Iron Maiden's Finest Hour. Im losfer words...
Powerslave (1984.), Iron Maiden's fifth studio album

By the mid-1980's, Iron Maiden was one of the top metal bands out there and this was further seen in their great fan following. If being on top of the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal scene at the start of the 1980's, with albums such as their self-titled debut and follow up 'Killers' was not enough, the band then made history with the seminal metal classic, 'Number Of The Beast' and then followed it up with the even better (in my opinion) 'Piece Of Mind'. The question was, could this band keep on producing such awesome heavy metal. After a long tour, the band went back to the studio and produced the 'Powerslave' album; their longest work at that point. This album has gone on to be a firm favourite amongst a number of fans but often languishes in the shadow of it's two predecessors. However, is this a fair reflection on the album?

'Powerslave' is in many ways, the last of the straight up metal albums for Iron Maiden in the 1980's, as later releases would explore the bands more progressive side. However for me, this album represents the peak of the band's powers. 'Powerslave' is a monster of an album, featuring blisteringly heavy riffs and consitently great tunes. Also though, more so than previous releases, the album explores more longer and epic songs. In many ways, this is where the album succeeds as these songs are able to keep the listener interested throughout, with plenty of captivating sequences. This is chiefly demonstrated with the title track and the 13 minute epic 'Rime Of The Ancient Mariner', showing the culmination of the band's songwriting ability. The album also features two of the band's greatest singles in 'Ace's High' and 'Two Minutes To Midnight'. Guitarists Adrian Smith and Dave Murray are in blistering form throughout the album, jamming out diverse and varied metal riffs and plenty of great solos, most notably in the 'Powerslave' song. Theres great drumming from Nicko McBrain and Steve Harris shows yet again how well the bass can be played (you could almost describe him as the 3rd guitarist in the band - his bass lines are that impressively dominant in the songs). Bruce Dickenson is well... Bruce Dickenson, vocals legendary as usual.

Not too long ago, the Iron Maiden catalogue got totally remastered and improved. Hence the 1998 remasters are the way to go. The remaster job is great and all of the songs shine through with no sound glitches but also the recent version features and excellent accompanying booklet. The CD itself also has an enchanced multimedia section and you can view video footage of the 'Aces High' and '2 Minutes To Midnight songs from your PC.

The well known opening riff to 'Aces High' gives a classic start to the album. This opener then bursts into top form fast metal from the band. Another song with a World War II theme, which the band are quite fond of in their songs, this is a great start to the song, with the chorus especially the highlight. An even better follow up in '2 Minutes To Midnight'. This is one of the few 6 minute songs that really succeeds as a single. From start to finish, it is an entrancing song with great riffs, fluid bass lines and great vocals. The instrumental 'Losfer Words (Big 'Orra)' is next up. Like most instrumentals, this song is highly underrated. It's another song full of great guitar solos supplemted by a solid bass line. 'Flash Of The Blade', another highly underrated Maiden tune follows. Mellow and deep verse riffs set up a great song and are followed up by another great chorus line. 'Duellists' finishes the first half of the album. This song is mostly instrumental with occasional inspired vocal injections from Bruce Dickenson. The guitar riffs have a heavy but again mellow feel to them, however, it is a style that works very well in this song.

'Back In The Village' opens up the second half of the album. Perhaps the work's weakest track, this song is still no turkey. The song's racy chorus is awesome and the occasional linking guitar riffs are infectiously catchy. However, on this album, the greatest 2 tracks are saved till last. The 7 minute mini-epic 'Powerslave' is the first. The song incorporates Egyptian styled progressions (in tune to the album's cover) which work really well. Bruce Dickenson uses themes of Pharoahs and Gods in what is a great vocal performance on this track. Musically, the song has great chugging riffs and wailing choruses, plus a crazy explosive ending. However the best part of the song is the instrumental part, which has some legendary bass lines from Steve Harris coupled with some killer solos from Murray and Smith. Then, if things couldn't get any better, the 13 minute epic in 'Rime Of The Ancient Mariner'. Some have called this progressive styled song overindulgent (it's Maiden's longest ever song), however there is no doubt in my mind and many others that this is one of the jewels in the crown for the band. Based on a poem by Samuel Coleridge, this epic never loses interest, whether it is in the lengthy verse riffs, the quiet but atmospheric interlude (which features creaking boat sound effects) or during the great harmonised solo section, which is Iron Maiden in full out attack. All in all, an awesome finish to an awesome album.

Many fans of Iron Maiden will say that the band's finest works were 'Number Of The Beast' or 'Piece Of Mind'. Both are excellent, classic efforts however I feel that this album tops them both, chiefly in terms of creativity and sheer power. 'Powerslave' is an album which never has a dull moment and represents the great band at their greatest height. 'Powerslave' is a must for any heavy metal fans collection, this is a perfect demonstration of how metal should be played. Don't miss out!

MY RATING: 10/10; a classic that rises above the rest

At or near their creative peak, the band delivers powerful, energetic metal, dominated by the guitar work of Dave Murray and Adrian Smith. The music shows growth and maturity, while still featuring driving riffs, blistering solos, harmony lines, and signature time changes. As always, Maiden's sound is propelled by the aggressive bass of Steve Harris. Nico McBrain is a solid, and often flashy drummer. And Bruce Dickinson continues to carve out a special place as one of metal's finest vocalists.

Steve Harris often draws on novels or historical events as source material for his songs. "Aces High", his song about the Battle of Britain, is an extremely tight number that is one of Maiden's finest compositions ever. It features the customary alternating solo break, with Murray going first, followed by Smith, showing again their contrasting styles.

"The Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner", is Harris's 13 minute epic based on the famous poem. It starts energetically, drags a bit in the slow middle section, but then finishes strong.

Powerslave, drawing inspiration from ancient Egypt, is another tight, and powerful musical journey. Creating a rich atmosphere, it transports you there to feel the pain and despair of that time period. The Egyptian motif was both the album's theme, and that of the World Slavery tour.

Blazing out of the gate, and humming like a motor, the guitars on "Back in the Village", never slow down. Murray and Smith continue to take their guitar playing in new directions, with their individual sounds meshing almost perfectly on this powerful number.

Swordplay is the theme of two songs. Penned by Dickinson, "Flash of the Blade" is a dark tune with some interesting lyrics. Not particularly "heavy", it features some tasteful guitar work, and an unusual opening riff. "The Duelists", written by Harris, is a heavier, more traditional Maiden tune, with classic elements like time changes, arpeggios, duel solos, and harmony guitar. This under appreciated musical gem, finds Murray and Smith at their complementary best.

The electrically charged "Two Minutes to Midnight", is Maiden's commentary on the politics of war in the Reagan era, and has gone on to become a concert favorite. Rounding out the album is the instrumental "Losfer Words", which is more upbeat and light, than previous instrumentals like, "Genghis Khan".

Produced my metal specialist Martin Birch, the music is very tight, and precise. The guitar work is magnificent. The band continues to refine what it does best, and explore new musical realms as well. The writing credits reflect more balance. Bruce Dickinson's vocals are right on the mark, and never seem excessive. Powerslave is one of Maiden's finest recordings, and a classic for the period, and the genre.

Aces High- was my favorite but soon became my least favorite just because it one of the shortest and the easiest to get into..which means it soon got old to me - B

2 Minutes to Midnight- one of the best on the album. It has a great chorus, a great solo, and great vocals and lyrics.- A

Losfer Words- took awhile to get into but then it really struck me. The worst of their instrumentals though.- B

Flash of the Blade- crazy! I was expecting this to be a ho hum normal song but this is awesome, especially the guitar playing in the middle.- A

Duellist- another great song that is 2/3 instrumental. Sounds similar to Losfer Words and beats it even though it gets the same grade.- A-

Back in the Village- one that gets stuck in my head but I think theres something missing in this song.- B+

Powerslave- for some reason it never captivated me until the instrumental part.But that part is memorable.- A-

Rime of the Ancient Mariner- unbelievable. This is what an epic is all about.- A

I got this cd and Piece of Mind both at the same time for Christmas and this does beat out that. To me this has little to no filler which I cant say about Piece of Mind. The Number of the Beast also I think beats out Piece of Mind but a true fan shold buy all three because they are the core of Iron Maiden. Even if you dont like Iron maiden this album will change you. 10/10

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