So says Mat Davies on Medium
More than just having very loud songs that you could play very loudly, Iron Maiden opened doors to literature, art, greek mythology, nineteenth century poetry, science fiction, horror movies and military history.
Now, you can’t say that about The Smiths, can you?
#1, #2, and #4, maybe.
The Smiths had a different set of cultural references in their songs, and especially record sleeves, so I wouldn’t entirely agree with your last comment.