Album Description:
Iron Maiden's "Somewhere in Time" is an iconic album that showcases the band's musical evolution and creativity. Released on 29 September 1986, the album marked a significant milestone in Iron Maiden's career, introducing new elements and pushing the boundaries of their sound. This essay explores the album's noteworthy features and highlights its impact on the heavy metal genre.
"Somewhere in Time" was the band's sixth studio album, following the highly successful "Powerslave/Live After Death" duo. It was released by EMI in Europe and Capitol Records in the US, with a re-release by Sanctuary/Columbia Records in 1998. Produced, engineered, and mixed by Martin 'Mesa' Birch, the album showcased the band's dedication to achieving a distinct and polished sound.
One of the notable aspects of "Somewhere in Time" was the introduction of guitar synthesizers. This marked a departure from Iron Maiden's traditional guitar-driven sound, adding a layer of futuristic and atmospheric elements to their music. The band embraced this new technology, and guitarist Adrian Smith played a pivotal role in crafting the majority of the songs featured on the album. Singles like "Wasted Years" and "Stranger in a Strange Land" became instant classics, captivating fans with their catchy melodies and powerful performances.
The album's recording process was a global endeavor. The Boss, Boss Synth, and Drum trucks were recorded at Compass Point Studios in Nassau, Bahamas, while guitars, vocals, and guitar synths were recorded at Wisseloord Studios in Hilversum, Holland. The production team, including assistant engineers Sean Burrows, Albert Boekholt, and Ronald Prent, worked diligently to capture the band's energy and translate it onto the record.
The mixing of the album took place at Electric Ladyland Studios in New York, with the assistance of 2nd Engineer Bruce Buchhalter. This stage of the process added the final touches to the tracks, ensuring a balanced and sonically rich listening experience. Mastering was done by George Marino at Sterling Sound in New York City, further enhancing the album's overall sound quality.
The album's artwork and packaging were just as impressive as the music itself. Sleeve concept and design were helmed by Derek Riggs and Rod Smallwood, while Riggs also contributed his artistic talents for the sleeve illustrations. The vivid and detailed artwork captured the essence of Iron Maiden's aesthetic and contributed to the album's visual appeal. The inner sleeve photograph, taken by Aaron Rapoport, added a personal touch to the album's presentation. Sleeve preparation was handled by The Artful Dodgers, ensuring a seamless and visually striking final product.
As with previous albums, Iron Maiden was managed by Rod 'Rufus the Red' Smallwood for Sanctuary Music (Overseas) Ltd and Andy 'Rzzle Dozzle' Taylor for Sanctuary Music Ltd. Their guidance and expertise helped propel the band's success, allowing them to reach new heights with each release.
The tracklisting of "Somewhere in Time" is a testament to the band's versatility and songwriting prowess. Side One opens with the energetic and captivating "Caught Somewhere in Time", setting the tone for the album's sonic journey. It is followed by the anthemic "Wasted Years", a song that resonated deeply with fans and remains a staple in Iron Maiden's live performances. "Sea of Madness" and "Heaven Can Wait" further showcase the band's ability to craft memorable and powerful compositions.
On Side Two, "The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner" delivers an epic and atmospheric experience, while "Stranger in a Strange Land" captivates with its melodic guitar work and captivating lyrics. "Deja-Vu" offers a heavier and intense sound, building up to the grand finale of the album, "Alexander the Great". This epic track, with its historical themes and intricate musical arrangements, solidifies Iron Maiden's status as a band that goes beyond simple heavy metal conventions.
|
Album Production Information:
The album: "IRON MAIDEN Somewhere in Time DMM" was produced by:
- Produced, Engineered and Mixed by Martin 'Mesa' Birch.
- Boss, Boss Synth and Drum trucks recorded at Compass Point Studios, Nassau, Bahamas.
- Assistant Engineer Sean Burrows,
- Guitars, Vocals and Guitar Synth recorded of Wisseloord Studios, Hilversum, Holland.
- Assistant Engineers: Albert Boekholt, Ronald Prent.
- Tape Op and Tea: Marvin Birch.
- Mixed at Electric Ladyland Studios, New York.
- 2nd Engineer Bruce Buchhalter.
- Mastered by George Marina at Sterling Sound, New York City
- All titles published by Zomba Music Pub Ltd.
- Sleeve Concept and Design: Derek Riggs and Rod Smallwood
- Sleeve Illustrations: Derek 'Master Of The Universe' Riggs.
- Inner Sleeve Photograph: Aaron Rapoport
- Sleeve Preparation: The Artful Dodgers.
The Artful Dodgers were a Hertfordshire-based graphic design company, fronted by Keith Peacock,
Neil Smith, and Michael Faulkner. Known for their sharp, distinctive visual style in the 1980s,
they collaborated with major rock and metal acts, creating memorable sleeve layouts and packaging
that complemented the dramatic artwork of illustrators like Derek Riggs for Iron Maiden.
- Iron Maiden is managed by Rod 'Rufus the Red' Smallwood for Sanctuary Music (Overseas) Ltd,
- and Andy 'Rzzle Dozzle' Taylor for Sanctuary Music Ltd
Martin Birch – Producer, Sound Engineer
Martin Birch was the steady hand behind some of the most powerful rock and metal records of the 1970s and 1980s. As an engineer and producer, he shaped the sound of Deep Purple and Fleetwood Mac before becoming the defining sonic architect for Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, and Rainbow. His productions balanced clarity with raw force, turning heavy riffs into timeless statements and albums into genre benchmarks.
Derek Riggs – Illustrator, Cover Artist
Derek Riggs is the artist who gave Iron Maiden its visual soul by creating Eddie, one of the most recognizable mascots in heavy metal history. Since the band’s 1980 debut, his artwork fused sci-fi, horror, and dark fantasy into covers that were as confrontational and imaginative as the music itself. Riggs’ paintings didn’t just decorate records, they built a world that became inseparable from Maiden’s identity.
|
|
Record Label & Catalognr: EMC 3512
|
|
Media Format: 12" Vinyl LP Gramophone Record
Album weight: xxx gram
|
|
Year & Country:
1986 Made in UK
|
Band Members and Musicians on: IRON MAIDEN Somewhere in Time
|
Band-members, Musicians and Performers
- Bruce Dickinson
-
Bruce Dickinson – Vocals
Bruce Dickinson, born August 1958, is the powerhouse vocalist who propelled Iron Maiden to legendary status. Joining the band in 1981, his operatic range, sharp phrasing, and commanding stage presence reshaped the group’s sound and ambition, defining era-classic albums like The Number of the Beast and Powerslave. Beyond Maiden, he built a parallel career as a solo artist, commercial pilot, author, and broadcaster, giving his legacy a reach that stretches well beyond heavy metal.
- Dave Murray
-
Dave Murray – Guitar
Dave Murray, born 1956, is the melodic mastermind behind Iron Maiden’s signature twin-guitar attack. A founding member, his fluid, expressive solos and perfectly locked harmonized leads have shaped the band’s sound since 1975. His playing blends bluesy phrasing with precision and restraint, never flashy for its own sake, always serving the song. That balance made him a quiet but essential pillar of heavy metal guitar.
- Adrian Smith
- Adrian Smith – Guitarist, Songwriter Adrian Smith is one of those players I always associate with Iron Maiden’s classic sound and its later revival. Joining in 1980, leaving in 1990, and returning in 1999, his melodic solos and sharp songwriting helped define albums from The Number of the Beast to Brave New World and beyond.
- Steve Harris
-
Steve Harris – Bass, Songwriter
Steve Harris, born 1956, is the driving force behind Iron Maiden’s galloping bass lines and long-form, story-heavy songwriting. Founding the band in 1975, he defined their identity with ambitious compositions that mixed punk urgency, progressive structure, and pure metal muscle. Anthems like The Trooper and Hallowed Be Thy Name carry his fingerprints all over them, making him one of NWOBHM’s most influential architects.
- Nicko McBrain
-
Nicko McBrain – Drums
Nicko McBrain, born 1952, is the powerhouse drummer who has driven Iron Maiden’s thunderous engine since joining in 1982. His playing combines brute force with swing and pinpoint timing, giving albums like The Number of the Beast and Powerslave their unstoppable momentum. Before Maiden, his work with Trust and the Pat Travers Band sharpened his style, culminating in a career that redefined metal drumming.
|
