SOMEWHERE IN TIME

Right after the release of their most successful studio album at that time and following what might be one of the biggest tour in those days, Iron Maiden took some time off... well, most of Iron Maiden anyway. Adrian Smith was working on writing the majority of what would become Somewhere in Time. Having reached the top of their game with Powerslave, it was time to try something a bit different. Guitar synths and keyboards were thrown in, and to amazing results, though many fans were bewildered at this bold move at first. What cannot be denied, anyhow, is the effect this album has had on the development of metal, and is definitely what should be considered as a proto prog- metal album, if not the first modern prog-metal album.

From the opening notes of Caught Somewhere in Time, Maiden makes it clear ; they have made something new and exciting, yet they still have their trademarks : dual guitar harmonies, thomping and clacking bass lines, tempo changes, high caliber musicianship and intelligent songwriting. We find an energized and original Nicko McBrain, giving it his all. And what about Bruce Dickinson ? He delivers what I consider to be his finest vocal recording ever, and that throughout the album.

On with the songs. Caught Somewhere in Time kicks of the album with an amazing guitar harmony, complete with synth guitars. The intro then incorporates drums and bass, climaxing into the song's main pattern at high velocity. Amazing theatrical vocal performance courtesy of Dickinson. And the band are up to it : intricate arrangments, time signature changes, great solos. The addition of sinth guitars adds A LOT to the atmosphere of this song, and throughout the album.

Wasted Years is the most popular single off Somewhere in Time, and I understand it though it must be my least favorite song from this album, even though I love it (and that says it all about an album, when you enjoy even your less favorite track). The main guitar motif has become an anthem. Anyway, the song is a straight-forward hard rocking tune with beautiful arrangments and, again, wonderful vocals.

Sea of Madness is a gem. You know when bands make a song that is different from what they usually do and are incredibly successful doing it ? That's the case here. Hard rocking and galloping when it needs to be, uplifting and beautiful in other moments, all the while offering a great display of musicianship and mastery of their craft. A truly progressive song.

Another anthem is found in Heaven Can Wait, a classic Harris penned number with a great sing along chorus. The band takes us, once again on a few mood swings throughout this song.

The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner is a very fast song, bringing to mind the strides of a runner in a race. The song is so relentless you can almost feel breathless when it ends. Great arrangments and vocals here too, and McBrain never gives up in this one. I suspect he is the runner here.

Next comes another gem (as in my description above), Stranger in a Strange Land. Right from the start, you cannot help but either headbang or tap your foot, and when the guitars kick in, you just do it harder. Such a mean and original riff!!! The ambiences created through the song are amazing, as is the way the song builds up.

Dave Murray's only penned number on SiT, Déjà-Vu, is another great track, not unlike The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner (if I am not mistaken, they share the same bpm). It is surprising this song fits so well in the context of the album considering it was Murray's only contribution.

What better way to end an album than an epic ? Alexander The Great is a biographical resume as much as it is an amazing epic, complete with time changes, odd time signatures, complex arrangments and yet again an amazing deliver from Dickinson.

The production fits the theme of the album, and at that time was unlike anything previously heard. Futuristic, spacey, yet hard and heavy.

This is one of Maiden's really prog albums, and as such, deserves a rating as a prog album alone. Considering the lasting influence this album has on prog, metal and prog metal, considering the groundbreaking factor and the amazing quality of the material presented here and the high caliber of every musician involved, this album deserves nothing less than five stars.