Still, in my opinion, one of the two best Iron Maiden releases in their fruitful run (the other being 'Somewhere In Time'). 'Powerslave' is a magnificent showcase of everything that the band had to offer! This is what the "classic" line-up had in store on their second outing together: Take "The Trooper" and "To Tame a Land" from their previous album and expand and improve on these to get 'Powerslave'...

Opening with the rousing "Aces High", Maiden waste no time and introduce the listener to the recording with one of their time-tested "hits". Steve Harris' trademark galloping bass lines are blatantly showcased alongside Murray and Smith's tight fretwork. Nicko McBrain seems to have really gelled with the band in his second outing w/ Maiden as he hits every beat. Bruce Dickinson's vocals are so fresh, so right-on-the-note that you would think it was a younger Bruce's dynamic voice.

The classics continue on track 2 with "2 Minutes to Midnight"- a somewhat slower song than the opener (yet still pulsing and fast). Inspired by global conspiracy and nuclear threat, it warns of impeding doom.

"Losfer Words (Big 'Orra)" is the third work of the album. It is an instrumental (of which Maiden have done just few) that gets better from the half way point. More creative and talented than "The Ides of March" (see 'Killers'), yet less filling and enjoyable. "Phantom of the Opera" on their self-titled debut album was also superior.

"Flash of the Blade"
The intro caught one of my friend's attention. It is a departure from the classic Maiden riffing and harmonizing and would have likely been linked with Megadeth rather than Maiden. Even so, it is a fitting and effective choice for the intro to "Flash of the Blade" as Bruce sings the fantastic (or fantasy) tale of dragons and lore: "You'll die as you lived by the flash of the blade." Melodic and quite heavy.

The album continues with "Duellists" and "Back In the Village"... likely the two weakest tracks in my opinion. Both tracks are solid compositions- yet they pale in comparison to the rest of the album. These tracks would have fit better on an earlier album... If you would like to know what moods to expect on Powerslave, just imagine if these two tracks had been replaced with "The Trooper" and "To Tame a Land" ...both on their previous album 'Piece of Mind'

"Powerslave" continues the album... and though not being as big of a "hit" (or sensation) as the first two songs, it is a powerful, epic-feeling, heavy, and dark song covered numerous times by other bands. The song sounds "complete" and is in my opinion a stronger song than the first two. Due to its dark nature and somewhat plodding pace, though, it will be overshadowed by other Maiden songs.

Finally, we have the album's conclusion: the greatest Iron Maiden song 'er written, the benchmark of "epic", the pure and unadulterated meaning of life itself:
"RIME OF THE ANCIENT MARINER"
This song deserves a review in itself; and therefore I shall humbly bow my head and attempt at great effort to provide a fitting discourse on this piece that could easily have been classical music (imagine the implications if it was recorded w/ an orchestra).

Out from the dark depths, Coleridge's phantom must have surely been thrilled when it heard the sweet melody commemorating his greatest poem. Though Bruce took some artistic freedom in transfering the text to lyric, the framework and purpose of the poem remain (a stanza remains complete and intact during one of the interludes). I would recommend to anyone who will listen to this song to read through the poem by Coleridge for maximum enjoyment and understanding.

The song itself:
Though Coleridge's "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" is not directly an aquatic song in meaning, the themes and story nonetheless unfold on the ocean and deal with subjects related to it. Smith and Murray do an outstanding and laudable job of conveying the "feel" and "texture" of water throughout this 10 minute piece. It is impossible to imagine that water could sound any different than what the melodies throw before us.

The highlight of the song (it still sends chills down my spine each time I have the honor of listening to it) creeps up after the long "thirst" (or reflection) by the Mariner- signified by the slowest and stillest movement of this piece which concludes with "...then down in falls comes the rain"). Upon Bruce hitting and sustaining the final note, the listener is treated to one hell of a composition. We actually FEEL the rain come down curtesy of Murray and Smith's talent and teamwork. The melodic movement comes on so strong, so refreshing that it in fact quenches the thirst and spiritually revives a hope in both listener and Mariner alike.

Bruce Dickinson takes full command and honorably relays the poem. The specifics of the song provide us with a perfect example of what Bruce is capable of ...for the song demands every ounce of dynamic talent to get it "just right". Bruce sings, speaks, screams and does virtually everything inbetween except for rap (but then again: all rap is, is talk).

Without the understanding of the poem (or even the lyrics) the song remains a pinnacle of perfection. But I urge all (especially those who love this song) to read Coleridge's poem so that they may appreciate the intensity, the beauty, the insight, and the sheer talent. If music is your religion, then this song is your god!

'Powerslave' is intelligent metal written by intelligent musicians. Poetry, religion, political/social commentary and lore have always made Iron Maiden the front runner in a MARKET full of unintelligent brutes making noise (and unjustified hits) for stardom. Maiden have depth and substance... UP THE IRONS!!!

Recommended: Yes

Great Music to Play While: Driving