number of the Beast,” released in 1982. It’s often regarded as one of the greatest heavy metal songs of all time and is a staple of Iron Maiden’s live performances.
The song’s lyrics, written by vocalist Bruce Dickinson, tell the story of a man facing his impending execution and reflecting on his life, fears, and regrets. The title is a reference to the Lord’s Prayer, adding a layer of religious imagery and symbolism to the narrative. The lyrics are introspective and contemplative, exploring themes of mortality, redemption, and the afterlife.
Musically, “Hallowed Be Thy Name” is a tour de force, featuring dynamic shifts in tempo and mood. It opens with a haunting acoustic guitar intro before erupting into a barrage of heavy riffs and thunderous drums. The song showcases the technical prowess of Iron Maiden’s musicians, with intricate guitar solos, powerful bass lines, and soaring vocals.
Bruce Dickinson’s performance on “Hallowed Be Thy Name” is particularly noteworthy, as he delivers the lyrics with passion and intensity, capturing the emotional depth of the song’s narrative. His vocal range and dynamic delivery add to the drama and power of the music.
“Hallowed Be Thy Name” has become a fan favorite and a defining moment in Iron Maiden’s discography. Its epic scope, memorable melodies, and thought-provoking lyrics have earned it a permanent place in the pantheon of heavy metal classics. It’s often cited as one of the band’s greatest achievements and continues to captivate audiences around the world.
10. Fear Of The Dark
“Fear of the Dark” is a standout track by Iron Maiden, released on their 1992 album of the same name. The song is notable for its atmospheric intro, featuring eerie guitar melodies and whispered vocals, which set the mood for the rest of the track.
Lyrically, “Fear of the Dark” explores the theme of fear and the anxiety of the unknown. The lyrics convey the feeling of being alone in the dark and the various terrors that the darkness may conceal. The chorus, with its anthemic sing-along quality, captures the universal experience of feeling afraid in the dark.
Musically, the song is characterized by its driving rhythm, melodic guitar solos, and powerful vocal delivery by Bruce Dickinson. The live performances of “Fear of the Dark” are particularly memorable, with audience participation during the chorus creating an electrifying atmosphere.
Overall, “Fear of the Dark” has become one of Iron Maiden’s most beloved songs, often cited as a fan favorite and a highlight of their live shows. Its enduring popularity speaks to its universal themes and infectious melody.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
