'Powerslave,' Iron Maiden - 1984

From the opening riff of “Aces High,” Iron Maiden’s fifth album “Powerslave” is a guitar-driven, adrenaline-fuel masterpiece and the pinnacle of the so-called New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) that established the genre as a force in the late ‘70s and ‘80s.

By the record’s release in 1984, Maiden was established as one of the quintessential flagbearers of the movement of heavy metal bands emanating out of England and around the world at the time. The NWOBHM was really what established heavy metal as its own, unique genre pushing past the blues-driven early metal of bands like Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin or The Who.

Other groups such as Judas Priest, Motorhead and Def Leppard joined Iron Maiden to forge their own path and a level of intensity unheard of in year’s past. The NWOBH was also a response to the decline in popularity of punk rock during the mid-1980s, with many rebellious fans looking for a new, heavier sound this group of bands was more than happy to oblige.

An instant success with its self-titled debut in 1980 and the follow up “Killers” in 1981, Iron Maiden quickly established a dedicated fan base surrounding its iconic logo and zombie mascot Eddie who remained a fixture of each of 17 studios album and countless live recordings in the decades since.

‘Maiden’s massive discography continually reinvented the group’s sound over the years, shifting to longer, more intricate songs and a progressive style that was refreshing and deeper than the retro acts their NWOBHM counterparts were often reduced to by the 2000s.

But Powerslave was the peak of Iron Maiden’s first run of iconic albums, featuring what became known as the band’s classic line up in full force. Vocalist Bruce Dickinson is at his operatic best, giving every song the epic vocalization they deserve – a massive improvement from former-singer Paul Di’Anno who left the band after Killers’ release, unable to keep pace with the growing power of the intrumentals.

And the dual lead guitar attack of Dave Murray and Adrian Smith give songs like “Flash of the Blade” and “The Duelists” incredible texture and articulation as the two fire off alternating and at times stereo solos that drive Iron Maiden to heights no other metal band has achieved.

Drummer Nicko McBrain, who debuted on the previous album “Piece of Mind” in 1983 beats out amazingly intricate and powerful drum fills and cymbal crashes, clearly using the full kit in every song and perfectly accenting the rhythms laid down by bassist Steve Harris – the band’s only constant member, unofficial leader and principal songwriter.

Opening song “Aces High” thrusts from the speakers with an incredibly fast-pace and the iconic riffage that announces ‘Maiden is back and as full of energy and ever before. That’s probably why this song became the perennial opener for Iron Maiden’s live shows for the last 41 years since

Powerslave first echoed through the airwaves.

Most, if not all, of these classic tracks are still fixtures of the band’s concerts, integrated with the more complex, albeit less beloved, newer tracks as Iron Maiden fights to its dying breath in what could be the group’s final decade in the 2020s.

(left to right) Dave Murray, Nick McBrain, Bruce Dickinson, Steven Harris and Adrian Smith.

Title track “Powerslave is often used midway through the usually three-hour set to renew the crowd’s energy after several songs of more contemporary experiments.

The song’s driving guitars are met with its Egyptian-themed bass line as a perfect complement to the imagery that made Powerslave also a visually unique record upon its release, with album art of a massive mural of an ancient tomb, and Eddie’s creepy face morphed into the statuesque idols the era was known for.

Closer, the 13-minute epic “Rime of the Ancient Mariner” offers lyrics inspired by the famous poem, the classic galloping rhythms that defined ‘Maiden throughout its career and of course, more of those iconic dual solos and guitar riffs. The massive track is often used for a final, devastating blow to the eardrums at the end of the live shows, meaning the classic status of Powerslave is not lost on the band itself and used to bookend its concerts.

Anyone who drops the needle on this album will know instantly that heavy metal doesn’t get any better than Iron Maiden, and ‘Maiden doesn’t get more epic, empowering or thrilling than “Powerslave.”

Personnel:

Bruce Dickinson - Vocals

Steve Harris - Bass

Adrian Smith - Guitar

Dave Murray - Guitar

Nick McBrain - Drums