I had seen Iron Maiden albums in the record store. I had even seen the Flight Of Icarus video on MTV at Brian’s house. I just didn’t seem ready to buy something called Number Of The Beast.
Iron Maiden’s album Powerslave hit stores in September. I can recall it being displayed proudly in the new releases area. The Egyptian theme caught my eye. There was something awfully Fiend Folio about the cover. What really sold me though was a track listed on the back called Rime Of The Ancient Mariner. We studied that poem in English back at the Academy. I knew it well. I wondered if it could be the same one.
I decided to purchase it and a few hours later I was firmly a fan of Iron Maiden. They sounded amazing and the subject matter was fresh and interesting. They weren’t singing songs about girls, heartbreak or even rebellion or partying. They chose historical artifacts for their subject matter. Literature, mythology and history in heavy metal form. How refreshing.
The Rime Of The Ancient Mariner was a worthy adaptation of the Samuel Taylor Coleridge poem. I thought this album was top notch and couldn’t wait to get more Maiden records. Listening to Powerslave now is an energizing experience. It makes me eager to dust off the rest of those maiden gems. Iron Maiden would become one of my all time favorite metal bands if not the top of heap.
Aces High
2 Minutes To Midnight
Powerslave
Rime Of The Ancient Mariner