Iron maiden
Somewhere In Time

THE REVIEW

Some people say "enough with the usual Maiden reviews"? Well, let me oblige. Instead, I present to you one completely different from the "usual" ones, as it does not concern an album produced by the band, but the cover of "Somewhere In Time." Designed by Derek Riggs, it can be considered the best, as it encapsulates the entire history of Maiden up to that album. Sure, if we look at it superficially, it won't seem much different from the others we already know (the good old Eddie occupying a prominent space, inspiring a bit of disgust, horror, and at the same time, fascination). But if we look closely, we can truly fall into a trance, it’s like living in this futuristic world, and one has the sensation of not being able to get out. This is due to the multitude of elements and details within the scene. So let's leave Eddie aside and focus on these details.

Not knowing where to begin, I would say let's analyze the left page of the cover and the inscription "Aces High Bar," in a skyscraper at the top left. A bit higher, a plane older than the other aircraft on the cover flies, also meant to commemorate the song (and the single). On the opposite side, at the top right, there is a winged man who is falling (what better way to depict the flight, or rather, the fall of Icarus, from which Iron Maiden drew the magnificent "Flight Of Icarus"?). And what about the writings and signs reproduced in the landscape? Many of them cite past hits or foundations of the band, such as "Phantom Opera House," already mentioned, "Live After Death," "Ancient Mariner Seafood Restaurant," the digital clock showing 23:58 ("2 Minutes To Midnight"); or other signs that keep memories of important places for the band, such as "Long Beach Arena," where the first major Live was recorded ("Live After Death," precisely), "Ruskin Arms," where they debuted in front of a small audience (the patrons of the London pub), "Rainbow," etc. Much more visible, instead, is the pharaonic scenario that presents itself as the background of the city (in the center). Let's also consider the five "little men" a bit off to the side in the image, with Dickinson holding some brains (but doesn't it remind you of "Piece Of Mind"?). And have you noticed - breathtaking detail - the scrolling text in the center with the inscription "latest results... ... west ham 7 ... ... arsenal 3"? West Ham is the name under which bassist Steve Harris played when he was young (his passion for football is well known, isn't it?).

We have other details on the right side of the cover, which I haven't commented on (and I will say little about it, as there is less to say than on the left side), such as the inscription "Acacia," which would cite the song "22 Acacia Avenue" and, just below, a poster defaced by some vandal who wanted to pay homage to the mythical mascot Eddie.

Having said this, I admit that while you struggle to find new elements to add to the long list (I haven't mentioned them all, for example, I didn't talk about death watching the five "bad boys"), you realize that you could get lost in that immensity, and that each label you see, even the most insignificant ones (unless someone manages to find one), makes you invent an event of history that has nothing to do with it or that has not yet occurred. To give an example, the inscription "Ooke," or something similar, brought to mind - due to the pronunciation - the song "Hooks In You." Only later did I realize it was released in 1990 ("Somewhere In Time" is from 1986).

One more thing: if you, dear readers, happen to find components of the cover that I haven't talked about, you are absolutely free to let me know.