IRON MAIDEN - Killers 12" Vinyl LP Album

- Germany 2nd Pressing

Iron Maiden's sophomore album, "Killers," explodes with raw energy and showcases the band's evolution towards a more melodic, powerful sound. Brace yourself for classics like "Wrathchild" and the title track, along with the driving instrumentals that perfectly set the album's thrillingly dark tone. This is Iron Maiden solidifying their place as heavy metal masters.

IRON MAIDEN - Killers Germany 2nd Release 12" Vinyl LP Album front cover https://vinyl-records.nl

"Killers" Album Description

Iron Maiden's sophomore release, "Killers," stormed the world in 1981, showcasing the band's evolution towards a tighter, more melodic heavy metal sound. While the initial UK release is iconic, the German 2nd release holds a special place in Maiden's discography due to its sonic refinements and an intriguing track change.

Sonic Evolution

Produced by the legendary Martin "Headmaster" Birch, "Killers" on the German 2nd release demonstrates a noticeable improvement in sound quality compared to the initial UK release. This enhanced production allows instruments to cut through the mix with greater clarity. Paul Di'Anno's vocals feel more dynamic, while Steve Harris's signature basslines punch through with more definition. Adrian Smith's guitar work, now a vital component of Iron Maiden's dual guitar attack, soars with melodic leads and propulsive rhythms.

The Track Shift

A key difference in the German 2nd release is replacing the original instrumental opener, "The Ides of March," with the powerhouse track "Twilight Zone." This swap adds a strong, vocal-driven song to the album's start, kicking off the experience with greater melodic weight. "The Ides of March" still holds a place in Iron Maiden history as a showcase of the band's early instrumental prowess, but "Twilight Zone" delivers a more instant punch that's suited to the album's overall feel.

Seminal Heavy Metal

Beyond production and track listing tweaks, the core of "Killers" remains a testament to Iron Maiden's raw energy and expanding songwriting chops. Songs like "Wrathchild," "Murders in the Rue Morgue," and the title track are high-octane classics, filled with pummeling rhythms and singalong choruses. The album also unveils Iron Maiden's more nuanced side with tracks like "Prodigal Son," showcasing their ability to meld intricate musicianship with epic storytelling.

Featured Song: "Wrathchild" Explained

Iron Maiden's "Wrathchild" is a high-octane anthem that captures the raw energy and frustration of teenage rebellion.

The song explodes with galloping drums and Steve Harris's signature bassline, creating a sense of urgency that perfectly complements vocalist Paul Di'Anno's aggressive snarl. Di'Anno embodies the character of a restless youth, railing against societal constraints and yearning for freedom. Lyrics like "Gonna break all the rules" and "Got a hunger, gotta rage" resonate with anyone who's ever felt stifled by authority.

"Wrathchild" isn't just about teenage angst, though. It hints at a darker side, with lines like "Maybe destruction's what I need." This ambiguity adds depth to the song, suggesting the potential for the protagonist's anger to turn destructive.

Musically, "Wrathchild" is a masterclass in early Iron Maiden. Twin guitar harmonies soar over the rhythm section, creating a powerful and memorable soundscape. The song's breakneck pace and catchy chorus make it a live favorite, ensuring its place as a cornerstone of Iron Maiden's legacy.

Listen to Wrathchild:
 Genre: Metal, NWOBHM

 Album Production: Information

  Produced by Martin "Headmaster" 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.
  • 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.

    Cover art: 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.
  • 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: EMI Records Ltd 1C 064-07 450 (064-07450) LC 0542  

     Album Packaging: 

    Original custom black inner sleeve  

    Media Format: 12" LP Vinyl Gramophone Record 

    Year & Country:

    1981 Made in Germany  
    Band Members and Musicianson: IRON MAIDEN - Killers
    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