As pioneers of the new wave of British heavy metal movement, Iron Maiden achieved initial success during the early 1980s. After several lineup changes, the band went on to release a series of UK and US Platinum and Gold albums, including 1980's eponymous debut album, 1981's Killers, 1982's The Number of the Beast, 1983's Piece of Mind, 1984's Powerslave, 1985's live release Live After Death, 1986's Somewhere in Time, 1988's Seventh Son of a Seventh Son, 1990's No Prayer for the Dying and 1992's Fear of the Dark. In 1982, the band released The Number of the Beast – its first album with Bruce Dickinson, who replaced Paul Di'Anno as lead singer – which was a turning point in their career, helping establish them as one of heavy metal's most important artists. The Number of the Beast is among the most popular heavy metal albums of all time, having sold almost 20 million copies worldwide.
Since the return of lead vocalist Bruce Dickinson and guitarist Adrian Smith in 1999, the band has undergone a resurgence in popularity, with a series of new albums and highly successful tours. Released in 2006, A Matter of Life and Death, their 14th studio album, reached top sales in dozens of countries, initiating the series of Iron Maiden's highest-ranked albums. Their 2010 album, The Final Frontier, peaked at No. 1 in 28 countries and received widespread critical acclaim. Their 16th studio album, The Book of Souls, was released on 4 September 2015 to similar success, debuting at No. 1 in the album charts of 24 countries with physical sales and summary in 43 territories with physical and digital sales. Most recently, their 17th studio album, Senjutsu, was released on 3 September 2021 and eventually reached No. 1 in 27 countries.
Iron Maiden have sold over 130 million copies of their albums worldwide, despite minimal radio and mainstream media support. The band's catalogue has sold over 200 million copies worldwide, including albums, singles, compilations and videos. By 2022, their releases have been certified Silver, Gold and Platinum around 600 times worldwide. Iron Maiden have become one of the most influential and revered rock bands of all time, and is credited with influencing countless bands and genres. Critics have stated that the band elevated heavy metal to an art form, proving that academic and musical inspirations can coexist. The band is also hailed as one of the greatest live acts of all time.
The band and its members have received multiple industry awards, including the Grammy Awards and its equivalents in other countries. Other accolades the band has received include Brit Awards, Silver Clef Award, Nordoff-Robbins Award, Ivor Novello Awards, Juno Awards, Guinness Book of World Records, Public Choice International, Classic Rock Roll of Honour Awards, ECHO Awards, Top.HR Music Awards, Žebřík Music Awards, honorary doctorates, State Prizes, sales recognition, marketing achievements recognition awards, charity and sport awards among many others. Iron Maiden were inducted into the Hollywood RockWalk, BPI Hall of Fame and Kerrang! Hall of Fame. The band is also a part of permanent exhibitions of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, British Music Experience, Rock in Rio Wall of Fame and Wacken Open Air Hall of Fame. Iron Maiden were honoured by Royal Mail UK with dedicated postal stamps and cards. The band as 'bona fide' rock legends belongs to an elitarian circle of British iconic bands honoured with an unique range of stamps, including The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Queen and Iron Maiden as the fifth one.
Iron Maiden's lyrics cover such topics as history, literature, war, mythology, society and religion. Many of their songs are based on history, classic literature and film. As of October 2019, the band have played some 2500 live shows, performing for tens of millions of fans. For over 40 years, the musicians have been supported by their famous mascot, "Eddie", who has appeared on almost all of their album and single covers, videos and merchandise. Originally designed by Derek Riggs, Eddie became the main attraction of Iron Maiden live shows, which feature theatrical elements like coloured backdrops, inflatables, pyrotechnics, elaborate lighting rigs, props and stage sets.
Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iron_Maiden
Studio albums
Iron Maiden (1980)
Killers (1981)
The Number of the Beast (1982)
Piece of Mind (1983)
Powerslave (1984)
Somewhere in Time (1986)
Seventh Son of a Seventh Son (1988)
No Prayer for the Dying (1990)
Fear of the Dark (1992)
The X Factor (1995)
Virtual XI (1998)
Brave New World (2000)
Dance of Death (2003)
A Matter of Life and Death (2006)
The Final Frontier (2010)
The Book of Souls (2015)
Senjutsu (2021)
Killer
Iron Maiden Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A footstep behind you, he lunges prepared for attack
Scream for mercy, he laughs as he's watching you bleed
Killer behind you, his blood lust defies all his needs
My innocent victims are slaughtered with wrath and despise
The mocking religion of hatred that burns in the night
I have no one, I'm bound to destroy all this greed
I can see what a knife's meant to be
And you'll never know how I came to foresee, see, see
My faith in believing is stronger than lifelines and ties
With the glimmer of metal my moment is ready to strike
Scream for mercy, he laughs as he's watching you bleed
Killer behind you, his blood lust defies all his needs
Death call arises, a scream breaks the still of the night
Another tomorrow, remember to walk in the light
I have found you, and now there is no place to run
Excitement shakes me, oh God help me what have I done?
The lyrics of Iron Maiden's song "Killers" narrate the story of a psychopathic killer stalking his unsuspecting victim. The first verse describes the killer following the victim through the subway, waiting to pounce on them at any moment, while the victim screams for mercy, and the killer laughs at their agony. The second verse reveals insights into the killer's twisted mind, as he spouts hate-filled religious rhetoric and justifies his violent actions. The chorus repeats the haunting lines about the killer's blood lust that defies all his needs, emphasizing the sadistic pleasure he derives from the act of killing.
In the third verse, the killer asserts his faith in his own belief system that drives him to murder, as he readies himself for the final strike. The chorus comes back stronger, as the tension mounts, and the killer's excitement reaches a crescendo. In the final lines, the victim meets with death, and the song ends on a grim note, warning the listener to walk in the light to avoid the killer's fate.
The song is a classic example of the early heavy metal genre, with powerful guitar riffs, thundering bass, and drums, and Bruce Dickinson's high-pitched vocals leading the way. The lyrics tap into fears and anxieties that are universal to human beings, making them relatable while also exploring the darker aspects of human nature. The song's themes of violence, hate, and murder have made it a cult favorite among fans of the band and the genre in general.
Line by Line Meaning
You walk through the subway, his eyes burn a hole in your back
As you walk through the subway, you feel someone's creepy gaze on your back, and it sends shivers down your spine.
A footstep behind you, he lunges prepared for attack
You hear someone's footsteps getting closer, and suddenly he attacks you with malicious intent.
Scream for mercy, he laughs as he's watching you bleed
You beg for mercy, but he takes sadistic pleasure in watching you suffer and bleed.
Killer behind you, his blood lust defies all his needs
The killer behind you is driven by an insatiable bloodlust that overrides any other motives or needs he might have.
My innocent victims are slaughtered with wrath and despise
The killer revels in slaughtering innocent victims with a cold, ruthless hatred for humanity.
The mocking religion of hatred that burns in the night
The killer's twisted worldview is like a religion that spreads hatred and malice, especially under the cover of darkness.
I have no one, I'm bound to destroy all this greed
The killer is isolated, lonely, and driven to destroy everything that represents greed and corruption in the world.
A voice inside me compelling to satisfy me
The killer is haunted by a dark, insistent voice that drives him to commit atrocities in order to satisfy his twisted desires.
I can see what a knife's meant to be
The killer sees a knife not just as a tool, but as an extension of his own desires and willpower.
And you'll never know how I came to foresee, see, see
The killer knows that others won't understand how he came to possess such morbid foresight and hatred, and he revels in his superiority over them.
My faith in believing is stronger than lifelines and ties
The killer's delusional faith in his own twisted worldview is stronger than any bonds of loyalty or love that might restrain other people.
With the glimmer of metal my moment is ready to strike
When the killer sees a glimmer of metal, he knows that his moment has come to strike out at his next victim.
Death call arises, a scream breaks the still of the night
As the killer begins his attack, the victim's cries for help break the eerie silence of the night.
Another tomorrow, remember to walk in the light
The song reminds listeners to cherish each day and make the most of life, while staying vigilant against the darkness in the world.
I have found you, and now there is no place to run
The killer has found his latest victim, who is now trapped and helpless to escape his wrath.
Excitement shakes me, oh God help me what have I done?
The killer feels an exhilarating rush of excitement as he carries out his twisted desires, but also realizes the enormity of the evil he has committed.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Paul Andrews, Stephen Percy Harris
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Mj Mj
Paul Di Anno has a fantastic voice. My opinion, this Song, describe very well his talent.
Christopher Hetfield
Paul Di Anno is a God
sarmento_oproprio
He HAD a fantastic voice, friend...unfortunately.
Kieran Buckley
This was my teenage years. Coming back to thiis album after over 30 years. It is truly freaking amazing.
Christos Nikitakis
The entire intro to this rocker is unbelievable. Paul's voice doesn't match Bruce's, but in this song, he nails it!!!
Chris Jordan
This is such a dope vocal performance. Creepy and cool as hell, man.
NYSL Leo
Why creepy?
Mohamed Atef
@NYSL Leo some one knocked at door from.minutes just once i was not near the door but he left ?????
Mohamed Atef
Brothersare in a problem. and mother same thing
laurent bonin
😍😄