“Whether any illicit cigarettes were involved isn’t clear, but this is the sound of Maiden floating in space”: Four Iron Maiden songs that sound nothing like Iron Maiden.

From Steve Harris’s signature galloping bass lines to Bruce Dickinson’s unmistakable vocals, few bands are as instantly recognisable as Iron Maiden. Iconic tracks like Run to the Hills and Fear of the Dark are so unique that there’s no mistaking them for anyone else part of the reason Maiden remain one of the most successful rock acts of the last half-century. Yet, even with such a well-defined sound, the band has occasionally thrown fans a curveball. Scattered across their vast discography are a few tracks that defy expectations—ranging from spacey ballads to obscure, hard rock-inspired B-sides. Here are four Iron Maiden songs that break away from their trademark style:

 

Strange World (1980)

Iron Maiden’s self-titled debut is packed with genre-defining tracks like Running Free, Phantom of the Opera, and the title song itself, each one cementing their place in metal history. But alongside those classics lies a far more experimental cut: Strange World. This dreamy, slow-paced tune floats through five and a half minutes of psychedelic guitar work and a mellow, atmospheric vibe. It has more in common with early 70s prog or Black Sabbath’s ethereal Planet Caravan than traditional Maiden. Whether or not it was inspired by any psychedelic indulgences is unclear, but it certainly sounds like Iron Maiden drifting through the cosmos.

 

Prodigal Son (1981)

Killers, Maiden’s second album, is a fast-paced metal classic full of raw energy, but one track takes a surprising detour. Prodigal Son trades the aggressive edge for a gentler, acoustic-driven sound. Featuring a plaintive vocal performance from Paul Di’Anno, the song reflects on remorse and temptation, delivering a rare moment of introspection. With its soft, melodic approach, it feels like a natural pick if Iron Maiden ever opted to do an unplugged set.

 

Reach Out (1986)

Technically not a full Iron Maiden track, Reach Out was originally penned by Dave Colwell, a friend of guitarist Adrian Smith, for their short-lived side project The Entire Population of Hackney. It was later revived by Maiden as a B-side to the Wasted Years single in 1986. With its slick, radio-ready 80s hard rock sound and Smith taking over lead vocals while Bruce provides backing, it stands apart from Maiden’s usual material. While the song didn’t redefine Maiden’s direction, it paved the way for Smith’s later departure and the creation of his band A.S.a.P, which leaned more toward commercial hard rock.

 

Satellite 15… The Final Frontier (2010)

Bruce Dickinson’s soaring vocals make Maiden songs instantly identifiable, but the opening track of their 15th album, The Final Frontier, may leave listeners second-guessing. Satellite 15… is a two-part song, with the second half being classic modern Maiden anthemic and bold. The first part, Satellite 15, however, is possibly the band’s most experimental venture with Bruce. It begins with distorted, industrial-sounding bass and frenetic percussion, slowly building into a cosmic soundscape before Bruce enters as a marooned astronaut sending one last message into the void. Haunting and unconventional, this track shows Iron Maiden boldly venturing into sonic territory no one expected.