Iron Maiden
Somewhere In Time

THE REVIEW

YEAR: 1986

BAND: NICKO MCBRAIN (drums), STEVE HARRIS (bass), DAVE MURRAY (guitar), ADRIAN SMITH (guitar), BRUCE DICKINSON (vocals)

..........ladies and gentlemen........THE IRON MAIDEN!!!!

When it comes to Iron Maiden, I can't help but get excited, just like a (normal) man when he looks at Arcuri's nudity. When a metalhead talks about these 5 guys (now 6 adorable grandpas), they go nuts!!!

This is an album by the "maiden" that I really like, it's well-crafted in sound and doesn't leave the listener disappointed. Some might say they took a step back from its rightful predecessor "Powerslave", and I will answer that it's not so. The album offers many and original experimentations, starting from the introduction of background keyboards. Moreover, the guitars and bass are equalized and filtered to achieve a clean and clear sound, almost record-breaking for those years!

Insert the CD into your stereo system, press the PLAY button....reading........

The first track, "Caught Somewhere in Time", after about 30 seconds of keyboard-guitar intro, kicks off with a stunning bass riff by Harris (I absolutely love his deep and thunderous sound) and continues without ever indulging in "same old", gradually blooming like a flower, maturing and not boring, then the chorus is fabulous (and who among you, "metal-guys" hasn't sung the chorus in the shower, eh?).

Next is "Wasted Years", in my opinion, the best song on the album. I can't help but crank up the stereo, it's sooo beautiful, I sing, or rather shout the chorus at the top of my lungs, while my parents worriedly call 911....

"Sea of Madness" is no less than the previous track, McBrain, with spurts of his magnificent double pedal, makes us headbang hard. The song's pace is quite fast, engaging, but once the song ends, we're met with "Heaven Can Wait", which, after a slow and a bit gloomy intro in full maiden style, continues powerfully, and McBrain does an impeccable job on this track as well, precise and fast, though the song isn't much to my liking apart from the magnificent final choir, very fitting, nice guitar solo too.

"The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner" also starts slow and then develops quickly, not much more to say. On the contrary, the beautiful "Stranger in a Strange Land" is well-made, well-crafted, with a lovely bass line, catchy and fine chorus.
Let's say that as a common flaw of the songs on this album, even "Deja Vu" starts slow and develops with power. The lyrics seem a bit banal and abstract to me, but the song, especially thanks to a great and inspired Nicko McBrain, never settles for mediocrity.
The last song "Alexander the Great" narrates the deeds of Alexander the Great, starting slow and very refined (almost like the fabulous "Hallowed Be Thy Name" of "The Number of the Beast"), and develops on a faster drum theme (which indeed reminds a lot of the old style). The keyboards make it evocative in some parts, but the singing is too narrative and thus a bit rhythmic and doesn't engage the listener. Yet later when Dickinson goes on standby, the song takes on a mood and charm, with keyboards acting as curtains opening on the stunning and melodic guitar solos.

In summary, it's an album that, like all those of Iron Maiden, has some recurring flaws, but I must say that the keyboards, chosen with Harris' good taste, are pleasant and original for this group, and the cleanliness further rewards it. The rating is well-deserved.

.........LONG LIVE THE EMPERORS OF THE NEW WAVE OF BRITISH HEAVY METAL!!..............