The 10 best Iron Maiden songs of all time

Iron Maiden is a British heavy metal band known for their powerful sound, elaborate album artwork, and energetic live performances. Iron Maiden was formed in London in 1975 and quickly rose to prominence in the early 1980s as pioneers of the new wave of British heavy metal (NWOBHM).

The band’s lineup has changed over the years, but founder and bassist Steve Harris has been a constant driving force behind their music. Bruce Dickinson, known for his operatic singing, joined as lead singer in 1981 and cemented Iron Maiden’s distinctive sound.

Iron Maiden’s music is characterized by complex instrumentals, dual guitar harmonies, and epic lyrics often drawn from literature, history, and mythology. They are known for iconic albums such as *The Number of the Beast* (1982), *Powerslave* (1984), and *Seventh Son of a Seventh Son* (1988), which demonstrate their ability to combine heavy metal with progressive elements.

The band’s mascot, “Eddie the Head,” is featured prominently in their artwork and stage shows and has become an iconic symbol of their brand. Iron Maiden’s dedication to their fanbase and consistent production of high-energy music have earned them a loyal following worldwide and made them one of the most enduring and influential bands in heavy metal history.

1. Aces high

“Aces High” is a classic song by Iron Maiden, released as the title track on their 1984 album *Powerslave*. The song is inspired by the aerial combat of World War II, particularly the Battle of Britain. The lyrics vividly describe the bravery and intensity of the aerial combat between British RAF pilots and the German Luftwaffe forces.

Musically, “Aces High” is characterized by its fast tempo, aggressive guitar riffs, and Bruce Dickinson’s powerful vocals. The song opens with the sound of airplane engines and gunfire, setting the stage for an adrenaline-fueled journey through the skies of war-torn Europe.

The chorus of “Aces High” celebrates the courage and determination of RAF pilots and often quotes the iconic phrase “Run, live to fly, fly to live, do or die.” The song’s energetic tempo and anthemic qualities have made it a fan favorite and a staple of Iron Maiden live performances for decades.

“Aces High” showcases Iron Maiden’s ability to combine historical storytelling with their signature heavy metal sound, cementing its place as one of the band’s most iconic and enduring songs.

2. Hoarfrost of the Old Sailor

“Rime of the Ancient Mariner” is a song by Iron Maiden, featured on their 1984 album Powerslave. The song is based on the famous poem of the same name by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, published in 1798. Iron Maiden’s adaptation is a progressive metal epic that spans 13 minutes and is divided into several sections that reflect the narrative structure of the poem. The lyrics tell the haunting story of a sailor who faces supernatural consequences after shooting down an albatross. The song is known for its complex instrumentation, including intricate guitar solos and powerful vocals from Bruce Dickinson, which captures the intensity and drama of the original poem while adding a heavy metal flair.

3. Phantom of the Opera

“Phantom of the Opera” is a song by Iron Maiden from their 1980 debut album of the same name. It is a dynamic and dramatic track that mixes elements of heavy metal with influences from progressive rock. The song features complex guitar work, including harmonized leads and powerful riffs characteristic of Iron Maiden’s style. The lyrics are inspired by Gaston Leroux’s novel The Phantom of the Opera, which tells the story of the mysterious and vengeful Phantom who haunts the Paris Opera. Bruce Dickinson’s vocals range from operatic to aggressive, adding to the theatrical and intense atmosphere of the song. “Phantom of the Opera” remains a fan favorite and showcases Iron Maiden’s early skill at storytelling through music.

4. 2 minutes until midnight

“2 Minutes to Midnight” is a song by Iron Maiden, released as the first single from their 1984 album *Powerslave*. The title of the song refers to the symbolic Doomsday Clock, which measures the likelihood of a global catastrophe (midnight) based on factors such as nuclear tensions and geopolitical instability.

Lyrically, “2 Minutes to Midnight” criticizes the dangers of nuclear war and political confrontation. The lyrics touch on themes such as fear, power struggles and the consequences of human conflict, reflecting the fears of the Cold War era.

Musically, the song features Iron Maiden’s signature double guitar harmonies, galloping rhythms and Bruce Dickinson’s soaring vocals. The track is dynamic and intense, building to a powerful chorus that underlines the urgency of the song’s message.

“2 Minutes to Midnight” became one of Iron Maiden’s most popular and enduring songs, enjoying commercial success and becoming a staple of their live performances. It remains a striking example of the band’s ability to combine thought-provoking themes with their distinctive heavy metal sound, cementing its status as a classic of the genre.

5. Wasted years

“Wasted Years” is a song by Iron Maiden from their 1986 album “Somewhere in Time”. It is a thoughtful and melodic track that contrasts with some of the band’s more aggressive songs. The lyrics, written by guitarist Adrian Smith, deal with themes of regret and longing for lost time and missed opportunities. Musically, “Wasted Years” features catchy guitar melodies and powerful vocals from Bruce Dickinson, combined with Iron Maiden’s trademark dual guitar harmonies. The song became a major hit for the band, resonating with audiences for its catchy themes and memorable hooks, contributing to its enduring popularity among fans of heavy metal music.

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 an epic piece lasting over nine minutes and is divided into several sections that showcase Iron Maiden’s progressive rock influences. The lyrics are inspired by folklore and the concept of the seventh son of a seventh son possessing supernatural abilities. Bruce Dickinson’s vocals range from powerful and emotive to operatic, complementing the song’s dynamic changes and complex instrumentation. Acclaimed for its sophisticated composition, intricate guitar playing, and thematic depth, “Seventh Son of a Seventh Son” cements Iron Maiden’s reputation for creating sophisticated and unforgettable metal epics.

7. Power Slave

“Powerslave” is the title track of Iron Maiden’s fifth studio album, released in 1984. The song is an epic piece that shows the band’s mastery of combining heavy metal with progressive elements and complex arrangements.

Lyrically, “Powerslave” is inspired by ancient Egyptian mythology and focuses particularly on themes such as power, mortality and the pursuit of eternal life. The lyrics describe a pharaoh’s journey through the afterlife, facing challenges and attempting to defy death itself.

Musically, “Powerslave” features complex guitar work, driving rhythms, and Bruce Dickinson’s dynamic vocals, ranging from powerful verses to soaring choruses. The song’s structure includes instrumental sections that highlight the band’s technical prowess and ability to create a grandiose atmosphere.

The album *Powerslave* is widely regarded as one of Iron Maiden’s finest works and the title track is a standout example of their ability to create sophisticated and theatrical compositions. “Powerslave” remains a fan favorite and a highlight of the band’s live performances, demonstrating their ongoing influence on the heavy metal genre.

8. The Soldier

“The Trooper” is a classic heavy metal song by Iron Maiden, found on their 1983 album Piece of Mind. Written by the band’s bassist and primary songwriter Steve Harris, the song is inspired by the Charge of the Light Brigade during the Crimean War. It is known for its galloping rhythm, aggressive guitar riffs, and powerful vocals by Bruce Dickinson, whose performance vividly portrays the bravery and chaos of battle. “The Trooper” has become one of Iron Maiden’s most well-known songs, loved for its energetic tempo, memorable guitar solos, and historical theme, showcasing the band’s ability to combine storytelling with high-energy metal.

9. Hallowed be thy name

“Hallowed Be Thy Name” is a powerful and iconic song by Iron Maiden, found on their 1982 album *The Number of the Beast*. The song is widely regarded as one of the band’s best and most influential tracks, showcasing their ability to combine complex musicianship with thought-provoking lyrical themes.

Lyrically, “Hallowed Be Thy Name” deals with existential themes of mortality, fear and reflection. The lyrics tell the story of a death row inmate awaiting execution and grappling with his impending death. The song’s protagonist reflects on his life, regrets it and is unsure of what comes after, and ultimately faces his fate with a mixture of resignation and defiance.

Musically, “Hallowed Be Thy Name” features dynamic guitar solos, galloping rhythms, and Bruce Dickinson’s soulful vocals that range from hauntingly introspective to soaring and passionate. The song’s composition builds in intensity, creating a dramatic and atmospheric journey that resonates with listeners.

“Hallowed Be Thy Name” has become a cornerstone of Iron Maiden’s live performances and a fan favorite, known for its epic length and emotional depth. Its influence on the heavy metal genre and enduring popularity underscore its status as a classic in the band’s discography and in the field of metal music as a whole.

10. Fear of the dark

“Fear of the Dark” is a song by Iron Maiden from their 1992 album of the same name. It is one of the band’s most iconic and enduring tracks, known for its haunting atmosphere and powerful chorus. Written by Steve Harris, the song deals with the theme of fear and the unease felt in the darkness. Bruce Dickinson’s vocals range from menacing whispers to soaring melodies, capturing the intensity of the lyrics. Musically, “Fear of the Dark” features dynamic alternations between moody verses and anthemic choruses, driven by galloping rhythms and complex guitar work. The song has become a staple of Iron Maiden’s live performances and remains a fan favorite, highlighting their ability to combine heavy metal with atmospheric storytelling.

Edward Tomlin is a frequent collaborator with Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us on social media below.