Iron Maiden - Powerslave (1984)

For many headbangers this was the last great Maiden album. I was immediately put off by the awful, non-metal cover, and believe me, back in the '80s album covers meant alot! Even so, beyond the Egyptian bollocks, 'Powerslave' is a very good record even if I preferred the mysticism of 'Seventh Son...', which for me was the last decent Maiden record. 'Powerslave' however does boast the last batch of Maiden classics, from the rattling anthem 'Aces High', the potent '2 Minutes To Midnight' and of course the timeless '...Ancient Mariner'. The band are on top form here, there's no doubt and even the less known cuts have the ability to get their hooks in, the title cut is a monster and 'Flash Of The Blade' equally vital to metal history. Sadly, the band would go on a downward spiral rather rapidly after this, although the already mentioned 'Seventh Son...' and cool live record 'Live After Death' kind of rounded of a period of time before the watery 'Somewhere In Time' kicked in. For me, 'Number Of The Beast', 'Piece Of Mind' and 'Powerslave' are the bands finest records and encapsulate the whole sound and magic of a band I quickly grew out of.

8/10