Iron Maiden – Killers

Format: Vinyl LP  |  Label: Capitol Records  |  Catalog #: ST-12141  |  Year: 1981  |  Country: USA

Side A Matrix: ST-1-12141-F — Mastered By Capitol

About the Artist

Iron Maiden emerged from the East End of London in 1975, forged in the fires of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM). Led by bassist and primary songwriter Steve Harris, the band built a ferocious reputation on the UK pub and club circuit before signing to EMI in 1979. With their galloping rhythms, twin-guitar harmonies, and operatic vocals, Iron Maiden didn't just play heavy metal — they defined it for a generation. Their iconic skeletal mascot, Eddie the Head, became one of rock's most recognizable figures, gracing album covers, stage sets, and the imaginations of millions of fans worldwide.

About the Album

Killers is Iron Maiden's second studio album, released in February 1981. Recorded at Battery Studios in London and produced by Martin Birch — the legendary producer who would go on to helm every Maiden classic through Fear of the Dark — the album marked the final chapter of the Paul Di'Anno era. Di'Anno's raw, street-level vocals give Killers a gritty, punk-inflected edge that distinguishes it from the more polished sound of the Bruce Dickinson years to come.

The album showcases the band at their most visceral and hungry. Steve Harris's bass lines are thunderous and melodic in equal measure, while guitarists Dave Murray and Adrian Smith (making his studio debut with Maiden) weave intricate harmonies and blistering solos throughout. Killers reached #12 on the UK Albums Chart and helped cement Iron Maiden's international breakthrough, particularly in North America where this Capitol Records pressing was distributed.

This pressing — catalog number ST-12141 — is the original North American Capitol Records release, mastered at Capitol's renowned facilities as indicated by the Side A matrix inscription ST-1-12141-F Mastered By Capitol. Capitol pressings from this era are prized by collectors for their warm, punchy sound.

Track Listing

Side A

1. The Ides of March (instrumental) — 1:46
2. Wrathchild — 2:54
3. Murders in the Rue Morgue — 4:17
4. Another Life — 3:22
5. Genghis Khan (instrumental) — 3:01
6. Innocent Exile — 3:50

Side B

1. Killers — 5:00
2. Prodigal Son — 6:06
3. Purgatory — 3:18
4. Twilight Zone — 3:32
5. Drifter — 4:45

Highlights

• "Wrathchild" — A fan favourite and live staple for over four decades, its menacing bass intro is instantly recognizable to any Maiden devotee.
• "Murders in the Rue Morgue" — Inspired by Edgar Allan Poe, this track showcases Di'Anno's storytelling intensity and the band's flair for literary horror.
• "Killers" — The brooding, atmospheric title track, built on one of Harris's most hypnotic bass riffs.
• "Purgatory" — A blistering, sub-3-minute speed metal assault that foreshadows the Dickinson era's intensity.
• "The Ides of March" — A cinematic instrumental opener that sets a dark, foreboding tone before the album explodes into life.

Condition

Record: VG (Very Good) — Carefully cleaned with a Spin-Clean record washer and stored in a new inner plastic sleeve. The record shows minor surface scuffs consistent with age and prior play. Played on a quality turntable: no skips, no groove damage. Minor pops and crackles were noted, typical for a record of this vintage and grade.

Sleeve/Jacket: The original printed jacket is not included. The record is housed in a plain white cardboard sleeve.

Please review all condition details carefully before purchasing. Feel free to request additional images.