Iron Maiden
Killers
EMI Records
Released 2/16/1981
9/10
Killers is arguably one of my favourite releases from Iron Maiden for many reasons. Firstly, singer Paul Di'Anno brings such bravado and punk rock energy to all the songs. Secondly, there is a distinct theme of horror throughout this release. "Murders in the Rue Morgue" is taken from the Edgar Allan Poe short story, not to mention the title track "Killers" with it's dark lyrical content about the joys of a serial killer.
Then there's the gruesome cover art courtesy of the great Derek Riggs. This is probably one of my favourite images of Eddie holding up his blood soaked axe as he stands out in the streets of London in the dead of night. Eddie is garishly lit up by the street lamp and you can see the arms of a victim reaching up and clutching onto his shirt. The cover art reveals a fresh kill for Eddie, hence the title "Killers" to appropriately name this album.
But let's get to the heart of the matter for writing this review. Sad news hit the metal world when we learned of the passing of Paul Di'Anno on October 21st. His death hit hard for many metal heads and musicians alike; and I for one will miss him greatly. Paul's importance to Iron Maiden goes without saying considering his presence and demeanour; his contributions as the vocalists prove he was a unique frontman. There's plenty of punk rock vibes and greasy hard attitude he brought to the band to put Maiden on the map of NWOBHM.
The unfortunate part about Paul is that he had personal demons which affected him staying on as Maiden's frontman. He eventually had to bow out to make way for Bruce Dickinson to take his place. I often wonder what would have happened to Maiden if Paul never left and stayed on to record all the great subsequent albums that followed. I guess we will never know the answer to that question. In the end, you can certainly enjoy the first two albums and really appreciate what Paul brought to the band.
Getting back to Killers though, this album shines on many fronts. This is the first album with guitarist Adrian Smith who joined the ranks and helped to expand the music into new areas. Paul's vocals are more robust and edgier here than what was heard on the debut album. I feel like this album proved Paul was fully embracing his role with many of the songs grabbing you by the balls. The song "Drifter" really shows his range as a vocalist. I love how he dives straight into "Twilight Zone" which such heft to his voice and provides those shrieks in unison.
I loved his husky delivery on "Innocent Exile" and I love how he plays it fast and loose on "Another Life". I think his vocals go right over the edge when "Wrathchild" erupts with that punk rock energy. This is one of the better songs on the album that never lets up and has obviously become a fan favourite to this very day. Paul will also command you to listen to him on "Murders In The Rue Morgue" as you hear him cut loose. Then without a doubt his best performance begins with those shrieks and shouts of yahs at the start of "Killers". His vocals are urgent and immediate and it just pushes the song into overdrive, proving this to be one his best songs ever.
Killers works on many levels, but at the end of the day Paul Di'Anno is the reason this album works so much for me. His delivery is spot on; including his shrieks and screams, coupled with that husky voice. I just love how the album oozes with that punk rock energy, allowing Killers to really stand out among Maiden's discography. If you have some free time, then give this album a spin again. Killers will go down in history as the album to bear Paul's legacy as a vocaliast. RIP Paul because you will be missed.
Kenneth Gallant for Dead Meat, HMS
