Review by UnhinderedbyTalent for Iron Maiden - Somewhere in Time (1986)

Maiden had by this release managed to hone their songwriting to an almost flawless level.  Over eight tracks ‘Somewhere In Time’ presents a memorable and now fast becoming dependable sound of a band truly enjoying being at the top of their game.  Side A of the record enjoys instant success, opening with the title track before building on that moment with ‘Wasted Years’ and ‘Sea Of Madness’ providing a continuation of that hybrid sound.  ‘Heaven Can Wait’ does fumble the ball a bit to finish the first half of the album, whilst never completely finding the floor the track smells too much of the more mainstream appeal I would associate with some of the 90’s era output from the band.

I would say that the mid point of the album is probably the low point also.  ‘The Loneliness of the Long Distant Runner’ just literally goes on and on, sadly becoming a victim of its own parody of sorts.  I more than get the joke, but come on, it is just so dull.

Thankfully the rest of the record is completely on point.  Culminating superbly on the same epic note of the previous release this time opting for the story of Alexander the Great.  Although the final three tracks do pull the album back on course it doesn’t quite complete the rescue mission well enough to award the album the full five stars.