IRON MAIDEN - KILLERS 12" Vinyl LP Album

- Canadian Release

Killers is the second album by IRON MAIDEN. It was the first of their albums to feature guitarist Adrian Smith, and the last to feature vocalist Paul Di'Anno, who left the band mid-tour due to problems with alcohol and cocaine. This was also the first album produced by veteran producer Martin Birch who went on to produce their next eight albums before retiring after Fear of the Dark in 1992
 

 

IRON MAIDEN - Killers Canada 12" Vinyl LP Album front cover

In the Heart of Darkness, a Killer's Tale Unfolds: Iron Maiden's Canadian Onslaught
Album Description:

From the depths of London's historic Battery Studios in 1981 emerged a sonic maelstrom destined to carve its name into the annals of heavy metal. Iron Maiden, the New Wave of British Heavy Metal's rising stars, unleashed their sophomore album, "Killers," upon the Canadian masses, a sonic testament to their growing prowess and unyielding spirit.

Produced by the legendary Martin Birch, who had previously helmed iconic works by Deep Purple and Black Sabbath, "Killers" showcased a band on the precipice of greatness. Birch's deft touch, along with the engineering expertise of Nigel Hewitt, captured the raw energy and intricate musicianship that would become Iron Maiden's signature.

The album's cover art, a chilling masterpiece by Derek Riggs, featured the band's iconic mascot, Eddie, lurking in the shadows, a menacing figure ready to strike. The imagery perfectly encapsulated the album's dark themes of murder, revenge, and the macabre.

Musically, "Killers" was a relentless assault of galloping rhythms, soaring vocals, and intricate guitar harmonies. Tracks like "Wrathchild," "Murders in the Rue Morgue," and the title track itself became instant anthems, their infectious energy resonating with metalheads across the nation. The album's historical context is significant, as it marked a pivotal moment in Iron Maiden's career. It solidified their position as one of the leading forces in the burgeoning heavy metal scene, setting the stage for their subsequent rise to global stardom.

The Canadian release of "Killers" on the Capitol Harvest label was a landmark event, introducing a new audience to the band's unique brand of metal. The album's raw power and uncompromising spirit struck a chord with Canadian fans, who embraced Iron Maiden with open arms.

While "Killers" was not without its controversies, with some critics deeming the lyrics too violent or graphic, the album's impact was undeniable. It cemented Iron Maiden's reputation as a force to be reckoned with, paving the way for a string of classic albums that would define the genre for decades to come.

Music Genre: 

NWOBHM New Wave of British Heavy Metal 

Album Production Information:

The album: "IRON MAIDEN - Killers Netherlands" was produced by: Martin Birch

  • Martin Birch – Producer, Sound Engineer Martin Birch was the steady hand behind some of the most powerful rock and metal records of the 1970s and 1980s. As an engineer and producer, he shaped the sound of Deep Purple and Fleetwood Mac before becoming the defining sonic architect for Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, and Rainbow. His productions balanced clarity with raw force, turning heavy riffs into timeless statements and albums into genre benchmarks.
    Martin Birch Wiki

    • Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Martin Birch, Nigel Hewitt

    Nigel Hewitt a British Sound Engineer who has (during the 1980s) engineered vinyl albums for heavy metal bands like: Def Leppard, Iron Maiden, Dio, Mammoth and others.

    This album was recorded at: Battery Studios, London

    Battery Studios London has been a key recording centre since the 1970s, known for its high-end equipment and sessions spanning rock, pop, and metal. Countless artists shaped their sound here, leaving a production legacy that still influences modern studio work. Read more.

    Album cover design: Derek Riggs

  • Derek Riggs – Illustrator, Cover Artist Derek Riggs is the artist who gave Iron Maiden its visual soul by creating Eddie, one of the most recognizable mascots in heavy metal history. Since the band’s 1980 debut, his artwork fused sci-fi, horror, and dark fantasy into covers that were as confrontational and imaginative as the music itself. Riggs’ paintings didn’t just decorate records, they built a world that became inseparable from Maiden’s identity.
    Derek Riggs Wiki

    • Album cover photography: Robert Ellis

    Robert Ellis is a renowned music photographer celebrated for capturing iconic live performances and behind-the-scenes moments of legendary rock and metal bands. His compelling visual storytelling has appeared in countless magazines and album sleeves. Discover more through this dedicated profile.

    Record Label: 

    Capitol Harvest ST-12141 

    Record Format

    12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
    Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: xxx gram  

    Year & Country 

    1981 Made in Canada  
    Band Members and Musicians on: IRON MAIDEN Killers
      Band-members, Musicians and Performers
    • Clive Burr - Drums
      Clive Burr rose from East End beginnings to become Iron Maiden’s early rhythmic engine, shaping their sound with speed, swing, and sharp precision. His career blazed intensely before illness cut it short, yet his impact on heavy metal drumming still echoes through generations. Read it Here
    • Dave Murray - Guitars
    • Dave Murray – Guitar Dave Murray, born 1956, is the melodic mastermind behind Iron Maiden’s signature twin-guitar attack. A founding member, his fluid, expressive solos and perfectly locked harmonized leads have shaped the band’s sound since 1975. His playing blends bluesy phrasing with precision and restraint, never flashy for its own sake, always serving the song. That balance made him a quiet but essential pillar of heavy metal guitar.
      Dave Murray Wiki
    • Paul Di'Anno - Lead Vocals
      Paul Di'Anno (1958–2024) powered Iron Maiden’s raw early era with his gritty voice and street-edge intensity, defining their first records with fire and attitude. His life swung between metal triumphs and hard personal battles, but his rebellious spirit and influence on the genre remain unmistakable. Read it Here
    • Steve Harris
    • Steve Harris – Bass, Songwriter Steve Harris, born 1956, is the driving force behind Iron Maiden’s galloping bass lines and long-form, story-heavy songwriting. Founding the band in 1975, he defined their identity with ambitious compositions that mixed punk urgency, progressive structure, and pure metal muscle. Anthems like The Trooper and Hallowed Be Thy Name carry his fingerprints all over them, making him one of NWOBHM’s most influential architects.
      Steve Harris Wiki
    • Adrian Smith
    • Adrian Smith – Guitarist, Songwriter Adrian Smith is one of those players I always associate with Iron Maiden’s classic sound and its later revival. Joining in 1980, leaving in 1990, and returning in 1999, his melodic solos and sharp songwriting helped define albums from The Number of the Beast to Brave New World and beyond.
      Adrian Smith Wikipedia
    Complete Track Listing of: IRON MAIDEN Killers
      Tracks:
    1. The Ides of March
    2. Wrathchild
    3. Murders in the Rue Morgue
    4. Another Life
    5. Genghis Khan
    6. Innocent Exile
    7. Killers
    8. Prodigal Son
    9. Purgatory
    10. Drifter

    IRON MAIDEN - Vinyl Records Discography Home Page