Iron Maiden – Somewhere In Time (1986)

January 10, 2022

I’m starting to notice a shift of some sort in Maiden’s music. A shift away from bombast and more towards the proggier end of the stick. Melodic riffing is more reserved, and whilst the bass has always led the way, the galloping is dialled back and the pulsing, backbone-style playing instead underpins the tracks. Bruce’s vocals are also rather reserved, for the most part.

I’m not sure what brought on this change? It works in some places (“Alexander The Great”, “Loneliness Of The Long Distance Runner”) and fails horribly in others (“Heaven Can Wait” anyone?). I’ve often wondered how Maiden got from Powerslave to the more laid back approach of Seventh Son, and I’ve finally filled in the missing link.

I liked this one. I love the art, too.