Iron Maiden - Killers (1981)

They say that the second album is the hardest, especially when your band have done a fantastic debut album. So when Iron Maiden tackled the mission with writing their sophomore album "Killers" I think everyone in 1981 that had heard the band's debut hoped for another killer album. But since this album was released more than ten years before I was born I have no idea what the metal community's expectations was so let us put those thought aside and instead focus on the album.

"Killers" is very much alike its predecessor. It is fast, has some progressive intentions, has a instrumental track ("Genghis Khan") and a rough, but still great, production. The only real difference I can find  between "Iron Maiden" and "Killers" is that "Killers" does not have any song that would be considered a hit. "Iron Maiden" has "Running Free" and "Phantom of The Opera" but "Killers" does not have songs that has that immediate striking force. The two songs that are closest is the catchy opener "Wrathchild" and the edgy title track but they do not reach all the way to be instant hits. They are still two of my favourite songs in the album but they are not single material.

One advantage with the missing of a hit is that the album seems more consistent and whole. I find several songs in "Killers" that hold a really high class when it comes to both musicality and structure. One of the songs that holds the highest standard is "Murders In The Rue Morgue" with its great balance of speed, musicality and lyrical excellence. Other noticeable songs are the fast "Another Life", the instrumental "Genghis Khan" that gives a small hint on Maidens future, the head banging friendly "Purgatory" and the bonus track "Twilight Zone" where Paul Di'Anno sings out some of his best vocal register.

But not all songs hold "Killers" up on its toes. I find "Innocent Exile" fun but a little too repetitive for my taste and "Prodigal Son" sounds more like a mix up between Dream Theater and Rush then a Iron Maiden tune. It is these two tracks that ultimately puts "Killers" below "Iron Maiden". I find that "Iron Maiden" has more character and edge while "Killers" has its consistency and improved musicality. But when it comes to the performance I find the two albums evenly matched. The band is tight and Paul sings as good as he can but I am happy that he was kicked out of the band before the third album since I think that Paul does not have all the attributes to unleash the ultimate potential of Iron Maiden.

Ultimately I find "Killers" to be a worthy follow up to the successful debut album "Iron Maiden" but it is not a step forward for the band. "Killers" has a better consistency but the real overall edge is missing and the memorable factor is weak. "Killers" is a good album that is definitely worth a check or two but it is not one of the bands absolute highlights.

Songs worthy of recognition: Killers, Murders In The Rue Morgue, Purgatory

Rating: 7,5/10 Twilight Zones