•
Rating:
THE REVIEW
This album, released in the distant (!) 1984, is the successor to "Piece of Mind" and the noticeably superior predecessor of "Somewhere In Time." Probably this is the album that marked the creative peak (come on, let's not get back to the usual talks, the E C G chords and their advancing age... I now find Iron disgusting but up to Fear Of The Dark they were almost ALMOST perfect) because the first track, the famous "Aces High," whose video is introduced by a Churchill speech, leaves you breathless with a sustained bass and soaring guitars. The following is the equally famous "2 Minutes to Midnight," whose 2 minutes are the hour before atomic war (remember that we're in 1984) featuring a rather repetitive riff but accompanied by a very "shifty" bass if you'll allow the term. It follows with the instrumental "Losfer Words," which is quite nice, but not essential. The 4th is "Flash of the Blade," a melodious song that was also used as a soundtrack for a Dario Argento film whose name I can't remember. The 5th track is "The Duellists": practically identical to "Where Eagles Dare" in vocals, but with a different chorus. The 6th is "Back in the Village," a perfect song that fully expresses the new Iron style and connects the seventh song, "Powerslave," with eerie screams and a drum passage. "Powerslave," the title track, has lyrics that depict the resurrection attempts of Egyptian pharaohs and towards the end presents an exceptional melodic part, with sweet guitars and a powerful but never intrusive bass. The last track "The Rime of The Ancient Mariner" has a duration of about 13 minutes. It's a historic piece of the band that even today, 20 years later, is still played and acclaimed by fans. This is Powerslave, and these are Iron, loved and hated: I who listen to Megadeth and Metallica find them exceptional, but... DE GUSTIBUS NON DISPUTANDUM EST.
Loading comments slowly
Summary by Bot
Powerslave is highlighted as Iron Maiden's creative peak album, released in 1984 and superior to its preceding and succeeding albums. The reviewer praises standout tracks like 'Aces High', '2 Minutes to Midnight', and the epic 13-minute 'The Rime of The Ancient Mariner'. The album is recognized for its strong melodic structure, basslines, and thematic depth relating to war and mythology. Despite some repetitive riffs, it remains a classic revered by metal fans and musicians alike.Tracklist Lyrics Videos
Iron Maiden
British heavy metal band formed in 1975, led by bassist and principal songwriter Steve Harris. Famous for epic studio albums, theatrical live shows featuring vocalist Bruce Dickinson, and the mascot Eddie.180 Reviews
Other reviews
By Suengiu_metal88
This CD with a cover that takes us back to the times of ancient Egypt has been one of Iron Maiden’s greatest masterpieces.
‘Rime Of The Ancient Mariner,’ with its thirteen minutes of song, might seem like a tiresome song at first, but when Steve takes the helm of it all, we discover an extraordinary Maiden style that encourages us never to stop listening.
By fritz
Powerslave, the perfect synthesis of the band’s furious early approach and their exploration of new sounds.
'Rime Of The Ancient Mariner' is nothing short of a not quite perfect assembly of at least three or four songs, complete with a central part recited by an off-screen voice.
By the x factor
Masterpiece, masterpiece, masterpiece. The right word for this album, really beautiful, with perfectly crafted riffs and solos studied in minute detail.
The longest and most ambitious song of the entire Maiden repertoire... a song to listen to all in one breath, which never becomes boring.
By nik
The CD in question can be considered perfect in every aspect: cover, production (keep in mind that 22 years have passed) and songs.
'Rime Of The Ancient Mariner'... in just under 15 minutes is encapsulated the best Iron has recorded: A track to pass on to posterity.
By Snowblind
Powerslave is, without a doubt, my favorite album by Iron Maiden.
Listening to tracks like this truly evokes sadness because it makes you realize that there will never be albums and bands like this again.
