In the late 70’s the world was introduced to a new genre of metal coined; The New Wave of British Heavy Metal. This new wave was inspired by earlier hard rock and metal bands such as Thin Lizzy, Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath. By the turn of the decade one band cranked it up even more with dueling harmonics, powerful vocals and an intensity fit for the youth of the world – that band was Iron Maiden. As someone who’s upped the irons for a long time now, I found it tough as shit to come up with a top 5 Iron Maiden albums of all time list, but here we are.
5. Killers (1981)
- Favorite track: Purgatory
- Rating: 9.5/12
After a Killer (pun extremely intended) debut album in 1980, the band came back with a sophomore left hook. Killers has a punk style aggression from Paul Di’anno and my god do these tracks pack a punch. The title track is amazing, and the first side of the album is non stop speed with a plethora of Steve Harris smackin’ dat bass around. Genghis Khan is a fantastic instrumental and Prodigal Son does a nice job of switching tempo if only for a moment. The star of the show though is Purgatory with that patented Iron Maiden “gallop”. I still find myself periodically hummin “pleeease take me away, take me away, so far away”.
4. Piece of Mind (1983)
- Favorite Track: Where Eagles Dare
- Rating: 10/12
I like to call this the Nicko album because he is highlighted all over this beauty including a drumming masterpiece of an opening track. Where Eagles Dare is the way to open any album, especially a metal one. The first half of this album is loaded with all time classics including maybe the most well known Maiden song in The Trooper. The backend, though not as well known, also has some awesome tracks like Still Life and a funky epic in Tame a Land Off. Overall an amazing addition to the Maiden catalog.
3. Number of the Beast (1982)
- Favorite Track: 22 Acacia Avenue
- Rating: 10.5/12
Bruce’s debut album could not have gone any better with this masterpiece. Not only are there multiple metal classics in the title track and Run to the Hills but the band’s new sound hits like a truck. Bruce’s vocals are outstanding, the writing is magnificent and the album’s final track is the perfect way to end such an amazing collection of jams. For me though, the story telling and shredding that goes on in 22 Acacia Avenue is what makes it all!
2. Somewhere In Time (1986)
- Favorite Track: The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner
- Rating: 11/12
Coming in at the two spot in the top 5 iron maiden albums is the first one I ever heard from Maiden. The opening track sets the tone for an unbelievable experience and rivals Where Eagles Dare for the best opening track to a Maiden album ever. Of course Wasted Years is amazing and Alexander the Great is epic but the unsung heroes of this album are plentiful. There is simply no miss anywhere between Sea of Madness and Deja Vu including the albums finest, Loneliness. What an all time metal album from start to finish!
1. Powerslave (1984)
- Favorite Track: Powerslave
- Rating: 11.5/12
Is it the cliche pick for the number one Maiden album? Probably. Do I give a shite? Absolutely not! Powerslave is loaded with a metal arsenal that is stuff of legends. Aces High leads the way, 2 Minutes has some iconic lyrics and the riffs throughout are off the charts. Flash of the Blade has my favorite Maiden intro and Rime is their best epic. The title track has my heart though, it’s got the feel, the riffs, the fills and the lyrics of one of the greatest metal tracks of all time!
If you made it this far, I thank you for being here and I wish you the best. All comments are welcome below, enjoy the Haven Geeks!