The middle section of this song is probably one of the main excuses for not to play it live. Because they need four guitars to play it well (Bruce should play the fourth guitar in this case, like they did on the middle part of Revelations when the band there was two guitars only) Maiden arrangements on a few songs are composed for lots of guitars together.
“Powerslave” is an incredible album, as well as all the albums that Maiden created in the 1980s. I haven’t decided yet which is my favorite of theirs from that era, they all contain gems!
Powerslave was my first album by Iron Maiden, given to me when I was just 9 years old. I wore that cassette out!!! It's still my favorite Iron Maiden album!! A close second is Somewhere in Time.
The breakdown and solo of Powerslave is still one of my favorite pieces ever. Not only in metal, in music in general. Timeless album from start to finish.
YES...when I saw Live After Death, the whole album jumped out at me even more, and YES, it makes anyone want to restart and relisten to the whole album... it's all so RICH AND FULL...OMG, I COULD BE STRANDED ON AN ISLAND WITH ONLY THE ABILITY TO PLAY POWERSLAVE AND PIECE OF MIND FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE, AND BE SATISFIED...LOL...🔥🔥🔥
Powerslave is ridiculously awesome. I wore out the cassette tape I got for Christmas when it came out within a few weeks, and I've worn out many sets of strings learning to play the songs from Powerslave. I still play Powerslave songs everyday. Up the Irons!!!
Hey Nico, Alex from Brazil here !! , Man, you really deserve a Medal from the Maiden fans. Your work , energy, passion and knowlege of analyzing the bits and bobs of maidens music is simply amazing....Here it goes my sincere gratitude and thanks to you work !!! I wonder if any of the members of Iron Maiden ever contacted you for an interview or chat on your channel ......
I have believed and said for years and years that this album was the absolute peak of Maiden. Each album of the first five was an evolutionary step for the band. Killers from the first album, Number of the Beast from Killers, and Piece of Mind from Number of the Beast. But Powerslave was I think two steps forward where everything was perfect, from the sound of the band to the song material to the performances themselves. While I love Somewhere in Time and Seventh Son just as much as the previous five, I think those two albums represent Maiden staying exactly where they were after ascending to that rarified air with Powerslave. And yes, I am aware that I love this album maybe a little *too* much because it was my gateway into the world of metal, because it led me to discover Van Halen, Metallica, Megadeth, and Anthrax as well as plethora of other hard rock and metal bands, but I hear things in Powerslave that Maiden would rarely do again in subsequent albums, ESPECIALLY when Adrian left/was fired in 1989. Aces High is the perfect tablesetter for the album. Fast, but coherent, hard but melodic. Combine that formula with the guitar sound that they used, and it's a head-snapping jab to the face. Two Minutes To Midnight take the pace down a step, but musically its a long looping right hook that threatens to knock you out with its intensity. This song is a tour de force by Dave, Adrian and Steve.It shows what happens when the band is in lockstep, particularly the guitars and bass. Losfer Words... I am an admitted sucker for instrumentals, and have been since I was a kid. If you wanted me to truly listen to a band, let the singer sit down for a minute and let the band show you exactly what they're about and what they can do. That's how I discovered Maiden, Metallica, Rush, Dokken, Van Halen, and other bands. This was also the first song I learned how to play on guitar when I decided to pick it up in 1989 at the tender age of 21.It's fun to play, and fun to listen to. I agree with Nico that it's a shame that Maiden stopped doing instrumentals after this. Flash of the Blade. The first time I heard this song away from the album was the horror flick Night of the Creeps IIRC. I saw the ad for the movie on TV and I was surprised that Maiden was used in this way. This is another fun and fast song showing once again Steve's love and passion for movies and television in the songwriting. The Duellists.. Until I heard Rime, I thought this song was the magnum opus for this album. This was an underrated song in the lineup, if only for the harmonies in the middle. I have the guitar tab book for Powerslave and Somewhere in Time, and the number of guitars used in the harmonies is insane. I think they were using six guitar tracks for this song. Back In The Village.. This song is the perfect opener for the second side, and showcases Adrian's ability to riff you into the next dimension. As fast as Aces High, and is the sequel to The Prisoner. You almost have to take the time from the end of the song and into the title track just to catch your breath. Powerslave.. After hearing this song for the first time, I was certain that there was no way the band could top themselves after this (news flash: I was wrong). I love the mid-to fast tempo of the verses, the uplifting of the first part of the chorus, which plummeted you straight down to the earth in the second part only to lift you back up again, which to me represented a deity's fall from grace and his railing at his fate. Then the solo section which was both Steve and Dave soloing at the same time while Adrian supports them with arpeggiated chords was once again uplifting, only to have your face pushed into the mud by Adrian's earthy solo backed by Dave's power chord rhythm's supported by Steve. Then the harmonious bridge going into Dave's finishing solo is just a masterpiece. Just fantastic. Rime of the Ancient Mariner.. As much as I love this song, I found a new level of appreciation of it through YT reactors to the song, namely Doug Helvering and Charismatic Voice. One is a professor of music, the other an opera singer. Their knowledge of music broke this song down to its constituite elements so well, that I just recommend to watch their reactions to the song after this video. The first part of telling the tale of how the mariner and the crew came to be cursed was told just as much through the music as through the lyrics and Bruce's signing of them. The second part, where dave is using I believe add9 chords to convey the feeling of being lost with the mariner, Steve is using triads to reinforce that feeling, Adrian's haunting melody over top and by the way, Nicko's cymbal work is fantastic at adding another level of hopelessness, only for hope to come shining through in the next part, starting with Steve and Nicko. Then Bruce's descending scream leading right into Adrian's iconic solo, only to be followed up by Dave's equally iconic solo leading to the harmony and breakdown, then back to the main riff to finish the story.... *chef's kiss* Yes, I love this album. I bought this album on cassette at LEAST five or six times, because I would wear them out playing them on my stereo and walkman. Every time I saw Live After Death I wished I could have seen this tour. I wished even more I could have afforded to see the Somewhere Back In Time tour, but I was broke at the time. This album represents a lot to me and where I was in my life back them (15 years old).
Pretty much all you said is the same for me. We are the same age, same experience of this album being our gateway. I still have the original vinyl I purchased. Powerslave was one of the first concerts I went to as well. Still my favorite concert of all time. I did see the Somewhere in Time tour. I did love it, but Powerslave was them at their absolute peak.
The part that comes after the "haunting part" in Rime of the Ancient Mariner up untill the end of the solo is simply and truly one of my favourite little piece of music EVER, in any style of music, in any time of human history. True perfection.
I never understood why the majority of fans only talk about the 4 famous songs when the Duellist ,Losfer...and Flash of...are on the same level. If these 3 songs were part of the set list on the World slavery tour then I'm sure they would get the recognition they deserve. The guitar work on this record is amazing. Great video Nick
live after death being the greatest live album by anyone ever, totally compliments songs from Powerslave, the vhs really introduced me to Maiden visually, bought them into my house, i knew then i had to see them live, which was 3 times during 7th Son, starting with Donnington 88, never looked back it was a dream to see the revival tour featuring powerslave, somewhere back in time tour, to see these big 4 songs live was massive i will never forget it nico thx for this, brings great memories
The opening 2 and closing 2 are iconic songs that arguably get enough recognition but the other 4 songs are the heart of the album and I'm glad they're all getting recognition here!
It's my favourite album of all time, first listened to it in 1992 as a 12 year old, it was the first cassette I ever listened to by a metal band, and it's still my favourite.
If Piece of Mind had the same production as Powerslave it would be bloody difficult to decide. The guitar tone and drum sound on Powerslave is just perfect for me.
Your assessment is exactly what I thought for years. Piece of Mind was definitely the album established them as the leaders in Heavy Metal. Powerslave was over the top. It was hard to imagine a better album than Piece of Mind, but when Powerslave came out, we (every metalhead I knew) could not believe it.
I remember it like it was yesterday. The school year started around the last week of Aug. '84. I asked a buddy of mine which IM album should I get. It would've been my first IM purchase. But, not the first time I every heard them. He said PoM, either that or TNOTB. I guess he thought that Paul wouldn't have been a good introduction to the band. So, the weekend before labor day, I picked up PoM. So, you know what happened next? Another buddy walked in with PS, the cassette. It was an unusual looking album cover, considering the look of the earlier covers. It was gold and sandy color, with sky blue. It certainly caught my eye. At my young age, at the time, money was really tight. I need to wait to earn the needed $7 dollars. That is what cassettes cost back then. So, what I was initially feeling at the time was my PoM cassette was obsolete and my friends were listening to the latest & greatest thing. But, that was a feeling that at the most only lasted a week. But, I still remember it like it was yesterday.
Wow 40 years. I still remember listening to Powerslave on my walkman in 1984 while delivering papers on my route. I battled the weather like the Mariner!
So many great albums but for me personally it is Somewhere in Time. I could be very biased as I grew up during that era but that is my favorite album. It's so hard to choose, I honestly love all of their work. My son has followed my footsteps and is a huge Maiden fan as well. Great vid and topic that really hits close to home for me!
GODS! 2 minutes to midnight and Aces High are my all time favorites and first few songs I ever learned to play on guitar, UP THE IRONS!!!!! This album is DIAMOND!
I love most songs in this album, especially powerslave, flash of the blade, losfer words, rime of the ancient mariner, aces high. But The Duellists is my most favorite in this album and one of my most favorite maiden songs in general, it’s a masterpiece, one of the best things i’ve ever heard generally! It’s a shame and crime they didn’t play it live and probably won’t!!!
A wonderful celebration of one of the most iconic albums of all time. I can hear in every word how much you love this band. I'm completely with you. They have been with me through my life. Seeing them at Donington '88 was so amazing. And at the end of September this year, I'm going back to see them again in Tokyo with my son, who's also a massive fan. I almost wore out my VHS of 'Live After Death'. What a concert! I'm with many others thinking that Murray's bridge and solo on Powerslave is some of his best. I recently joined an Iron Maiden tribute band and I have the honor (and dread!) of playing Murray's part on this song. It really is a dream come true.
This album is a masterpiece. My favourite Maiden album of all time. I was just a 8 years old child when I came across this album and become a Maiden fan forever. At present I am 49 years old! Congratulations for the success of this RUclips chanel! You deserve it!
I downloaded a video cd tape rip of the live after death video almost 25 years ago. I watched it over and over. It’s the reason I got into Maiden. I was soo happy when they finally put it out on dvd years later.
This album and tour gave birth to many bands around the world. So much intricate bass, guitar work and feel on all of it. This is the album that showcased their twin guitar prowess for that period in time. Its difficult to single out one song on this album as a favorite!
I just started watching the video, but right away, I'll say that this was the first metal album I bought, back in early 85 and it's one of my favourite albums of all times, up to this day.
This is my second favorite Maiden album after Somewhere in Time, this album is a masterpiece from start to finish, and the best song on this album for me is Rime of the Ancient Mariner, my all-time favorite Maiden song. Nico, I love these anniversary videos, an always great video my friend, it was a good revisit to this great masterpiece!!
Nico, your sincere passion for Maiden and their music is palpable. This is my favorite episode yet. Your thoughtful and thorough presentations of their material is the best out there. As far as this album goes, The Duellists is imo their most underrated track and Rime their most epic song. They have written many great epics but Rime is simply untouchable. Thanks so much for this amazing presentation of Powerslave!
i started my interest of heavy metal caused that album. love it. probably, you're right - it's their best. the next one - same good, maybe even better, but so different. i got dilemma
Congrats! on your new tattoo. I love this album because it also gave one of my all -time favorite memories. When it first came out, I used to play it constantly driving my parents crazy. One day I was listening to The Duellists just when that beautiful middle section with Dave and Adrian guitar harmonies starts: my father who was not far away from the stereo turns his head to me and said " What a beautiful melody" he didn't like my music so that always stuck with me. His is no longer with us. But every time I listen to that song, I always think of him.
I have Rime of the Ancient Mariner as my ringtone, it is my fave epic from their catalogue and from the album too. You must listen to it entirely to feel it musically and lirically, it engulfs you in its world, cannot simplify what I think about it in a few words, it is impossible. As you said the 2 first and 2 last songs are their best in a same album but that does not make it their best. Great analysis as usual Nico thanks and horns up 🤘🤘🤘🤘
Es mi primer disco de Maiden y hoy en día me sigue sorprendiendo cada vez que lo escucho…tiene una fuerza y un poderío especial,algo sobrenatural,es Maiden 🤘🤘
From TNOTB to SSOASS (1982-1988), it’s always hard for me to pick my favorite Maiden album. Definitely the band's golden years (sorry, but I'm one of those Maiden fans who think the band's peak was in the 80s). Every time I listen to one of these albums, I think: "This is the best!" But I see in 'POWERSLAVE', not only the album, but especially the tour, the peak of the band in maturity, speed, sound and legacy. Of course, other fans will think differently, but this only proves how great this band is! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, POWERSLAVE !
Love this album. Aces High has a very special place in my heart because I was always tied closely to avation na WWII. So does the Powerslave, because my father used to work in Egypt as a crops pilot, so yeah, ancient egypt, aviation, WWII - did I mention that he was 8 years old when WWII broke out? Two Minutes to Midnight for me are the very definition of '80s heavy metal. And Rime of the Ancient Mariner is a titan of a song. Wish I could hear it live one day.
Powerslave is the first album I listen to from Iron Maiden in 1988 and I still remember the awe moment when I hear Aces High. One of the best Iron Maiden album and still relevant today.
Fantastic videos mate! Excellent balance of musical analysis, appreciation and fandom. What an album! From Number of the Beast through to Seventh Son is Maiden at their best. Absolutely incredible that they were able to keep on producing such brilliant albums in such quick succession.
I see someone is really enjoying their Lado Earth 😉 You're playing great as always Nico and I must say that watching you made me try to improve my vibrato. I wasn't noticing that before, but Adrian has probably the best vibrato that I've came across
There is something about ending of Rime... which makes you want to go back to beginning of the album and start over again (and again). Unlike many other albums, I never get tired of listening to Powerslave.
1.Somewhere In Time 2.Seventh Son 3.Powerslave 4. Brave New World. 5. Dance Of Death 6. Piece Of Mind 7.Number Of The Beast 8.Fear Of The Dark 9.Killers 10.Iron Maiden That is my top 10 album list, I might be very alone with that top 10 album list where I put Brave Now World and especially Dance Of Death before Piece Of Mind and Number Of The Beast but I grew seeing Maiden live when those two "reunion" albums first came out so they hit closer to home and great memories for me =) Anyways I do not think there is a bad Maiden album, I love them all except for the two without Dickinson , those two I do not love but I still like them, especially the songs Sing Of The Cross and Clansman =) What about you ? What is your top 10 best album list ?
@@mathias6423 i'm not the person you replied to but i love a good conversation about our favourite albums! here's my most probable one. 01. a matter of life and death 02. seventh son 03. powerslave 04. senjustsu 05. somewhere in time 06. the book of souls 07. piece of mind 08. the number of the beast 09. brave new world 10. iron maiden :D
@@mathias6423 solid list! the top 3 change all the time for me but mine would be: 1. Seventh son 2.Powerslave 3. Somewhere in time 4.Number of the beast 5. Fear of the dark 6.Piece of mind 7. A matter of life and death 8.Brave New world 9. Iron maiden 10. Dance of death
@@David_Brent__ amolad has in my opinion the best compositions the band has ever done, or at least the biggest collection of breathtaking compositions on one singular album! the first time i heard it i needed a couple days to go back to normal due to it's darkness and beauty
Brilliant video Niko . Love all the powerslave album but i really love Seventh son album . from 1980 to 1990 ..No one could touch Maiden for guitar riffs , Harmony rhythm, pace and variation .. beautiful Produced and mixed . *could you do video on Seventh son album 🙏
Powerslave was a very special time for Maiden, I bought it on cassette on release day and I am in as much awe now as I was then. I will never forget hearing the intro to Aces High that very first time and knowing we were all in for a wild ride haha! Mariner was and is the ultimate heavy metal epic!
Yes. It is their best album ever. Flash of the blade also has some amazing harmonies. Live after death is my all time favorite live album and Rime of the ancient mariner is probably one of my favorite songs ever written.
I began my personal Maiden journey with “Number of the Beast” and then “Piece of Mind.” Saw them for the first time on the “Powerslave” tour (with Twisted Sister opening). Unforgettable!
Powerslave and Somewhere In Time.For me both albums have no weakness on them. This is the middle to end of peak Maiden. I slightly favor Powerslave. I can listen to every song on both albums every time I play them. As a side note, I was really surprised by Senjutsu. It reminds me of the mid eighties Maiden and takes me back to that time. A very solid album.
I couldn’t get into senjutsu, but I have a problem with latest albums from most of the classic bands. Only Judas Priest album is so good I have to listen to it.
It is very hard for me decide which guitar solos from Maiden's work is my absolute favorite, but in Rime of the Ancient Mariner the 2 solos in the second part after Bruce's scream "then down it falls, COME THE RAIIIIIIIINN...." is just gives me a feeling I am being transported into the song! Live versions of the are absolutely amazing!
It’s an Epic for sure and it’s the one that made them the globe’s most popular metal band because they toured everywhere and toured forever! I saw them five times on that tour!
For me, it's a fantastic album, but 'somewhere in time' is my best maiden album. But wow, songs like Ace's high, two minutes to midnight, power slave, rhime of the ancient mariner are all among the bands best. Flash of the blade for me is just the best on the album
I remember being in Grade 4, and renting (yes, renting!) this record on the day it came out, from my local hifi shop in small town Ontario, Canada. When I heard the bass solo in Rime of the Ancient Mariner, I knew that's what I wanted to do with my life. I'm still a professional bass player to this day!
Watching this with my two humbucker Dave Murray strat in my lap. That Lado is breathtaking! BTW: Coming up to the Bell Centre from Newfoundland in Oct YEAH!!!
I saw them on the World Slavery Tour and it still ranks as one of the best concerts I've ever been to. Rime of the Ancient Mariner was just stunning live. Live After Death captured that tour perfectly.
Flash of the Blade was the very first Maiden song I learned when I started playing....and is an often overlooked song... She has a special place in my heart. 😊
Like usual Nico , great video , incredible explanation of the songs creation , the vibes , the solos etc etc ..... my second favorite album after seventh son , which was the first maiden album i purchased when i was 15 years old !! till then i am a maiden hardcore fan !!!
![Stromae, Pomme - “Ma Meilleure Ennemie” (from Arcane Season 2) [Official Visualizer]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/1F3OGIFnW1k/mqdefault.jpg)
"The Duellists" is probably one of the most underrated Maiden tracks. The middle section is incredible.
@@danbal4185 I agree. That middle section is dual guitar heaven.
It's been one of my favorites since the first listen
I absolutely, ABSOLUTELY LOVE the Duellist, however, I do believe that Maidens most underrated track is Still Life on Piece of Mind!! 🤘🏻😎
The middle section of this song is probably one of the main excuses for not to play it live. Because they need four guitars to play it well (Bruce should play the fourth guitar in this case, like they did on the middle part of Revelations when the band there was two guitars only)
Maiden arrangements on a few songs are composed for lots of guitars together.
@@the_trooper_72 Many Dave Murray's tracks are very underrated!
Powerslave, Somewhere in Time & Seventh Son is their absolute peak.
Back in the Village is their most underrated song ever
Those 3 albums are Maidens most technical..
“Powerslave” is an incredible album, as well as all the albums that Maiden created in the 1980s. I haven’t decided yet which is my favorite of theirs from that era, they all contain gems!
“and I don’t think anyone can ask for more from a heavy metal album”
Well said!
"And the moral of the story, this is what not to do if a bird sh¡ts on you: THE RIME OF THE ANCIENT MARINER!!!!!!!"
You nailed it!
Certainly my favorite Maiden album!
Piece of Mind & Poweslave were my introduction to Iron Maiden & still remain my 2 favourite albums.
Powerslave was my first album by Iron Maiden, given to me when I was just 9 years old. I wore that cassette out!!! It's still my favorite Iron Maiden album!! A close second is Somewhere in Time.
The breakdown and solo of Powerslave is still one of my favorite pieces ever. Not only in metal, in music in general. Timeless album from start to finish.
It hits harder than any drop in electronic music.
YES...when I saw Live After Death, the whole album jumped out at me even more, and YES, it makes anyone want to restart and relisten to the whole album... it's all so RICH AND FULL...OMG, I COULD BE STRANDED ON AN ISLAND WITH ONLY THE ABILITY TO PLAY POWERSLAVE AND PIECE OF MIND FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE, AND BE SATISFIED...LOL...🔥🔥🔥
The tones on this record are beautiful
The Productions of this album as well as Piece of Mind is Perfect. Martin Birch was Masterful! UP THE IRONS 🤘🔥🤘 2:
Powerslave is ridiculously awesome. I wore out the cassette tape I got for Christmas when it came out within a few weeks, and I've worn out many sets of strings learning to play the songs from Powerslave. I still play Powerslave songs everyday. Up the Irons!!!
It is definitely my favorite Iron Maiden album.
Hey Nico, Alex from Brazil here !! , Man, you really deserve a Medal from the Maiden fans. Your work , energy, passion and knowlege of analyzing the bits and bobs of maidens music is simply amazing....Here it goes my sincere gratitude and thanks to you work !!! I wonder if any of the members of Iron Maiden ever contacted you for an interview or chat on your channel ......
I have believed and said for years and years that this album was the absolute peak of Maiden. Each album of the first five was an evolutionary step for the band. Killers from the first album, Number of the Beast from Killers, and Piece of Mind from Number of the Beast. But Powerslave was I think two steps forward where everything was perfect, from the sound of the band to the song material to the performances themselves. While I love Somewhere in Time and Seventh Son just as much as the previous five, I think those two albums represent Maiden staying exactly where they were after ascending to that rarified air with Powerslave. And yes, I am aware that I love this album maybe a little *too* much because it was my gateway into the world of metal, because it led me to discover Van Halen, Metallica, Megadeth, and Anthrax as well as plethora of other hard rock and metal bands, but I hear things in Powerslave that Maiden would rarely do again in subsequent albums, ESPECIALLY when Adrian left/was fired in 1989.
Aces High is the perfect tablesetter for the album. Fast, but coherent, hard but melodic. Combine that formula with the guitar sound that they used, and it's a head-snapping jab to the face.
Two Minutes To Midnight take the pace down a step, but musically its a long looping right hook that threatens to knock you out with its intensity. This song is a tour de force by Dave, Adrian and Steve.It shows what happens when the band is in lockstep, particularly the guitars and bass.
Losfer Words... I am an admitted sucker for instrumentals, and have been since I was a kid. If you wanted me to truly listen to a band, let the singer sit down for a minute and let the band show you exactly what they're about and what they can do. That's how I discovered Maiden, Metallica, Rush, Dokken, Van Halen, and other bands. This was also the first song I learned how to play on guitar when I decided to pick it up in 1989 at the tender age of 21.It's fun to play, and fun to listen to. I agree with Nico that it's a shame that Maiden stopped doing instrumentals after this.
Flash of the Blade. The first time I heard this song away from the album was the horror flick Night of the Creeps IIRC. I saw the ad for the movie on TV and I was surprised that Maiden was used in this way. This is another fun and fast song showing once again Steve's love and passion for movies and television in the songwriting.
The Duellists.. Until I heard Rime, I thought this song was the magnum opus for this album. This was an underrated song in the lineup, if only for the harmonies in the middle. I have the guitar tab book for Powerslave and Somewhere in Time, and the number of guitars used in the harmonies is insane. I think they were using six guitar tracks for this song.
Back In The Village.. This song is the perfect opener for the second side, and showcases Adrian's ability to riff you into the next dimension. As fast as Aces High, and is the sequel to The Prisoner. You almost have to take the time from the end of the song and into the title track just to catch your breath.
Powerslave.. After hearing this song for the first time, I was certain that there was no way the band could top themselves after this (news flash: I was wrong). I love the mid-to fast tempo of the verses, the uplifting of the first part of the chorus, which plummeted you straight down to the earth in the second part only to lift you back up again, which to me represented a deity's fall from grace and his railing at his fate. Then the solo section which was both Steve and Dave soloing at the same time while Adrian supports them with arpeggiated chords was once again uplifting, only to have your face pushed into the mud by Adrian's earthy solo backed by Dave's power chord rhythm's supported by Steve. Then the harmonious bridge going into Dave's finishing solo is just a masterpiece. Just fantastic.
Rime of the Ancient Mariner.. As much as I love this song, I found a new level of appreciation of it through YT reactors to the song, namely Doug Helvering and Charismatic Voice. One is a professor of music, the other an opera singer. Their knowledge of music broke this song down to its constituite elements so well, that I just recommend to watch their reactions to the song after this video. The first part of telling the tale of how the mariner and the crew came to be cursed was told just as much through the music as through the lyrics and Bruce's signing of them. The second part, where dave is using I believe add9 chords to convey the feeling of being lost with the mariner, Steve is using triads to reinforce that feeling, Adrian's haunting melody over top and by the way, Nicko's cymbal work is fantastic at adding another level of hopelessness, only for hope to come shining through in the next part, starting with Steve and Nicko. Then Bruce's descending scream leading right into Adrian's iconic solo, only to be followed up by Dave's equally iconic solo leading to the harmony and breakdown, then back to the main riff to finish the story.... *chef's kiss*
Yes, I love this album. I bought this album on cassette at LEAST five or six times, because I would wear them out playing them on my stereo and walkman. Every time I saw Live After Death I wished I could have seen this tour. I wished even more I could have afforded to see the Somewhere Back In Time tour, but I was broke at the time. This album represents a lot to me and where I was in my life back them (15 years old).
Maiden greatest album, agreed!
Pretty much all you said is the same for me. We are the same age, same experience of this album being our gateway. I still have the original vinyl I purchased. Powerslave was one of the first concerts I went to as well. Still my favorite concert of all time. I did see the Somewhere in Time tour. I did love it, but Powerslave was them at their absolute peak.
The part that comes after the "haunting part" in Rime of the Ancient Mariner up untill the end of the solo is simply and truly one of my favourite little piece of music EVER, in any style of music, in any time of human history. True perfection.
live version is electric!!
Probably their most solid album.
Love it as much as 7SO7S. 🤘
I never understood why the majority of fans only talk about the 4 famous songs when the Duellist ,Losfer...and Flash of...are on the same level. If these 3 songs were part of the set list on the World slavery tour then I'm sure they would get the recognition they deserve. The guitar work on this record is amazing. Great video Nick
No way are they on the same level.
For me same brother, I was somehow ashamed for loving Losfer Words.
They played Losfer Words when I saw then in the UK in 1984. However, of course, it wasn't included on Live After Death.
True. They have recorded it on the single Running free - Run to the hills (the singles to support the Live After Death album)
Losfer Words (big O'ra) was on the setlist of the World Slavery Tour 84-85 , an instrumental so to give Dickinson a break😉
Powerslave reminds me of a greater times when I was a kid✌🏻🤟🏻💥
absolutely ... yes
Not only is it their best album it’s one of the best albums ever recorded.
live after death being the greatest live album by anyone ever, totally compliments songs from Powerslave, the vhs really introduced me to Maiden visually, bought them into my house, i knew then i had to see them live, which was 3 times during 7th Son, starting with Donnington 88, never looked back
it was a dream to see the revival tour featuring powerslave, somewhere back in time tour, to see these big 4 songs live was massive
i will never forget it
nico thx for this, brings great memories
The opening 2 and closing 2 are iconic songs that arguably get enough recognition but the other 4 songs are the heart of the album and I'm glad they're all getting recognition here!
It's my favourite album of all time, first listened to it in 1992 as a 12 year old, it was the first cassette I ever listened to by a metal band, and it's still my favourite.
If Piece of Mind had the same production as Powerslave it would be bloody difficult to decide. The guitar tone and drum sound on Powerslave is just perfect for me.
Powerslave is my favourite metal album of all time
Your assessment is exactly what I thought for years. Piece of Mind was definitely the album established them as the leaders in Heavy Metal. Powerslave was over the top. It was hard to imagine a better album than Piece of Mind, but when Powerslave came out, we (every metalhead I knew) could not believe it.
It is my Favorite Maiden album, but I can see arguments for others. As long as we all are upping the irons together! 😃
I remember it like it was yesterday. The school year started around the last week of Aug. '84. I asked a buddy of mine which IM album should I get. It would've been my first IM purchase. But, not the first time I every heard them. He said PoM, either that or TNOTB. I guess he thought that Paul wouldn't have been a good introduction to the band. So, the weekend before labor day, I picked up PoM. So, you know what happened next? Another buddy walked in with PS, the cassette. It was an unusual looking album cover, considering the look of the earlier covers. It was gold and sandy color, with sky blue. It certainly caught my eye.
At my young age, at the time, money was really tight. I need to wait to earn the needed $7 dollars. That is what cassettes cost back then. So, what I was initially feeling at the time was my PoM cassette was obsolete and my friends were listening to the latest & greatest thing. But, that was a feeling that at the most only lasted a week. But, I still remember it like it was yesterday.
Wow 40 years. I still remember listening to Powerslave on my walkman in 1984 while delivering papers on my route. I battled the weather like the Mariner!
So many great albums but for me personally it is Somewhere in Time. I could be very biased as I grew up during that era but that is my favorite album. It's so hard to choose, I honestly love all of their work. My son has followed my footsteps and is a huge Maiden fan as well. Great vid and topic that really hits close to home for me!
My favorite maiden album, top 10 in my list of greatest of all time
Epic album. Excellent deep dive 👍
I thought I was a minority in my love for this album. For me: ‘Two minutes to midnight’ is the best song but they’re all great!
GODS! 2 minutes to midnight and Aces High are my all time favorites and first few songs I ever learned to play on guitar, UP THE IRONS!!!!! This album is DIAMOND!
Best album to me the first album with Paul and the number of the beast with Bruce this album had maybe two tracks I listen to today 🤘🤘
Probably my favorite with Bruce
Love those anniversary videos!!! Thank you Nico
I love most songs in this album, especially powerslave, flash of the blade, losfer words, rime of the ancient mariner, aces high. But The Duellists is my most favorite in this album and one of my most favorite maiden songs in general, it’s a masterpiece, one of the best things i’ve ever heard generally! It’s a shame and crime they didn’t play it live and probably won’t!!!
At 19:43 i’ve Never notice that SomeWhere In Time and The rime of the ancient Mariner were linked ! Thanks
Back in the village and the song captain nimo almost sounds the same. I love both of them 🎉❤🎉
Can’t argue with anyone having this a their No1 maiden album
This was the first IRON album i ever heard and rhime blew me away.. still my favorite madien song..
A wonderful celebration of one of the most iconic albums of all time. I can hear in every word how much you love this band. I'm completely with you. They have been with me through my life. Seeing them at Donington '88 was so amazing. And at the end of September this year, I'm going back to see them again in Tokyo with my son, who's also a massive fan. I almost wore out my VHS of 'Live After Death'. What a concert! I'm with many others thinking that Murray's bridge and solo on Powerslave is some of his best. I recently joined an Iron Maiden tribute band and I have the honor (and dread!) of playing Murray's part on this song. It really is a dream come true.
My favorite Maiden album.
Yes, it is the best album ever!
This album is a masterpiece. My favourite Maiden album of all time. I was just a 8 years old child when I came across this album and become a Maiden fan forever. At present I am 49 years old! Congratulations for the success of this RUclips chanel! You deserve it!
Their masterpiece. For me, their #1 album. NotB is a close second, Somewhere in Time is a close 3rd, but this is #1.
This video honors this spectacular album. Thanks a lot. Excellent work
If you ask 5 different Maiden fans, you will get 5 different answers. Mine is SIT. But Powerslave is, of course, a true masterpiece.
Die hard Maiden fan. Bought their first album when it was released. Personally my favorite is "Seventh Son of a Seventh Son".
It’s my favorite
I downloaded a video cd tape rip of the live after death video almost 25 years ago. I watched it over and over. It’s the reason I got into Maiden. I was soo happy when they finally put it out on dvd years later.
This album and tour gave birth to many bands around the world. So much intricate bass, guitar work and feel on all of it. This is the album that showcased their twin guitar prowess for that period in time. Its difficult to single out one song on this album as a favorite!
Its my fave ! 2 minutes is also probably my song of theirs. Brilliant art work. Great times
Somewhere in Time and Seventh Son are my favourites...
I just started watching the video, but right away, I'll say that this was the first metal album I bought, back in early 85 and it's one of my favourite albums of all times, up to this day.
This is my second favorite Maiden album after Somewhere in Time, this album is a masterpiece from start to finish, and the best song on this album for me is Rime of the Ancient Mariner, my all-time favorite Maiden song.
Nico, I love these anniversary videos, an always great video my friend, it was a good revisit to this great masterpiece!!
Nico, your sincere passion for Maiden and their music is palpable. This is my favorite episode yet. Your thoughtful and thorough presentations of their material is the best out there. As far as this album goes, The Duellists is imo their most underrated track and Rime their most epic song. They have written many great epics but Rime is simply untouchable.
Thanks so much for this amazing presentation of Powerslave!
The perfect Maiden album. My greatest metal album of all time.
the album that started it all for me!
And me ❤
Me too
i started my interest of heavy metal caused that album. love it. probably, you're right - it's their best. the next one - same good, maybe even better, but so different. i got dilemma
Congrats! on your new tattoo. I love this album because it also gave one of my all -time favorite memories. When it first came out, I used to play it constantly driving my parents crazy. One day I was listening to The Duellists just when that beautiful middle section with Dave and Adrian guitar harmonies starts: my father who was not far away from the stereo turns his head to me and said " What a beautiful melody" he didn't like my music so that always stuck with me. His is no longer with us. But every time I listen to that song, I always think of him.
I have Rime of the Ancient Mariner as my ringtone, it is my fave epic from their catalogue and from the album too. You must listen to it entirely to feel it musically and lirically, it engulfs you in its world, cannot simplify what I think about it in a few words, it is impossible. As you said the 2 first and 2 last songs are their best in a same album but that does not make it their best. Great analysis as usual Nico thanks and horns up 🤘🤘🤘🤘
omg, I still remember listening to this with friends saying "it is old but great" back then 1994
Es mi primer disco de Maiden y hoy en día me sigue sorprendiendo cada vez que lo escucho…tiene una fuerza y un poderío especial,algo sobrenatural,es Maiden 🤘🤘
From TNOTB to SSOASS (1982-1988), it’s always hard for me to pick my favorite Maiden album. Definitely the band's golden years (sorry, but I'm one of those Maiden fans who think the band's peak was in the 80s).
Every time I listen to one of these albums, I think: "This is the best!"
But I see in 'POWERSLAVE', not only the album, but especially the tour, the peak of the band in maturity, speed, sound and legacy. Of course, other fans will think differently, but this only proves how great this band is!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, POWERSLAVE !
Love this album. Aces High has a very special place in my heart because I was always tied closely to avation na WWII. So does the Powerslave, because my father used to work in Egypt as a crops pilot, so yeah, ancient egypt, aviation, WWII - did I mention that he was 8 years old when WWII broke out?
Two Minutes to Midnight for me are the very definition of '80s heavy metal. And Rime of the Ancient Mariner is a titan of a song. Wish I could hear it live one day.
Powerslave is the first album I listen to from Iron Maiden in 1988 and I still remember the awe moment when I hear Aces High. One of the best Iron Maiden album and still relevant today.
This was my first Iron Maiden album. Still my favorite.
Fantastic videos mate! Excellent balance of musical analysis, appreciation and fandom. What an album! From Number of the Beast through to Seventh Son is Maiden at their best. Absolutely incredible that they were able to keep on producing such brilliant albums in such quick succession.
Powerslave was the best Iron Maiden album. It is also the best 80s metal album.
I see someone is really enjoying their Lado Earth 😉 You're playing great as always Nico and I must say that watching you made me try to improve my vibrato. I wasn't noticing that before, but Adrian has probably the best vibrato that I've came across
Thank you!! It's been a work in progress for me too and I am working on something that will help with that...among other things 😁
There is something about ending of Rime... which makes you want to go back to beginning of the album and start over again (and again). Unlike many other albums, I never get tired of listening to Powerslave.
I can’t pick a favourite between powerslave, somewhere in time, and seventh son. 3 absolutely perfect albums, I dont think any other band comes close.
1.Somewhere In Time 2.Seventh Son 3.Powerslave 4. Brave New World. 5. Dance Of Death 6. Piece Of Mind 7.Number Of The Beast 8.Fear Of The Dark 9.Killers 10.Iron Maiden
That is my top 10 album list, I might be very alone with that top 10 album list where I put Brave Now World and especially Dance Of Death before Piece Of Mind and Number Of The Beast but I grew seeing Maiden live when those two "reunion" albums first came out so they hit closer to home and great memories for me =)
Anyways I do not think there is a bad Maiden album, I love them all except for the two without Dickinson , those two I do not love but I still like them, especially the songs Sing Of The Cross and Clansman =) What about you ? What is your top 10 best album list ?
@@mathias6423 i'm not the person you replied to but i love a good conversation about our favourite albums! here's my most probable one.
01. a matter of life and death
02. seventh son
03. powerslave
04. senjustsu
05. somewhere in time
06. the book of souls
07. piece of mind
08. the number of the beast
09. brave new world
10. iron maiden
:D
@@cr1s1s0ff41th matter of life and death is such a solid album
@@mathias6423 solid list! the top 3 change all the time for me but mine would be:
1. Seventh son
2.Powerslave
3. Somewhere in time
4.Number of the beast
5. Fear of the dark
6.Piece of mind
7. A matter of life and death
8.Brave New world
9. Iron maiden
10. Dance of death
@@David_Brent__ amolad has in my opinion the best compositions the band has ever done, or at least the biggest collection of breathtaking compositions on one singular album! the first time i heard it i needed a couple days to go back to normal due to it's darkness and beauty
Brilliant video Niko .
Love all the powerslave album
but i really love Seventh son album .
from 1980 to 1990 ..No one could touch Maiden for guitar riffs , Harmony rhythm, pace and variation .. beautiful Produced and mixed .
*could you do video on Seventh son album 🙏
This album and the next two, are a treasure to human arts and music!
Rime is brilliant as is Powerslave. I love your channel
If I had to pick one. It’s powerslave. 🤘🏾😎🤘🏾
Got your first tat mate?? looks really cool!! Awesome analysis as per usual!! The greatest chanel on RUclips!!
Powerslave was a very special time for Maiden, I bought it on cassette on release day and I am in as much awe now as I was then. I will never forget hearing the intro to Aces High that very first time and knowing we were all in for a wild ride haha! Mariner was and is the ultimate heavy metal epic!
Yes. It is their best album ever. Flash of the blade also has some amazing harmonies. Live after death is my all time favorite live album and Rime of the ancient mariner is probably one of my favorite songs ever written.
Yes
My favourite for sure ♥
I began my personal Maiden journey with “Number of the Beast” and then “Piece of Mind.” Saw them for the first time on the “Powerslave” tour (with Twisted Sister opening). Unforgettable!
I don’t have enough time to write how much this album means to me. In a nutshell this album is all around PHENOMENAL. UP THE IRONS👍🤘👍🤘
I feel you man! Same here. I miss it. The maiden sound. Not a single bad song on that era. It has been mostly miss than hit.
Powerslave and Somewhere In Time.For me both albums have no weakness on them. This is the middle to end of peak Maiden. I slightly favor Powerslave. I can listen to every song on both albums every time I play them. As a side note, I was really surprised by Senjutsu. It reminds me of the mid eighties Maiden and takes me back to that time. A very solid album.
I couldn’t get into senjutsu, but I have a problem with latest albums from most of the classic bands. Only Judas Priest album is so good I have to listen to it.
Somewhere in Time is my favourite Maiden album followed by Powerslave.
It is very hard for me decide which guitar solos from Maiden's work is my absolute favorite, but in Rime of the Ancient Mariner the 2 solos in the second part after Bruce's scream "then down it falls, COME THE RAIIIIIIIINN...." is just gives me a feeling I am being transported into the song! Live versions of the are absolutely amazing!
Bang on, mate. This is easily their best release, IMO. I saw them live in 1984 on this tour.
funny thing is, when No Prayer came out, Steve said Powerslave was his least fave album! :(
@@derekscanlan4641 probably a bunch of negative thoughts and associations from the grueling tour :)
i don't see why it would be otherwise
Same here, December '84 Salt Lake City where in less than two months the boys will be back in town, can't wait!🤘
For me? Piece Of Mind will always be the peak of the Bruce era. That said, Powerslave was glorious. 🤘
Great review. The Rime of the ancient Mariner is one of my favorite songs ever. It’s got everything but the kitchen sink! 🤘
It’s an Epic for sure and it’s the one that made them the globe’s most popular metal band because they toured everywhere and toured forever!
I saw them five times on that tour!
My favorite album ever.
For me, it's a fantastic album, but 'somewhere in time' is my best maiden album. But wow, songs like Ace's high, two minutes to midnight, power slave, rhime of the ancient mariner are all among the bands best. Flash of the blade for me is just the best on the album
I remember being in Grade 4, and renting (yes, renting!) this record on the day it came out, from my local hifi shop in small town Ontario, Canada. When I heard the bass solo in Rime of the Ancient Mariner, I knew that's what I wanted to do with my life. I'm still a professional bass player to this day!
Watching this with my two humbucker Dave Murray strat in my lap. That Lado is breathtaking!
BTW: Coming up to the Bell Centre from Newfoundland in Oct YEAH!!!
I saw them on the World Slavery Tour and it still ranks as one of the best concerts I've ever been to. Rime of the Ancient Mariner was just stunning live. Live After Death captured that tour perfectly.
Flash of the Blade was the very first Maiden song I learned when I started playing....and is an often overlooked song... She has a special place in my heart. 😊
Like usual Nico , great video , incredible explanation of the songs creation , the vibes , the solos etc etc ..... my second favorite album after seventh son , which was the first maiden album i purchased when i was 15 years old !! till then i am a maiden hardcore fan !!!