Iron Maiden is a seminal British heavy metal band founded in 1975 by bassist and primary songwriter Steve Harris. Known for their operatic vocal style, complex song structures, and the iconic galloping basslines, Iron Maiden helped to shape the New Wave of British Heavy Metal in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Key band members include vocalist Bruce Dickinson and guitarist Dave Murray. Their influential works include albums "The Number of the Beast" and "Powerslave", solidifying their legacy in the annals of heavy metal history.