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 Rapaport, 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.
