The greatest metal band of all time. A NWOBHM band that has defined all metal we know today (excluding Nu-Metal). Iron Maiden (along with the also immortal Judas Priest , Thin Lizzy, and Motorhead) influenced every 80s and 90s thrash band (including Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, and most noticeably Iced Earth) and invented the Power Metal genre (even though technically IM is neither thrash metal nor power metal). Their best albums are the golden trio: Number of the Beast, Piece of Mind, and Powerslave. Their two new albums, Brave New World and Dance of Death, also kick fucking ass. Their best song, fuck it, THE BEST METAL SONG EVER MADE is Hallowed be Thy Name.
Iron Maiden is the beginning. Iron Maiden is the reason. Bruce Dickinson is the best singer. Dave Murray and Adrian Smith (and Janick too) are the best guitarists. Steve Harris is the all-time best songwriter and a damn good bassist, and Nicko McBrain is a fucking amazing drummer. Iron Maiden can't be fought.
by Wyatt b quiet March 12, 2004
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The best Metal band ever. Best thing to come out of England, i'd say. They are genius, and not satanic, which many people of the US Portray them as.

They have so many awesome hits. Almost every song they write is amazing!
Hallowed be thy name, Rime of the Ancient Mariner, Alexander the Great, Aces High, Dance of Death, No More Lies, Seventh son of a seventh son, Blood Brothers, The Evil that men do, etc, etc, etc! :D
by Colin (alias Ohgar) May 18, 2004
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1) One of the defining bands of Heavy metal through the 80's. Famous for songs such as "Number of the Beast" "Bring your Daughter to the Slaughter" and "2 Minutes to Midnight". They show some of the highest levels of instrumental talent known to Metal. A major inspiration to metal bands through the 90's to present day. They continue to churn out amazing and consistant hits (apart from during the mid 90's). Contrary to popular American belief, they are NOT satanists.
2) A medieval torture and execution device which was made of iron. A person was placed inside the box of the iron maiden while the door (which had impaling spikes on the inside) was closed slowly to to maximise pain and injury, while the prisoner died over the next few hours to few days from their injuries.
1) "I just picked up Iron Maiden's new album, it's amazing!"
2) "Throw him in the Iron Maiden!"
by Burbster November 30, 2003
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1) The best metal band...wait...best band ever.

2) A medieval torture instrument shaped rather like a coffin, but that the head and feet could come out of. It was lined with spikes inside, and closed on people who commited the most heinous crimes, such as not liking the king.
Iron Maiden are awesome.

I'd like to put that dipshit NED in an Iron Maiden.
by Bored_individual June 15, 2004
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1) A british metal band, easily recognized by Bruce Dickinsons distinct voice and amazing vocal range. Best known songs include Run to the Hills, Number of the Beast and Hallowed be Thy Name. Latest album (as of 2007) was A Matter of Life & Death. Iron Maiden takes their name from the torture device (below).

2) A torture device, where the victim would be impaled from all sides by spikes. Contrary to popular belief, no iron maidens have ever actually been used. The only known non-contemporary model was built in the late 19th century as a hoax.
1) "I heard that Bruce Dickinson rejoined Iron Maiden! Rock on!"

2) "You don't like Iron Maiden? Get in the iron maiden!"
by GenesisDK April 21, 2007
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One of the best Metal bands ever and my most favourite band ever. They are also one of the most influential bands ever to exist.

Formed on Christmas Day 1975 by Steve Harris. The band name was gained through the TV film 'The Man in the Iron Mask' which Harris saw.

Steve Harris and Guitarist Dave Murray are the only 2 members who have been there since the first album. Maiden became the leaders in NWOBHM along with the likes of Judas Priest with their first two albums 'Iron Maiden' and 'Killers' which had Paul Di'Anno on vocals until he left half way through the Killers World Tour because of cocaine abuse, during the recording of Killers Adrian Smith came in to replace Dennis Stratton. It was not until a certain Mr Bruce Dickinson replaced Di'Anno that Iron Maiden hit international success with the classic album 'The Number of the Beast' and then after that the band just grew and grew. It was also after Number of the Beast where long time drummer Nicko McBrain replaced the departing Clive Burr and made his album debut on 'Piece of Mind'.

After recording the exceptional 'Seventh Son of a Seventh Son' album guitarist Adrian Smith left the band due apparent unhappiness of the band's music direction, he was then replaced by Janick Gers who played guitar on Bruce Dickinson's first solo album, Janick's first recording with Iron Maiden was No Prayer for the Dying. The turn of a new decade began a dip in Iron Maiden's journey with the rise of grunge and alternative rock. After 1992's 'Fear of the Dark' Bruce Dickinson left the band to pursue a solo career and he was replaced by Wolfsbane lead singer Blaze Bayley which lead to mixed reactions from the fans. Both albums 'The X Factor' and 'Virtual XI' with Blaze didn't chart very well and in 1999 Blaze left by mutal consent. The music world would be shocked when Bruce Dickinson and Adrian Smith both returned and the band where they also decided to retain Janick Gers giving the band 3 guitarists.

Since the classic line up returned they have recorded 3 albums which are Brave New World, Dance of Death and A Matter of Life and Death with all 3 albums recieving critical acclaim. With a new album planned it is expected to be released sometime in 2009.

My favourite albums from the Beast have to be:
Iron Maiden
Killers
Number of the Beast
Powerslave
Seventh Son of a Seventh Son
A Matter of Life and Death
No Prayer for the Dying (a very underrated album to be fair)
Somewhere in Time

The band line up is:
Bruce Dickinson - Lead Vocals
Dave Murray - Guitar
Adrian Smith - Guitar
Janick 'Underrated' Gers - Guitar
Steve Harris - Bass/Band Leader
Nicko Mcbrain - Drums
And of course not forgetting the band's mascot Eddie The 'Ead
Iron Maiden's gonna get all of you ;))))
by HullCityAFC08 December 10, 2008
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