IRON MAIDEN · Killers | BLACK LP

Black vinyl.

Background information about 'Killers'

Iron Maiden's sophomore effort "Killers" stands as a testament to the band's evolution from their raw debut into something far more sinister and refined. Released in 1981, this album showcases the final recordings with original vocalist Paul Di'Anno, whose gritty, punk-influenced delivery perfectly complements the darker, more aggressive songwriting that would become a hallmark of the band's early catalog. Tracks like "Wrathchild" and the title track "Killers" demonstrate Steve Harris's increasingly sophisticated bass work and the twin-guitar assault of Dave Murray and Adrian Smith, creating a sound that was both heavier and more melodically complex than their predecessor.

The album's literary influences shine through in tracks like "Murders In The Rue Morgue", inspired by Edgar Allan Poe's classic tale, while "Genghis Khan" showcases the band's fascination with historical figures that would later become their trademark. The production, handled by Martin Birch, captures the raw energy of the band while allowing each instrument to breathe in the mix. From the ominous instrumental opener "The Ides Of March" to the closing epic "Drifter", "Killers" represents a crucial stepping stone in Iron Maiden's journey toward becoming heavy metal legends, bridging their punk-influenced beginnings with the operatic grandeur that would define their later work.

For fans of: Angel Witch, Diamond Head, Saxon, and early Judas Priest

Track listing

A1. The Ides Of March
A2. Wrathchild
A3. Murders In The Rue Morgue
A4. Another Life
A5. Genghis Khan
A6. Innocent Exile
B1. Killers
B2. Prodigal Son
B3. Purgatory
B4. Drifter

Manufacturer: Warner Music Group Germany Holding GmbH, Alter Wandrahm 14, 20457 Hamburg, Germany, Contact: www.parlophonerecords.com