Iron Maiden - Somewhere In Time (LP)

"Somewhere in Time" is the sixth studio album by the British heavy metal band Iron Maiden, released on September 29, 1986, by EMI Records in the UK and its sister label Capitol Records in the US. This album marked a significant departure from the band's previous work, incorporating synthesizers and guitar synths for the first time, which added a new dimension to their sound.

The album was produced by Martin Birch, who had worked with the band on their previous four albums. Birch's production on "Somewhere in Time" is polished and expansive, capturing the band's evolving sound while maintaining the raw energy that Iron Maiden is known for. The album cover, created by long-time collaborator Derek Riggs, is a detailed and futuristic depiction of the band's mascot, Eddie, in a dystopian cityscape, reflecting the album's themes of time travel and science fiction.

"Somewhere in Time" opens with the track "Caught Somewhere in Time," a powerful song that sets the tone for the album with its galloping rhythm and soaring guitar solos. The use of guitar synths is immediately apparent, adding a lush, atmospheric quality to the music. The lyrics, written by bassist and primary songwriter Steve Harris, explore themes of time and destiny, which recur throughout the album.

The second track, "Wasted Years," is one of the album's standout songs and was released as the first single. Written by guitarist Adrian Smith, it features a memorable riff and a catchy chorus. The song's lyrics reflect on the passage of time and the importance of living in the moment, a theme that resonates with many listeners.

"Sea of Madness," another Smith composition, follows with its heavy riffs and dynamic shifts in tempo. The song showcases the band's ability to blend melodic elements with their signature heavy metal sound. "Heaven Can Wait," written by Harris, is a fast-paced track with an anthemic chorus and a memorable middle section featuring a crowd-chanting segment that became a staple of the band's live performances.

The album's fifth track, "The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner," is inspired by the short story of the same name by Alan Sillitoe. Harris's lyrics delve into the mental and physical challenges faced by a long-distance runner, and the music mirrors this with its relentless pace and intricate guitar work.

"Stranger in a Strange Land," another single from the album, was written by Smith and is notable for its slower, more deliberate tempo and bluesy feel. The song's lyrics tell the story of an Arctic explorer who is discovered frozen in ice, a metaphor for feeling out of place and disconnected from the world.

"Deja Vu," co-written by Harris and guitarist Dave Murray, explores the phenomenon of experiencing something that feels eerily familiar. The song features complex guitar harmonies and a driving rhythm, showcasing the band's technical prowess.

The album closes with "Alexander the Great," an epic track that chronicles the life and conquests of the ancient Macedonian ruler. Harris's lyrics are historically detailed, and the music is suitably grand and dramatic, with multiple sections and tempo changes that take the listener on a journey through Alexander's life.

"Somewhere in Time" received generally positive reviews from critics and fans alike. It was praised for its ambitious use of synthesizers and its thematic cohesion. The album reached number 3 on the UK Albums Chart and number 11 on the US Billboard 200, cementing Iron Maiden's status as one of the leading bands in the heavy metal genre.

In conclusion, "Somewhere in Time" is a landmark album in Iron Maiden's discography. Its innovative use of synthesizers, combined with the band's trademark heavy metal sound, created a unique and memorable listening experience. The album's exploration of themes related to time, destiny, and human experience adds depth to its musical complexity, making it a standout release in the band's illustrious career.