SOMEWHERE IN TIME

Somewhere in Time is marks a progression within a band that will later lead into their highly-acclaimed "Seventh Son of the Seventh Son". I believe Somewhere in Time is a transitional album with the band experimenting with a more symphonic sound, with the help of guitar synths that sound like keyboards. This album is in my opinion their most enjoyable album since the debut.

Caught Somewhere in Time is an energetic and sophisticated composition that is worthy of opening the album. From the beginning, you can hear the guitar synths working well with the introductory guitar melody. A big portion of the song is devoted in guitar soloing. Wasted Years is a relatively simple mid-paced track focused on melodies. Sea of Madness is another melodic tune but with a faster pace and a darker tone. The guitar playing is very good here. Heaven Can Wait is an interesting song, with catchy melodies and a wonderful section with a sort of "football-chant" melody on top of guitar soloing. The Loneliness of a Long Distance Runner is a good long song with a great instrumental section. Stranger in a Strange Land is another of those tunes with well-constructed choruses, but this one has a wonderful instrumental section with good use of the guitar synths. A guitar solo plays at the end, which is something new for Maiden. Deja-vu is a nice fast-paced rocker. I especially like the guitar melody after its choruses.

Alexander the Great is the highlight of the album and their "proggiest" song up to this point. IT is very classical in terms of arrangements, as it is supposed to take you back in time. It begins with a military kind of beat and a nice and soft guitar solo, then the beat progresses and a wonderful guitar melody prepares you for the song. The synths are prominent in this song, very effectively used. The songwriting in the verses-choruses are excellent Afterwards, an fast paced instrumental with guitar noodling tricks you with its shifting time signatures until when you least expect it, an incredibly full and heavy guitar solo floors you. The instrumental continues with guitar melodies and a very long guitar solo that is very good. Another verse/chorus finishes the song.

I highly recommend this album for any progger interested in knowing what Iron Maiden is all about. This album is an excellent blend of both their sides: the energetic and the sophisticated. You won't have brainless 3-minute rockers nor a long dullfest that is "Rime of the Ancient Mariner"

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