'Killers' has the addition of influential guitarist 'Adrian Smith' and a better production ('Martin Birch'), than the first album, however I don't think this release betters it. There is nothing on this disc to rival the epic 'Phantom of the Opera' and whilst its consistently heavier than the predecessor, it lacks the diversity exhibited on the first album, also this more vocal heavy album, exposes the limits of vocalist 'Paul Di'anno'.

'The Ides of March' is a nice short build up instrumental which leads to the strongest cut of the disc, the pounding 'Wrathchild', which features sweet chugging guitars and some of the best vocal highlights of the album. 'Murders in Rue Morgue' is one of the more intricately penned tracks, with a good chorus and fast guitars. The instrumental 'Genghis Khan' sounds reminiscent to 'Transylvania' but whilst its a good track it doesn't surpass it. The title track is a classic that's still a live regular, it boasts interesting stop-start guitar work that interlaces nicely with the vocals and great doom etched lyrics. Other solid staples include the care-free almost punky 'Another Lie', the steady paced 'Prodigal Son', the blazing 'Purgatory' and the enjoyable romp 'Drifter'.

All said this is still a strong cut heavily in the NWOBHM tradition, although this would be the last album for 'Paul Di'anno', he was involved in the live E.P. 'Maiden Japan'. After his departure, the introduction of vocalist 'Bruce Dickinson' escalated the group to arguable the best 'Heavy Metal' group of their time.