![]() From the opening drum rolls and dual-guitar theatrics of intro 'The Ides of March' to stone-cold bangers like 'Wrathchild,' 'Murders in the Rue. Iron Maiden set a new standard for themselves on Killers - but soon after its release they also reached a potentially dire crossroads. When Maiden's follow-up, Killers, arrived on February 2nd, 1981, it was clear these scrappers had something new to express and they were going to say it loudly and grandly as they possibly could. Di'Anno stretches his guttural, punky vocals into more ambitious territory while Murray and new guitarist Adrian Smith (who replaced Stratton) bring straight fire to Harris' intricate, galloping compositions. (Thanks, in part, to producer Martin Birch, who would go on to helm their next seven albums). From the opening drum rolls and dual-guitar theatrics of intro "The Ides of March" to stone-cold bangers like "Wrathchild," "Murders in the Rue Morgue" and the title track, Killers jumps out of the speakers. When Maiden's follow-up, Killers, arrived on February 2nd, 1981, it was clear these scrappers had something new to express - and they were going to say it loudly and grandly as they possibly could. Its critical and commercial success also emboldened founding bassist Steve Harris and his crew - singer Paul Di'Anno, guitarists Dave Murray and Dennis Stratton and drummer Clive Burr - to push themselves even further. In 1980, Maiden stormed onto the scene with their raw, ripping self-titled debut, which helped set the blueprint for the New Wave of British Heavy Metal sound. Before Iron Maiden the brand - it was just Iron Maiden, the hard-charging, piss-taking, game-changing band from East London. Before the private planes, Gold records, Grammy wins and collectible merch. Always savvy on the commercial end, Iron Maiden made to sure to cut a few widely heard singles (“The Trooper,” “Wasted Years”) for the casual headbanger while also delivering colossal full-length albums that play out with cinematic grandeur ( Powerslave, Seventh Son of a Seventh Son).Before Bruce Dickinson, before Number of the Beast, before the international stadium tours, face-melting pyrotechnics and towering Eddie monoliths. It also provoked controversy with its hellish cover art, resulting in the cultural misconception that Iron Maiden and its fans were Satanists.ĭrummer Nicko McBrain would replace Burr the same year The Number of the Beast was released, and more legendary albums would follow in the 1980s, as the band incorporated more progressive influences and dynamic production. 1982’s The Number of the Beast introduced the epic songwriting and literary lyricism that would become the band’s trademark. Maiden would follow that up with Killers in 1981 before Di’Anno was replaced by ex-Samson singer Bruce Dickinson, with Harris, Burr, and guitarists Dave Murray and Adrian Smith rounding out the five piece. The daring and aggressive album launched the band to the forefront of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) movement, alongside acts like Judas Priest, Diamond Head, and Angel Witch. The Legacy of the Beast cannot be disputed, nor can the band’s intense work ethic.įormed in 1975 by bassist Steve Harris, Iron Maiden’s first established lineup - featuring vocalist Paul Di’Anno and drummer Clive Burr - released their self-titled debut in 1980. If they aren’t touring, they’re releasing a live album or filming epic music videos or documentaries. ![]() If Maiden’s not making a record, they’re on tour. This version of Eddie is based on the artwork from the classic 1981. Better yet, the band feed the frenzy, continuing to serve the fans with new material and merchandise. Eddie, Maidens legendary mascot, has always adorned the album covers of Iron Maiden. The Maiden fanbase can be obsessive to the point of zealotry, dissecting the nooks and crannies of every song and collecting the band’s T-shirts and records with fervor (the red Iron Maiden logo and their skeletal mascot, Eddie, remain timelessly metal). ![]() Their music is a world language, with the British band garnering dedicated audiences on practically every continent. FebruBefore Bruce Dickinson, before Number of the Beast, before the international stadium tours, face-melting pyrotechnics and towering Eddie monoliths. They’ve come to define the genre, prolifically releasing albums and touring relentlessly. įor over 40 years, Iron Maiden have proven to be one of heavy metal’s most consistent and enduring institutions. ![]() This time, we follow Iron Maiden’s legendary career, from their 1980 self-titled debut to their most recent effort, 2021’s Senjutsu. It’s exact science by way of a few beers. Welcome to Dissected, where we disassemble a band’s catalog, a director’s filmography, or some other critical pop-culture collection. ![]()
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