Iron Maiden. Discography -

For over four decades, the shadow of Eddie, the band’s undead mascot, has loomed large over the world of rock music. Iron Maiden is not merely a band; it is a global institution. With over 100 million records sold, countless world tours, and a legacy that defines the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM), their discography is a sprawling epic of mythology, history, and sonic aggression.

Unlike many veteran bands who fade into legacy-act status, Maiden has continued to produce vital, complex music well into their 60s and 70s. This guide traverses the entire studio catalog, the essential live albums, and the key compilations that every "fan" (affectionately known as a member of the Iron Maiden family) must know.

| Year (first issue) | Release type | Notable title | |---:|---|---:| | 1980 | Studio | Iron Maiden | | 1982 | Studio | The Number of the Beast | | 1985 | Live | Live After Death | | 1984 | Studio | Powerslave | | 1988 | Studio | Seventh Son of a Seventh Son | | 2000 | Studio | Brave New World | | 2015 | Studio | The Book of Souls | | 2021 | Studio | Senjutsu |

If you want a complete chronological list of every studio album, single, and major live/compilation release, I can provide the full discography table sorted by year. Also can expand any album with personnel, tracklist, and critical notes.

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Iron Maiden's discography is one of the most prolific in heavy metal history, spanning over 45 years and including 17 studio albums as of 2026. The band has sold more than 130 million records worldwide and has earned over 600 certifications. Studio Albums

Their studio output is typically categorized into eras based on their lead vocalist: Paul Di'Anno Era (1980–1981):

Iron Maiden (1980): Their self-titled debut featuring early staples like "Phantom of the Opera".

Killers (1981): The final album with Di'Anno before Bruce Dickinson joined. Classic Bruce Dickinson Era (1982–1992):

The Number of the Beast (1982): A genre-defining masterpiece and their highest-selling album with nearly 20 million units.

Piece of Mind (1983): Introduced drummer Nicko McBrain; features the hit "The Trooper".

Powerslave (1984): Known for its Egyptian theme and the 13-minute "Rime of the Ancient Mariner". Iron Maiden. DISCOGRAPHY

Somewhere in Time (1986): Experimented with guitar synthesizers.

Seventh Son of a Seventh Son (1988): A concept album that introduced keyboards to their sound.

No Prayer for the Dying (1990): A return to a "stripped down" production.

Fear of the Dark (1992): Dickinson's final album before his hiatus. Blaze Bayley Era (1995–1998):

The X Factor (1995): A darker, grittier sound reflecting line-up changes.

Virtual XI (1998): Often cited as a low point but features the fan-favorite "The Clansman". Modern Reunion Era (2000–Present):

Brave New World (2000): Marked the return of Dickinson and Adrian Smith, moving to a three-guitar lineup.

Dance of Death (2003) & A Matter of Life and Death (2006): Continued their resurgence. The Final Frontier (2010): Debuted at #1 in 28 countries. The Book of Souls (2015): Their first double studio album.

Senjutsu (2021): Their most recent release, which topped charts in over 25 countries. Other Major Releases In addition to studio work, their catalogue includes:

13 Live Albums: Most notably Live After Death (1985), widely considered one of the best live metal albums of all time.

7 Compilations: Including the popular Best of the Beast (1996) and Edward the Great (2002). For over four decades, the shadow of Eddie

4 EPs: Such as The Soundhouse Tapes (1979) and Maiden Japan (1981).

47 Singles: With classics like "Aces High," "Run to the Hills," and "Hallowed Be Thy Name". Discography Ranking: Iron Maiden : r/MetalForTheMasses

Studio Albums

Live Albums

EPs

Singles

Some notable singles:

Compilations

This guide covers Iron Maiden's extensive discography, showcasing their evolution and growth over the years. Enjoy exploring their epic and iconic music!

Title: Iron Maiden’s Discography: A Complete Studio Album Guide

Iron Maiden has released 17 studio albums across four decades, with three distinct vocal eras. Here’s the full list: | Year (first issue) | Release type |

🔴 Paul Di’Anno Era (Raw Punk-Metal)

🟠 Bruce Dickinson Era — Classic (The Unbeatable Run) 3. The Number of the Beast (1982) 4. Piece of Mind (1983) 5. Powerslave (1984) 6. Somewhere in Time (1986) 7. Seventh Son of a Seventh Son (1988)

🟡 Blaze Bayley Era (Dark & Moody) 8. The X Factor (1995) 9. Virtual XI (1998)

🔵 Bruce Dickinson — Reunion Era (Epic & Progressive) 10. Brave New World (2000) 11. Dance of Death (2003) 12. A Matter of Life and Death (2006) 13. The Final Frontier (2010) 14. The Book of Souls (2015) 15. Senjutsu (2021)

⚡ Honorable Mentions: Live After Death, Rock in Rio, En Vivo! — some of the best live albums in metal history.

Which era do you reach for first? 👇

Key Tracks: Run to the Hills, Hallowed Be Thy Name, The Number of the Beast The Lineup: Bruce Dickinson, Steve Harris, Dave Murray, Adrian Smith, Clive Burr.

The "Reagan-era Satanic Panic" album. Despite the ridiculous controversy, this is the most important heavy metal album of the 1980s. Bruce’s operatic, three-octave range gave Harris’s complex compositions wings. Hallowed Be Thy Name remains the definitive metal storytelling track. Run to the Hills is the anthem that broke them in America.

Over four decades, Iron Maiden has forged one of the most formidable and beloved catalogs in heavy metal history. From the raw energy of their self-titled debut to the epic progressive journeys of their later work, the band’s discography is a testament to consistency, artistic integrity, and the power of the "classic" lineup.

Below is a complete chronological list of Iron Maiden’s studio albums, key live albums, and compilation highlights.

Key Tracks: For the Greater Good of God, The Reincarnation of Benjamin Breeg, Brighter Than a Thousand Suns The Lineup: Same as Brave New World.

The proggiest album of their career. Maiden refused to play old hits on the subsequent tour; they played the entire album front-to-back. It is a dense, challenging listen about religion, war, and power. For the Greater Good of God is a 9-minute epic that ranks with Hallowed Be Thy Name.