11 Best Iron Maiden Epics

11. Paschendale

Named for the First World War battle it recreates among its narrative, this relatively rare Smith-penned epic - complete with its quasi-hi-hat morse intro - forms the effective emotional centrepiece of the group's thirteenth album Dance of Death.

It became something of a live staple throughout the subsequent decade for the band, including appearances on the first leg of The Final Frontier World Tour. Performacnes would often see Dickinson recite the seminal Wilfred Owen poem Anthem for Doomed Youth.