The album receives a unique Zoetrope vinyl reissue with additional artwork
By Rachel Walz
Iron Maiden has announced the Nov. 15 release of a unique Zoetrope vinyl to celebrate the 40th anniversary of their beloved fifth album “Powerslave.” The album was originally released Sept. 3, 1984 supported by the singles “2 Minutes to Midnight” (released on Aug. 6 of that year) and “Aces High” (released on Oct. 22).
The album is considered to be one of the band’s best, boasting a variety of heavy metal classics. “2 Minutes to Midnight” is a concert staple, with lyrics warning about the threat of nuclear war. “Aces High” is a tribute to World War II pilots that often opens the band’s live shows, accompanied by a recording of Winston Churchill’s famous “We shall fight them on the beaches” speech. “Losfer Words (Big ‘Orra)” is the band’s last fully instrumental track; it was originally intended to have lyrics, but the band changed the name and left it as is when suitable lyrics could not be found. “Flash of the Blade” was inspired by singer Bruce Dickinson’s love of fencing, a theme that continues on “The Duellists,” a song which also takes inspiration from Ridley Scott’s 1977 movie of the same name.
“Back in the Village” is a sequel to Iron Maiden’s earlier song “The Prisoner” from the album “Number of the Beast.” Both are lyrically about the BBC science fiction show “The Prisoner.” The title track “Powerslave” examines the dying thoughts of an Egyptian pharaoh, inspiring the album’s iconic artwork of band mascot Eddie as a giant sphinx-like statue of a pharaoh (with inner album artwork depicting him as a mummy on the prowl), and also serves as a musing on Dickinson’s rising fame as a rockstar. The final track, “Rime of the Ancient Mariner” is a 13 minute long epic which adapts the story of the original Samuel Taylor Coleridge poem, and features a variety of different moods.
The album was supported with the 1984-85 World Slavery tour, which featured opening acts like Accept, W.A.S.P., Twisted Sister and Queensrÿche, and spawned Iron Maiden’s first full length live album, “Live After Death.”
The new release of “Powerslave” is pressed on a zoetrope record, with one side printed on an elaborate gold vinyl and the other side printed on an equally elaborate blue vinyl. The zoetrope is designed to look as though images on the disc are moving while it plays. It also features unique additional artwork and notes from bass player and band leader Steve Harris. While some audiophiles argue that the zoetrope effect worsens sound quality, this rerelease gives both record collectors and Maiden fans a reason to reexamine one of Iron Maiden’s best albums.
