Is Iron Maiden a satanic band?

[Joseph Deheza]

My mom keeps telling Iron Maiden is a satanic band.

She knows their lyrics speak about history, literature, and short stories. I even told her the drummer became a Christian a few years ago (which is true).

But she keeps insiting the "satanic" part come in the albums covers, which feature a "monster" names "Eddie" doing "not so Christian" acts. Yes, actually their albums feature ugly and nasty images, but I dont think that makes them satanic.

I did alot of investigation throught the internet, asking people who know and like that type of music and even on radio stations; however, I would like to hear the point of view of the Christian community.

 

[Skilletdude]

No... they may not have the most wholesome songs here and there but trust me, it's cleaner than most stuff you can hear on the radio today. And really there aren't any that I can think of that I found really offensive at all. They had that one album, Number of the Beast or whatever... Everyone points to that album when saying Iron Maiden is a satanic band. But if you read the lyrics, there isn't anything Satanic about it. More like about a guy haunted by evil/seeing evil take place in the forest and everyone I think has had spiritual battles in their life.

I mean, I can understand someone not wanting to hear their kid going "six... six six... sacrifice is going on tonight". If I had kids, I wouldn't let them listen to it till they're older either. And they have other you know... songs that may make people do a double take if they don't know the context of the lyrics. But to answer your question, no... they are not satanic in the slightest. But they aren't Christian either. They're actually one of the more "wholesome" metal bands out there though. And seriously... much less offensive than anything on the radio today content wise. And much better musically too

BTW: I don't speak for the Christian community... this just my opinion as a Christian who loves metal.

 

[Citanul]

What "not so Christian" acts does Eddie actually do? I'm not that familiar with their single covers, but for the albums the only one I can think of that can possibly be classified that way is Number of the Beast where Eddie is controlling the devil like a puppet. Most of their album covers are just pictures of Eddie on his own.

Skilletdude's pretty much covered it, but I would add that I get the impression that while Bruce Dickinson and Steve Harris aren't Christians, some of their lyrics suggest that they're not entirely opposed to the idea of there being a God.

 

[JC_Crust]

skilletdude, fantastic analysis...

 

[Awesome_Frog]

Just thought I'd toss in some IM trivia as well. the album "Number of the Beast" was actually a joke/ ribbing at their critics that kept calling them a satanic band. Pretty much, just them thumbing their nose at them. lol

 

[Delphiki]

Just thought I'd toss in some IM trivia as well. the album "Number of the Beast" was actually a joke/ ribbing at their critics that kept calling them a satanic band. Pretty much, just them thumbing their nose at them. lol

This is correct. It's much the same way that a band called Suicidal Tendencies did a song called "Your Mommy" and the Misfits did "Last Caress" which flat out says "I've got something to say.. I killed your mother today..." It's a snarky reaction to people who call metal and punk "kill-your-mother-music"

Did Elvis ever stop shaking his pelvis when parents complained about it?

 

[JC_Crust]

This is correct. It's much the same way that a band called Suicidal Tendencies did a song called "Your Mommy" and the Misfits did "Last Caress" which flat out says "I've got something to say.. I killed your mother today..." It's a snarky reaction to people who call metal and punk "kill-your-mother-music"

Did Elvis ever stop shaking his pelvis when parents complained about it?

haha my nephew was singing "your mommy" the other day along with the music so i promptly turned it off lol i love it when bands tell critics were to stick it

 

[eyupmiduk]

Hi, I'm new here but thought I'd throw my opinon in. One of my favourite albums is the first one where all the songs relate to horror films. Apart from some innuendo in the lyrics there's not a lot wrong. Similarly "Killers" isn't too bad, in fact I'm fairly comfortable up to and including Piece of Mind. However, after that they seem to play more and more with darker themes which rather puts me off.

 

[theb4ssm4ncometh]

They aren't christians man. That said they are incredible musicians. The horror themes are just from a weird fascination Bruce Dickinson (singer) has, and really having nothing else to write about. listen to em', its great music. just dont ingest the message. question it and put God first.

 

[WandererOfTheWastes]

Not quite sure how many of you guys know it, but NoTB is based off a book of some sort (which is something Maiden have always had a penchant for).

Eddie's just a mascot that helps make their live shows a bit more awesome. They're a great band, for sure, and definitely not satanic.

 

[singpeace]

Here are the lyrics to just 3 of Iron Maiden's songs. I listened to them over 25 years ago before I was saved. I went to one of their concerts and everyone in the audience was screaming "666! 666! 666!"

They have some songs that contain pretty good lyrics. Don't let it fool you. It's a way for Satan to get his foot in the door with you by sugar-coating the truth with lies.


The Number Of The Beast lyrics
Songwriters: Harris, Steve;

Woe to you, oh earth and sea
For the Devil sends the beast with wrath
Because he knows the time is short
Let him who hath understanding
Reckon the number of the beast
For it is a human number
Its number is six hundred and sixty six

I left alone, my mind was blank, I needed time to think
To get the memories from my mind
What did I see? Can I believe that what I saw
That night was real and not just fantasy?

Just what I saw in my old dreams
Were they reflections of my warped mind staring back at me
'Cause in my dreams, it's always there
The evil face that twists my mind and brings me to despair

Night was black, was no use holding back
'Cause I just had to see, was someone watching me?
In the mist, dark figures move and twist
Was all this for real or just some kind of Hell?

6 6 6, the number of the beast
Hell and fire was spawned to be released

Torches blazed and sacred chants were praised
As they start to cry, hands held to the sky
In the night, the fires are burning bright
The ritual has begun, Satan's work is done

6 6 6, the number of the beast
Sacrifice is going on tonight

This can't go on, I must inform the law
Can this still be real, or just some crazy dream?
But I feel drawn towards the chanting hordes
Seem to mesmerize, can't avoid their eyes

6 6 6, the number of the beast
6 6 6, the one for you and me

I'm coming back, I will return
And I'll possess your body, and I'll make you burn
I have the fire, I have the force
I have the power to make my evil take its course




[the] Iron Maiden [song] lyrics

[Paul Di'Anno]

Won't you come into my room, I wanna show you all my wares.
I just want to see your blood, I just want to stand and stare.
See the blood begin to flow as it falls upon the floor.
Iron Maiden can't be fought, Iron Maiden can't be sought.

[Chorus]
Oh Well, wherever, wherever you are,
Iron Maiden's gonna get you, no matter how far.
See the blood flow watching it shed up above my head.
Iron Maiden wants you for dead.

Won't you come into my room, I wanna show you all my wares.
I just want to see your blood, I just want to stand and stare.
See the blood begin to flow as it falls upon the floor.
Iron Maiden can't be fought, Iron Maiden can't be sought.


Bring Your Daughter To The Slaughter lyrics

Honey it's getting close to midnight
And all the myths are still in town
True love and lipstick on your linen
Bite the pillow, make no sound
If there's some living to be done
Before your life becomes your tomb
You'd better know I'm the one
Unchain your back door, invite me around

Bring your daughter, bring your daughter to the slaughter
Let her go, let her go, let her go
Bring your daughter, bring your daughter to the slaughter
Let her go, let her go, let her go
Let her go, yeah!

Honey it's getting close to daybreak
The Sun is creeping in the sky
No patent remedies for heartache
Just empty words and humble pie

So get down on your knees Honey
Assume an attitude
You just pray that I'll be waiting
'Cause you know, you know I'm coming soon

Bring your daughter, bring your daughter to the slaughter
Let her go, let her go, let her go
Bring your daughter, bring your daughter to the slaughter
Let her go, let her go, let her go

So pick up your foolish pride, no going back
Nowhere, no way, no place to hide, let her go

Bring in your daughter
Bring in your daughter
Bring in your daughter
Bring in your daughter
Bring in your daughter
Bring in your daughter
To the slaughter

Bring in your daughter
Fetch your daughter
Bring in your daughter
Fetch your daughter
Bring in your daughter
Fetch your daughter
To the slaughter

Bring your daughter, bring your daughter to the slaughter
Let her go, let her go, let her go
Bring your daughter, bring your daughter to the slaughter
Let her go, let her go, let her go
Bring your daughter, bring your daughter to the slaughter
Let her go, let her go, let her go

Let her go, let her go, let her go

I'm coming to get you now!

 

[WandererOfTheWastes]

Two out of three of those lyrics (daughter & number) are based off novels, Iron Maiden was by their first singer and doesn't get a run anymore. I dunno, they're definitely not christian, but they're definitely not satanists either. You've pretty much cherry picked the worst Maiden songs and went with that, it's not an accurate representation.

 

[JC_Crust]

Here are the lyrics to just 3 of Iron Maiden's songs. I listened to them over 25 years ago before I was saved. I went to one of their concerts and everyone in the audience was screaming "666! 666! 666!"

They have some songs that contain pretty good lyrics. Don't let it fool you. It's a way for Satan to get his foot in the door with you by sugar-coating the truth with lies.


The Number Of The Beast lyrics
Songwriters: Harris, Steve;

Woe to you, oh earth and sea
For the Devil sends the beast with wrath
Because he knows the time is short
Let him who hath understanding
Reckon the number of the beast
For it is a human number
Its number is six hundred and sixty six

I left alone, my mind was blank, I needed time to think
To get the memories from my mind
What did I see? Can I believe that what I saw
That night was real and not just fantasy?

Just what I saw in my old dreams
Were they reflections of my warped mind staring back at me
'Cause in my dreams, it's always there
The evil face that twists my mind and brings me to despair

Night was black, was no use holding back
'Cause I just had to see, was someone watching me?
In the mist, dark figures move and twist
Was all this for real or just some kind of Hell?

6 6 6, the number of the beast
Hell and fire was spawned to be released

Torches blazed and sacred chants were praised
As they start to cry, hands held to the sky
In the night, the fires are burning bright
The ritual has begun, Satan's work is done

6 6 6, the number of the beast
Sacrifice is going on tonight

This can't go on, I must inform the law
Can this still be real, or just some crazy dream?
But I feel drawn towards the chanting hordes
Seem to mesmerize, can't avoid their eyes

6 6 6, the number of the beast
6 6 6, the one for you and me

I'm coming back, I will return
And I'll possess your body, and I'll make you burn
I have the fire, I have the force
I have the power to make my evil take its course




[the] Iron Maiden [song] lyrics

[Paul Di'Anno]

Won't you come into my room, I wanna show you all my wares.
I just want to see your blood, I just want to stand and stare.
See the blood begin to flow as it falls upon the floor.
Iron Maiden can't be fought, Iron Maiden can't be sought.

[Chorus]
Oh Well, wherever, wherever you are,
Iron Maiden's gonna get you, no matter how far.
See the blood flow watching it shed up above my head.
Iron Maiden wants you for dead.

Won't you come into my room, I wanna show you all my wares.
I just want to see your blood, I just want to stand and stare.
See the blood begin to flow as it falls upon the floor.
Iron Maiden can't be fought, Iron Maiden can't be sought.


Bring Your Daughter To The Slaughter lyrics

Honey it's getting close to midnight
And all the myths are still in town
True love and lipstick on your linen
Bite the pillow, make no sound
If there's some living to be done
Before your life becomes your tomb
You'd better know I'm the one
Unchain your back door, invite me around

Bring your daughter, bring your daughter to the slaughter
Let her go, let her go, let her go
Bring your daughter, bring your daughter to the slaughter
Let her go, let her go, let her go
Let her go, yeah!

Honey it's getting close to daybreak
The Sun is creeping in the sky
No patent remedies for heartache
Just empty words and humble pie

So get down on your knees Honey
Assume an attitude
You just pray that I'll be waiting
'Cause you know, you know I'm coming soon

Bring your daughter, bring your daughter to the slaughter
Let her go, let her go, let her go
Bring your daughter, bring your daughter to the slaughter
Let her go, let her go, let her go

So pick up your foolish pride, no going back
Nowhere, no way, no place to hide, let her go

Bring in your daughter
Bring in your daughter
Bring in your daughter
Bring in your daughter
Bring in your daughter
Bring in your daughter
To the slaughter

Bring in your daughter
Fetch your daughter
Bring in your daughter
Fetch your daughter
Bring in your daughter
Fetch your daughter
To the slaughter

Bring your daughter, bring your daughter to the slaughter
Let her go, let her go, let her go
Bring your daughter, bring your daughter to the slaughter
Let her go, let her go, let her go
Bring your daughter, bring your daughter to the slaughter
Let her go, let her go, let her go

Let her go, let her go, let her go

I'm coming to get you now!

yeah but also never know if theyre just telling a story.

 

[eyupmiduk]

I know this is a thread about Iron Maiden but consider Black Sabbath. Everyone thought of them as satanic and then they wrote a song about having being saved called "After Forever" on the Masters of Reality album. writing of song lyrics isn't always a literal thing, it's like poetry and is written for a reason. Iron Maiden's first album lyrics were to celebrate the horror flick genre which they all liked, but I think the lyrics may have specifically been written by Steve Harris (??) as he was and still is the driving force in the band. If we stop listening to music because it's not Christian then that's fine and dandy, but I don't think we're meant to be afraid of things just because they don't tick all the theological boxes or whatever.

 

[theb4ssm4ncometh]

I know this is a thread about Iron Maiden but consider Black Sabbath. Everyone thought of them as satanic and then they wrote a song about having being saved called "After Forever" on the Masters of Reality album. writing of song lyrics isn't always a literal thing, it's like poetry and is written for a reason. Iron Maiden's first album lyrics were to celebrate the horror flick genre which they all liked, but I think the lyrics may have specifically been written by Steve Harris (??) as he was and still is the driving force in the band. If we stop listening to music because it's not Christian then that's fine and dandy, but I don't think we're meant to be afraid of things just because they don't tick all the theological boxes or whatever.

BumP this post, I STRONGLY agree

 

[Citanul]

The Number Of The Beast

This is based on a nightmare that Steve Harris had after watching the movie the Omen II. And the line if you look at the following verse, it's not casting the events described in the song in a good light.

This can't go on, I must inform the law
Can this still be real, or just some crazy dream?
But I feel drawn towards the chanting hordes
Seem to mesmerize, can't avoid their eyes

[the] Iron Maiden [song] lyrics

I'm not quite sure what this song is about, but I wouldn't say that it's obviously evil.

Bring Your Daughter To The Slaughter lyrics

This is another song whose meaning is unclear, but Bruce Dickinson has apparently stated that this song is about a girl getting her first period, while other theories suggest that it's about sex. That still doesn't make it evil.

And if you're quoting lyrics, you missed this one, which hardly seems to be what you'd expect from a "Satanic" band.

No Prayer For The Dying

There are times when I've wondered
And times when I've cried
When my prayers they were answered
At times when I've lied
But if you asked me a question
Would I tell you the truth
Now there's something to bet on
You've got nothing to lose

When I've sat by the window
And gazed at the rain
With an ache in my heart
But never feeling the pain
And if you would tell me
Just what my life means
Walking a long road
Never reaching the end

God give me the answer to my life
God give me the answer to my dreams
God give me the answer to my prayers
God give me the answer to my being

 

[JC_Crust]

[/b]

[/color]This is based on a nightmare that Steve Harris had after watching the movie the Omen II. And the line if you look at the following verse, it's not casting the events described in the song in a good light.





I'm not quite sure what this song is about, but I wouldn't say that it's obviously evil.



[/color]This is another song whose meaning is unclear, but Bruce Dickinson has apparently stated that this song is about a girl getting her first period, while other theories suggest that it's about sex. That still doesn't make it evil.

And if you're quoting lyrics, you missed this one, which hardly seems to be what you'd expect from a "Satanic" band.

No Prayer For The Dying

There are times when I've wondered
And times when I've cried
When my prayers they were answered
At times when I've lied
But if you asked me a question
Would I tell you the truth
Now there's something to bet on
You've got nothing to lose

When I've sat by the window
And gazed at the rain
With an ache in my heart
But never feeling the pain
And if you would tell me
Just what my life means
Walking a long road
Never reaching the end

God give me the answer to my life
God give me the answer to my dreams
God give me the answer to my prayers
God give me the answer to my being

*high five*

 

[PeculiarGuy]

They have a great sound. I listen to some of their music, but quite, I heard more than one song about the devil, which made me question them. I lot of metal band like singing about satan, which doesn't make them satanic.

 

[theb4ssm4ncometh]

They have a great sound. I listen to some of their music, but quite, I heard more than one song about the devil, which made me question them. I lot of metal band like singing about satan, which doesn't make them satanic.

thx you.

non-believers may have a fanciful fascination with Satan. they may have this same fascination with greek mythology. that doesnt mean they believe it.

 

[PeculiarGuy]

But I wouldn't suggest anyone listen them...