Recommended hard rock and heavy metal

[2025] A roundup of IRON MAIDEN’s popular and classic songs

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and have been contributing to music magazines and web media for over 15 years. Although Western music is my main field, I always strive to stay curious with the motto, “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in a band, where I was a bassist responsible for songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve performed on include bass, guitar, and piano. I resumed piano lessons after turning 40 and have been continuing ever since!
Editor-in-Chief, RAG MUSICKeisuke Hane
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC. After working at a music studio and in wedding sound engineering, joined the RAG MUSIC editorial team in 2016. Experienced with various instruments: marching band in elementary school, clarinet in middle school wind ensemble, and drums in a band from high school onward. Drawing on personal music activities and professional experience, produces daily articles, including song introductions, features on music festivals around Japan, and live reports. Enjoys a wide range of music, from domestic and international rock to, more recently, a broad spectrum of J-pop.

Formed in 1975 and boasting an activity history approaching 50 years, Iron Maiden is the ultimate heavy metal band, still going strong as a fully active act in the 2020s.

In September 2024, they realized their first Japan tour in about six years, electrifying metalheads across the country—a memory still fresh for many.

For those who’ve recently become interested in this iconic band—emblematic of heavy metal not only for their music but also for their mascot “Eddie,” a figure even people who haven’t heard their songs have likely seen—this article compiles and introduces their signature and most popular tracks.

The lineup also includes songs frequently performed at recent live shows, so be sure to check it out!

[2025] IRON MAIDEN Popular and Classic Songs (21–30)

PurgatoryIron Maiden

Iron Maiden – Purgatory

PurgatoryIron Maiden

A track included on the second album, Killers, released in 1981.

It kicks off with a driving, fast-paced guitar riff and barrels forward with a brisk beat from start to finish.

Rather than relying heavily on the power-chord riffs common in many rock numbers, the guitars emphasize melodic phrases throughout, highlighting the vocal melody.

With technical yet catchy twin-lead guitar lines and a rhythm section whose beat defines the song’s character, it’s a number that showcases Iron Maiden’s signature pop sensibility.

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REMEMBER TOMORROWIron Maiden

Remember Tomorrow (2015 Remaster)

REMEMBER TOMORROWIron Maiden

A track included on Iron Maiden’s debut album released in 1980.

It’s also well known for being covered by the world-famous American metal band Metallica on their 2016 album.

The song builds from a lowered, dark tone into increasing intensity, features a guitar solo in the middle where the feel suddenly shifts, then returns to the original motif—an arrangement that could be called a textbook example of a metal number.

It’s a piece that lets you feel the depth and fascination of metal as music—more than just sheer aggression.

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[2025] A roundup of IRON MAIDEN’s popular and classic songs (31–40)

WrathchildIron Maiden

Iron Maiden – Wrathchild (The Book Of Souls: Live Chapter)

WrathchildIron Maiden

A track included on their second album, Killers, released in 1981.

From the intro—where a rhythm pattern that starts with bass and drums is joined by a fully rock-flavored guitar—you can feel the spirit of classic British rock, even though they’re a metal band.

With its repeatedly appearing unison riff that sticks in your ears, this is an indispensable song when talking about the formative years of the late-1970s musical movement NWOBHM.

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Speed Of LightIron Maiden

Iron Maiden – Speed Of Light (Official Video)

Speed Of LightIron Maiden

How about some fast-paced, classic heavy rock? It’s included on their 16th album, The Book of Souls, released in 2015.

The emotional, “crying” guitar phrases are really cool.

Listening to it before an important match might pump you up.

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Flight Of IcarusIron Maiden

Iron Maiden – Flight Of Icarus (Official Video)

Flight Of IcarusIron Maiden

This song, with its cool choppy guitar and bass phrases, is included on the 1983 album “Piece of Mind.” It’s themed around Icarus from Greek mythology.

The powerful choral work is really awesome.

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Sea Of MadnessIron Maiden

Sea of Madness (2015 Remaster)

Sea Of MadnessIron Maiden

The hot guitar riffs and bass phrases pump up the tension right from the intro.

It’s included on the 1986 album “Somewhere In Time.” A literal translation of the title would be “Sea of Madness.” I picture a ship moving alone across the sea.

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Brave New WorldIron Maiden

Iron Maiden – Brave New World (Live at Rock in Rio 2001)

Brave New WorldIron Maiden

It’s the lead track from the 2000 album Brave New World.

Its rapidly unfolding, dramatic composition is captivating.

The powerful sound alone is enough to set your heart ablaze.

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