Killers (1981) - Iron Maiden

 

Tracklist:

1. The Ides of March (1:46)

2. Wrathchild (2:54)

3. Murders in the Rue Morgue (4:19)

4. Another Life (3:22)

5. Genghis Khan (3:02)

6. Innocent Exile (3:54)

7. Killers (4:58)

8. Prodigal Son (6:11)

9. Purgatory (3:21)

10. Drifter (4:47)

Album Duration: 38:34

Genres: Heavy Metal / New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM)

Album Lineup: 

Paul Di'Anno – Vocals
Adrian Smith – Guitar
Steve Harris – Bass
Clive Burr – Drums
Dave Murray – Guitar

Killers by Iron Maiden – Di'Anno's Last Stand

Killers (1981) is a defining album not just for Iron Maiden, but for heavy metal as a whole. It's the final album with Paul Di'Anno at the helm, and it feels like he poured everything he had into this one. If their debut was raw and feral, Killers takes that energy, sharpens it, and adds more technicality and darkness. You can feel the band pushing forward, evolving, and yet still holding onto that gritty edge that Di'Anno embodied so well.

The production, done by Martin Birch, gives this album a polished yet aggressive feel. Dave Murray and Adrian Smith are on fire with their twin-guitar assault, creating intricate and melodic leads that set the standard for Iron Maiden’s signature sound. Steve Harris's basslines are galloping and powerful as ever, and Clive Burr's drumming is solid, delivering precision while keeping up with the relentless pace of the band.

But the real standout here is Paul Di'Anno. His vocals are rough and full of attitude, and you can tell that he’s giving his all, knowing this was his last outing with Maiden. There's a rebellious energy in his voice that gives Killers its edge, and it’s one of the reasons why this album stands out so much in their early catalog.

Track-by-Track Dive:

Wrathchild – Classic Maiden. From the bass intro to the tight riffs, this song hits you right in the face. Di'Anno's sneering delivery perfectly matches the song's vibe-angry, defiant, and raw. This is one of the tracks that feels timeless to me, and it's no surprise it’s a fan favorite.

Murders in the Rue Morgue – This is where the band takes storytelling to the next level. Based on the Edgar Allan Poe tale, it’s fast-paced and frantic, much like the lyrics. Di'Anno brings out the desperation of the man running from the law, and the way the tempo shifts makes it feel like you’re part of the chase. It’s one of those songs that hooks you in with its narrative and energy.

Killers – The title track is one of my absolute favorites. That opening riff? It’s pure menace. Di'Anno’s vocal delivery here is legendary-dark, foreboding, and perfectly suited to the lyrics about a cold-blooded killer. There’s something almost primal about his performance, and it gives the song a kind of dangerous, unpredictable edge that I love.

Prodigal Son – A bit of a departure for Maiden. It’s slower, more reflective, and Di'Anno shows a softer, more melodic side here. The acoustic elements and mellow vibe are a nice change of pace from the aggression in the rest of the album, and it shows that even in their early days, Maiden had range. It’s a track that often gets overlooked, but it’s one of those hidden gems for me.

Purgatory – This one is pure speed, and you can tell the band was beginning to push the limits of their technical abilities. Di'Anno handles it with ease, and the song is a whirlwind of energy. The fast riffing and the way the song shifts gears make it one of the most exciting tracks on the album.

Drifter – A perfect way to close the album. It’s upbeat, catchy, and you can feel the chemistry between the band members. The live energy in this song is undeniable, and you can almost imagine the crowd chanting along during the chorus. It’s one of those tracks that makes you want to get up and move.

Killers is a perfect blend of Maiden’s raw beginnings and the technical mastery they were about to explore in their later albums. Paul Di'Anno’s vocals are what give this album its unique character-gritty, rebellious, and full of attitude. It’s no wonder this is often considered his finest moment with the band. The whole album feels like a storm brewing before Maiden took off into the stratosphere with Bruce Dickinson.

For me, Killers represents a special era in Maiden’s history. It’s darker, more aggressive, and has that punk-like edge that Di'Anno brought to the table. His departure marked the end of an era, but what a way to go out. Every time I listen to this album, I’m reminded of how integral Di'Anno was to shaping Maiden’s early sound.

A Short Note on Paul Di'Anno's Passing

Sadly, Paul Di'Anno passed away yesterday (October 21, 2024). As the original frontman of Iron Maiden, he gave the band their rebellious energy and street-level grit. His performances on Iron Maiden and Killers are legendary, and his contribution to heavy metal is undeniable. Di'Anno may be gone, but his voice will echo through the halls of metal history forever. Rest in peace, Paul.