Iron Maiden are returning to the forefront of pop culture with two of their iconic songs starring in TV shows and movies that have been talked about as little as a few. From Stranger Things to the big screen, Iron Maiden's sound proves that it remains alive, influential and deeply connected to today's generation of viewers and listeners.
Their music Iron Maiden stars once again, with two of their classic songs used in defining scenes in recent productions for the small and big screen. The legendary heavy metal pioneers see their music take on new life, introducing their work to a new generation of listeners.
First, “The Trooper” was featured in the Stranger Things finale, sparking a new wave of interest in the band’s catalog. The result was explosive: the song’s streams on streaming platforms increased by 252%, while the band’s reputation was rekindled, proving that Maiden remain timeless and relevant.
A few days later, another of their iconic songs, “The Number Of The Beast”, accompanies one of the most extreme cinematic scenes of the year. In the horror film starring Ralph Fiennes, the actor dances almost naked on a pile of human bones, while Bruce Dickinson’s voice is heard singing “Woe to you, oh Earth and Sea…”. The result is a chilling musical background that remains etched in the viewer’s memory.
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“The Number Of The Beast” is the core of Iron Maiden’s third studio album, released in 1982. It is considered a turning point in the history of heavy metal and the moment the band went from promise to lasting acclaim. The song’s success is inextricably linked to the arrival of Bruce Dickinson, who replaced Paul Di’Anno and transformed the band into a global force.
"I knew I was joining a great band and I could take it off," Dickinson has said, describing his entry into Maiden. His almost operatic voice gave the band the intensity and size they were lacking, leading to an album that is now considered legendary.
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Iron Maiden bassist and founder Steve Harris wrote most of the album's songs, including "Run To The Hills," "Children Of The Damned," and "Hallowed Be Thy Name." Harris was inspired by a nightmare he had after watching the film Damien: The Omen II. The result was a song that not only defined the genre, but also caused a stir in the United States, with conservative circles accusing the band of Satanism.
As Dickinson has said, the “negative” publicity ultimately benefited them: “It was free advertising. The kids were like, ‘If they’re burning their records, then I’ve got to get some more.’” Iron Maiden weren’t just a band that made noise—they were the band that symbolized the musical freedom of the era.
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The legendary narration in the introduction to “The Number Of The Beast” comes from the Book of Revelation and was read by Barry Clayton, as Vincent Price had requested a fee too high for their budget. The result was an iconic beginning that set the tone for the entire album. Despite the small budget — just £28.000 — the record sold over 1,5 million copies within six months and reached the top of the British charts.
The celebrations at London's Marquee Club following its release were worthy of the historic achievement: a band that started with a few pounds a week managed to change the sound of heavy metal forever.
Dickinson recalls that, after the success, there was a strange “silence”: “We were at the top, we had done everything, and I asked myself — what do I do from here on out?” That moment of introspection was also the turning point that led Iron Maiden to continue evolving, always remaining true to their sound and philosophy.
Today, four decades later, Iron Maiden continue to fill stadiums and influence generations of musicians. Their resurgence through modern TV shows and films isn't just a nostalgic throwback — it's confirmation that their spirit, energy, and message remain unwavering.
“The Number Of The Beast” and “The Trooper” are not just songs; they are chapters of a living story that continues to be written. Iron Maiden’s music remains a cry for freedom, a tribute to creation, and a reminder that, no matter how many decades pass, heavy metal never dies — it simply changes form and returns stronger than ever.
