SOMEWHERE IN TIME

Same sort of recipe as in "Powerslave" (their previous albums) : longer compositions, more hard-rock than metal oriented and very little prog to my ears. I am only amazed to read about the progressiveness of this album (or band).

Would you ask back in 1985 to which genre Iron Maiden's music was related, I bet you that NO ONE would have linked it with prog, that's for sure. Did they become prog with the remastering of their albums ? .Strange. Although the same progressive trends have invaded lots of bands which were never considered as such before. I must have missed their reconversion.

Anyway, this is another very good Maiden album. To be faithful to your roots was not an easy task in those mid eighties but Maiden did it remarkably. It is difficult to find a weak number in here. The album opens brilliantly on the title track which is one of the highlight.

If you are in need of energy : grab this album (or another earlier Maiden one like "Killers"). You will be rejuvenated. A killer song as "Heaven Can Wait" will just beat you down. Great chorus, majestic guitar work and incredible beat. Extremely powerful.

I would have rather titled the next song "The Loneliness Of The Short Distance Runner", because one can hardly believe a long distance one can run as fast as the amazing beat available here. It is one of my fave from this album. Fantastic guitars again and SUPER fast rhythm. Almost punkish. But that's not the first time that Maiden flirts with this genre. Another highlight.

The heaviest song is not the best one available : "Stranger In A Strange Land" has a slower-paced tempo (but I agree that it is difficult to remain on the levels of the other songs so far). This type of tracks usually doesn't please me a lot (whatever the band). I prefer energetic to heavy. Bizarrely, an atmospheric break is the start of a brilliant (guitar) solo. So, my judgement about it is mixed.

Smooth guitar to open "Déjà vu" which will be very soon converted into a fast metal mood. Drumming here is very good. Countless hits on the drum kit all the way the way through. Very effective song and nice vocals-guitar interplays.

The closing number is also a highlight. Starts on a bolero-like mood (but this doesn't make a song prog, even if the riff of "Watcher Of The Skies" from who you know is seriously borrowed around minute four). A good overview of the history of this great conqueror and an epic metal track.

This album will please any Maiden fan. It is purely in the band's trradition. No real change with this work. Four stars.