IRON MAIDEN - POWERSLAVE 12" Vinyl LP Album

- British Release with Lyrics Sleeve

Powerslave is the 1984 studio album by the British Heavy Metal band "Iron Maiden". Powerslave is notable as the band's first album to feature the same personnel as their previous studio release. This web-page has hi-res photos of the album covers, record label and a detailed description.

 

IRON MAIDEN - Powerslave England Release Incl Lyrics Sleeve 12" Vinyl LP Album front cover https://vinyl-records.nl

Powerslave: Iron Maiden's Egyptian Odyssey in Sound
Album Description:

In the scorching sands of 1984, amidst the rising tide of heavy metal, Iron Maiden unleashed their fifth studio album, "Powerslave." A monumental slab of vinyl, adorned with Derek Riggs' iconic Eddie-as-pharaoh artwork, it transported listeners to a realm of ancient empires and sonic warfare.

Historical Context and Musical Exploration

Following the success of "Piece of Mind," Maiden set out to expand their musical horizons, diving into themes of historical power and the inevitability of human mortality. "Powerslave" was a conceptual journey, weaving tales of pharaohs, warriors, and the relentless march of time, all set against a backdrop of galloping riffs and soaring vocals.

Musical Genre: The Pinnacle of British Heavy Metal

This album solidified Iron Maiden's position as pioneers of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. It showcased their signature sound: intricate dual guitar harmonies, thunderous basslines, and Bruce Dickinson's operatic vocals. Tracks like "Aces High" and "2 Minutes to Midnight" became anthems of the genre, their energetic melodies and driving rhythms resonating with metalheads worldwide.

Production Team and Recording Studio

The album was produced by Martin Birch, a seasoned veteran known for his work with Deep Purple and Black Sabbath. Recorded at Compass Point Studios in Nassau, Bahamas, the tropical setting provided a unique backdrop for the album's epic soundscapes. The band embraced the studio's relaxed atmosphere, experimenting with new techniques and pushing their creative boundaries.

Controversies: None to Speak Of

Unlike some of their earlier work, "Powerslave" did not stir up any major controversies. Its themes, while exploring the darker side of human history, were largely focused on storytelling and mythologizing, avoiding any overtly political or social commentary.

Track by Track Breakdown

Aces High: A high-octane opener, chronicling a World War II dogfight with Dickinson's vocals soaring above the fray.

2 Minutes to Midnight: An apocalyptic warning of impending doom, driven by a relentless rhythm section and Harris' iconic bass intro.

Losfer Words (Big 'Orra): A raucous instrumental showcasing the band's technical prowess.

Flash of the Blade: A tale of swordsmanship and honor, featuring a dynamic interplay between guitars and drums.

The Duellists: A dramatic ballad evoking the tension of a duel, with Dickinson's vocals painting a vivid picture of the scene.

Back in the Village: A return to the desert setting, with a driving riff and lyrics inspired by the TV show "The Prisoner."

Powerslave: The title track, a sprawling epic that explores the life and death of an Egyptian pharaoh.

Rime of the Ancient Mariner: A 13-minute masterpiece, based on Samuel Taylor Coleridge's poem, showcasing the band's ability to blend complex arrangements with lyrical storytelling.

 Collector's info: 

Matrix/Stamper codes: EJ 2402001T 3-5C-1-1 / EJ 2402001 TA-5C-1-1

Music Genre:

Heavy Metal, NWOBHM (New Wave of British Heavy Metal) Music 
 Album Producer: Produced by Martin "Farmer" Birch.

Martin Birch's: The man behind the soundboard, shaping iconic rock and metal anthems. His journey from sound engineer to legendary producer is a testament to passion and innovation. Read on his career

Record Label & Catalognr:

EJ 2402001  

Album Packaging:

This album includes the original light cardboard custom inner sleeve with album details, complete lyrics of all songs by "IRON MAIDEN and a band photo.  

Media Format:

12" LP Vinyl Gramophone Record 

Year & Country:

3 Sep 1984 Made in England  
Band Members and Musicians on: IRON MAIDEN Powerslave
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • Bruce Dickinson - Vocals
    Bruce Dickinson, born August 1958, is the powerhouse vocalist who propelled Iron Maiden to legendary status. Joining in 1981, his operatic range and electrifying stage presence defined albums like The Number of the Beast and Powerslave. A solo artist, pilot, and author, his legacy spans far beyond metal. Explore his journey here.
  • Dave Murray - Guitars
    Dave Murray, born 1956, is the melodic mastermind behind Iron Maiden‘s signature twin-guitar attack. A founding member, his fluid, expressive solos and harmonized leads have defined the band’s sound since 1975. With impeccable technique and a bluesy yet electrifying style, he’s a pillar of heavy metal guitar. Learn more about his journey here.
  • Adrian Smith - Guitars
    Adrian Smith, born 1957, is the riff architect behind Iron Maiden’s most electrifying anthems. Since joining in 1981, his intricate solos and melodic sensibility have shaped classics like Two Minutes to Midnight and The Trooper. A master of tone and technique, his legacy in metal is unmatched. Explore his story here.
  • Steve Harris - Bass
    Steve Harris, born 1956, is the mastermind behind Iron Maiden’s galloping bass lines and epic compositions. Founding the band in 1975, his songwriting shaped metal anthems like The Trooper and Hallowed Be Thy Name. A pioneer of NWOBHM, his legacy as a bassist and visionary is untouchable. Discover his journey here.
  • Nicko McBrain - Drums
    Nicko McBrain, born 1952, is the powerhouse drummer who has fueled Iron Maiden’s thunderous sound since 1982. With lightning precision and unrelenting groove, he’s driven classics like Powerslave and The Number of the Beast. From Trust to Pat Travers Band, his journey shaped a legendary career. Dive deeper into his story here.
Complete Track Listing of: IRON MAIDEN Powerslave
    Track Listing:
  1. Aces High (Steve Harris) 4:29
  2. 2 Minutes to Midnight (Bruce Dickinson, Adrian Smith) 5:59
  3. Losfer Words (Big 'Orra) (Instrumental) (Harris) 4:12
  4. Flash of the Blade (Dickinson) 4:02
  5. The Duellists (Harris) 6:06
  6. Back in the Village (Dickinson, Smith) 5:00 (5:20 on the 1998 re-release)
  7. Powerslave (Dickinson) 7:07 (6:47 on the 1998 re-release)
  8. Rime of the Ancient Mariner (Harris) 13:34

IRON MAIDEN - Vinyl Records Discography Home Page