i've said this before but I think I should repeat it... I wasn't a big metal fan, AND... being old an curmudgeonly I like to tease Metal Fans, (a bit)... BUT...
I liked it. Pretty much had to as my son was a HUGE Metal fan when he was a kid. Still is for that matter.
He got me into it.. I took him to his first concerts... expecting to be bored or even more... driven crazy.... but lo & behold... loved it!
And Iron Maiden was one of my favorite metal groups. One thing that really impressed me about them were their live albums. Normally I'm NOT a big live album fan... not in ANY genre... but Iron Maiden's live albums, IMHO, were outstanding. Still prefer the others... but don't mind the live ones AT ALL.
Anyway... like any genre, I can't say they were my absolute 'favorite' metal band... but just off the top of my head I can't think of another I liked any better. - JamesJM