10 Best Iron Maiden Songs
9. The Longest Day - A Matter Of Life And Death
While Maiden's 14th studio album, A Matter Of Life And Death, is not strictly a concept album, the majority of the tracks deal with the same issues, namely war and religion. The Longest Day is a prime example of the former.
Based around the Omaha Beach landings in Normandy, Dickinson and co. offer a harrowing look into the life of a soldier facing death on the battlefield. The solemn lyrics depict the sickening fear of a man who knows he is about face a wall of gunfire.
This track is a wonderful showcase of the band's trademark galloping verses broken up by the powerful, anthemic choruses that make you question how Bruce Dickinson is still able to do what he does even into his late 50s/early 60s.
Of the entire composition of this song, Nicko McBrain's drum work is possibly the most important aspect. Attacking the skins with such anger and passion, the drummer transports the listener into the song, with deafening bombs and gunfire raining down with no remorse or signs of stopping.