KILLERS

This good, but not great, early album by metal gods Iron Maiden is raw, energetic, and maybe even a little ambitious. The group's songwriting and complex instrumental passages definitely show that they're striving for something more than just the punk metal label that the band is often given at this stage in their career. Personally, I think the "punk" label is quite misused; the production of Killers is first rate, and the band sounds way too focused to be a punk group. But I digress.

The album opens with a dramatic instrumental metal fanfare, then kicks in the door with the fist pumping "Wrathchild." The great riffing, hooks, and bass work on this track make it a concert favorite even today. "Murders in the Rue Morgue" keeps the momentum going, with its combination of dynamics and memorable chorus. Adrian Smith's guitar presence is felt strongly from this point forward, with he and Murray taking the twin-lead guitar schtick to great levels.

There are a few standout moments in the tracks that follow, but in general Killers is not likely to leave is big of an impression as the group's later works, or even the debut. At times I felt that the songwriting was almost too ambitious; the group felt like they were struggling to keep up at times. Killers is closer to Number of the Beast in terms of style, but not quite there yet.

Still, not much to complain about in this excellent hard rock/metal release. Recommended for those seeking some edgy, feedback-heavy riffing from one of the all-time best.

Songwriting: 3 - Instrumental Performances: 3 - Lyrics/Vocals: 3 - Style/Emotion/Replay: 3