By Francesc Borrull · May 19, 2025

Iron Maiden is more than a band. It’s a universe, a state of mind, and, in many ways, a defining part of who I am musically and personally. In this post, I’ll be surveying ten of my favorite Iron Maiden albums. The list is in chronological order, not ranked by preference—though, if you pressed me, I’d say my #1 favorite is a three-way tie between Powerslave (1984), Somewhere in Time (1986), and Seventh Son of a Seventh Son (1988).

There’s a simple reason for that: I discovered Iron Maiden in 1986, the very year I started high school. I remember it like it was yesterday. The first Maiden song I ever heard was “Remember Tomorrow” from their debut album Iron Maiden (1980). The track came on a cassette tape my brother’s girlfriend had given him—maybe the full album, or maybe just a mix of songs, I can’t quite recall. What I do remember is the feeling: goosebumps, adrenaline, awe.

Heavy metal hit me like a freight train. And it wasn’t just the music—it was the people too. Two of my classmates, Juan Antonio Fraile and Juan Manuel Aguilera, were both diehard metalheads. Aguilera, in particular, was a Maiden purist—he practically looked like Bruce Dickinson! Fraile was more musically eclectic, with a broad knowledge of rock and progressive music, but his enthusiasm for Maiden was just as fierce. Their passion pulled me in.

Those early high school years were formative for me—not just in becoming the man I am today, but in shaping my musical DNA. Before that, I’d spent the summer of 1984 listening to KISS (thanks to a cousin who thought there was no other band) and discovering Accept’s album Restless and Wild (yes, the one with “Princess of the Dawn”). I’d dabbled in Judas Priest, but nothing had fully clicked until Maiden entered my life.

To this day (writing this in 2025), Iron Maiden and Metallica remain my two favorite bands. They’ve created something timeless—each a genre unto themselves. I’ve written about Metallica elsewhere in this blog (see this post, this one, this other one, and finally also this one), but today, it’s Maiden’s turn.

Here are 10 Iron Maiden albums I absolutely love, spanning from their 1980 debut to their latest release, Senjutsu (2021). This range alone speaks volumes about their enduring quality, vision, and commitment over more than five decades.

1. Iron Maiden (April 14, 1980)

It’s hard to believe this album came out 45 years ago. And yet, it still holds up—raw, fast, and fierce. This debut introduced the world to Iron Maiden’s unmistakable energy, blending punk’s urgency with metallic precision. With Paul Di’Anno on vocals and Steve Harris already leading the charge, the album is full of classics like “Phantom of the Opera,” “Sanctuary,” and of course, “Running Free”—one of my all-time favorite Maiden songs. But for me, this album will always be about “Remember Tomorrow”—my gateway into the Maiden universe. Hearing that for the first time changed everything.

2. The Number of the Beast (March 22, 1982)

For many fans, this is the definitive Iron Maiden album—and it’s easy to see why. This was Bruce Dickinson’s first outing with the band, and he came in with a vengeance. From the galloping power of “Run to the Hills” to the epic “Hallowed Be Thy Name,” this album is a relentless force. Personally, while it’s not my #1, I fully acknowledge its legendary status. Songs like “Children of the Damned” and “The Prisoner” showcase the band’s growing ambition and storytelling chops. This album is heavy metal.

3. Piece of Mind (May 16, 1983)

This one always feels criminally underrated to me. It’s Nico McBrain’s first album with the band, and you can hear the difference right away—starting with that thunderous drum intro on “Where Eagles Dare.” It’s packed with monster tracks like “The Trooper” (probably my favorite Maiden song), “Flight of Icarus,” and “Die With Your Boots On.” It has grit, melody, and a fearless spirit. Nico, if you’re reading this—get back on those drums for one more record!

4. Powerslave (September 3, 1984)

This album is nothing short of PERFECTION. From the blazing open of “Aces High” to the majestic 13-minute odyssey “Rime of the Ancient Mariner,” this is where Maiden became larger than life. Everything about this album screams epic—the themes, the musicianship, the sheer ambition. “2 Minutes to Midnight” and the title track “Powerslave” are absolute beasts. If you’ve never listened to Maiden and want to know what they’re about—start here.

5. Somewhere in Time (September 29, 1986)

This was the first Maiden album I ever bought with my own money. That alone gives it a special place in my heart. With its sci-fi aesthetics and expanded use of synths, it marked a bold sonic evolution. Some fans weren’t sure what to make of the new sound, but I loved it. “Wasted Years” is one of the most personal songs for me—especially as I’ve grown older. I once broke into tears running on a treadmill as I listened to it and finally understood what the lyrics truly meant. Other favorites: “Alexander the Great” and “The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner”—how could I not love that one as a runner?

6. Seventh Son of a Seventh Son (April 11, 1988)

By now, Maiden was experimenting boldly. This album is a concept masterpiece, layered with keyboards and mystical themes. It also contains massive hits like “Can I Play with Madness?” and “The Evil That Men Do.” While some fans were skeptical of the more radio-friendly sound, I say: why not reach more fans? Like Metallica, Maiden evolved, and I applaud them for it. Other personal highlights include “Infinite Dreams” and the haunting closer “Only the Good Die Young.” Absolute genius from start to finish.

7. Brave New World (May 29, 2000)

I seriously considered adding Dance of Death here, but Brave New World is just too powerful to leave out. This album marked a glorious return—with both Bruce Dickinson and Adrian Smith back in the lineup. The band sounded rejuvenated and full of purpose. Tracks like “The Wicker Man,” “Blood Brothers,” and “The Nomad” stand tall next to their classic-era material. There’s a depth and maturity here that’s hard to describe—like Maiden had rediscovered their identity, but also grown with time. This could’ve easily been a swan song; instead, it was a relaunch.

8. A Matter of Life and Death (August 25, 2006)

This is Maiden at their most philosophical and cinematic. The lyrics dive deep into war, mortality, and the human condition. It’s a heavy listen, but a rewarding one. “Different World,” “These Colours Don’t Run,” “The Pilgrim,” and “For the Greater Good of God” are just masterful. Honestly, if I were ranking these, this would be in my Top 5. It’s that good.

9. The Book of Souls (September 4, 2015)

First things first: that cover art—absolutely killer. But this is no case of style over substance. The Book of Souls is a double album packed with intensity, intricacy, and introspection. It includes the 18-minute epic “Empire of the Clouds,” one of the most ambitious pieces the band has ever recorded. There’s a confidence here, a band at the height of its craft, unafraid to push boundaries. I keep coming back to “If Eternity Should Fail” and “The Red and the Black.”

10. Senjutsu (September 3, 2021)

Maiden’s most recent studio album proves that they’re not done yet—not even close. With themes inspired by Japanese history and strategy, Senjutsu combines Maiden’s signature gallop with a more reflective, almost progressive tone. Highlights for me include “Stratego,” “Lost in a Lost World,” and the closing trilogy “Hell on Earth.” After 40+ years, to still be this creative? That’s legacy. That’s legend.

Let me know your favorites, or which Iron Maiden album changed your life. For me, this list is personal—etched into the soundtrack of my youth and adulthood alike.

Up the Irons!

© Francesc Borrull, 2025