It’s the second of three consecutive albums. All meticulously planned and released. And while at times it gets overshadowed by it’s two brothers: ‘Number of the Beast’ and ‘Powerslave,’ it still packs in a punch and ranks as one of Iron Maiden’s most iconic albums.
Maiden were on a roll when 1983 came around. They had just released their biggest album ‘Number of the Beast’ and had finally found a dedicated front man who vocally could take the band to the next level. So what was the natural move? Create two more albums of the same quality and release them in back to back years. The follow up to ‘Number’ would be the band biggest yet: ‘Peace of Mind.’ Taking the bands popularity to yet another level of stadium and arena stardom. And while it’s the weakest of the three consecutive albums. And maybe even one of their weaker Bruce Dickenson albums. It still packs a major punch a times. And it’s provided some of Maiden’s most iconic songs outside of ‘Run to the Hills.’
The first half of the album is killer, no pun intended. They’re five of Maiden’s best. ‘Where Eagles Dare’ rivals ‘Aces High’, ‘Caught Somewhere In Time’ and ‘Moonchild’ as the best album opener. The layered and duel riffing after the chorus burrows its way into your skull. Only to open into yet another Maiden duel guitar solo jam. Next, ‘Revelation’s brings in kind of a blues ballad feeling. A sound that was very common at the time of course. The groove oriented piece is a welcome addition to the album. And it served as a concert staple for many years. It’s not all groove though, the typical Maiden gallop and riff is thrown in for good measure. ‘Flight of Icarus’ is a classic metal chugger. The lyrics are also a prime example of the fantastical elements of the heavy metal genre. Honestly I gotta say, the lyrics on the song are pretty Spinal Tap. ‘Die With Your Boots On’ is a fun, straight forward rocker. There’s a bit of a punk vibe on the background vocals when the band echos ‘IF YOUR GONNA DIE!’ Other than that it’s just a three to four chord piece. Somewhat like AC/DC. The albums centerpiece, and also their next biggest hit next to ‘Run to the Hills,’ is the iconic ‘The Trooper.’ I’ll be frank, it’s been played so many times, and I’ve listened to so many versions of the song, that I’m kind of sick of it. Don’t get me wrong, it’s an amazing song. The duel guitar riff is one of the most instantly recognizable. And as we all know it’s been played at pretty much every show since it’s inception. There’s a reason for that. It’s because the song pretty much captures what Iron Maiden is all about.
The second half of the album isn’t nearly as strong as the first. And that’s where it kind of drops down a few notches in the Iron Maiden catalog ranking. I wouldn’t say the songs are bad by any means. But they’re certainly not in the same ball park as the many greats. ‘Still Life’ is basically a ballad done Maiden style. The tracks non percussive verses mixed with mediocre bass and guitar melodies keep the track from really popping. ‘Quest for Fire’ is a fine song. It’s got many of the strong elements that make a great Maiden song. But by the time the album gets to the track it seems redundant. The songs lyrics, which track early man, are in the same Spinal Tap realm as ‘Flight of Icarus.’ But with less effective music. Again, not bad, but just kind of filler. The album does pick up a bit though on the final two tracks. ‘Sun and Steel’ has an excellent, heavy gallop chug during the verses. And the song gets to the point and is direct. A very thrash sounding track. Very pure heavy metal music. The album closes with the epic ‘To Tame a Land.’ The grove mixed with the bass line give the song a fresh feel. Dave Murray and Adrian Smith’s guitar work holds the rhythm while Steve Harris’ bass takes the melody during the verses. Although Murray has a catchy melody between the verse phrases. In the heavy metal world it might be considered a masterpiece. Like most of Maidens work.
Overall the album is hugely impactful. Like it’s predecessor and it’s follower, it helped to establish Iron Maiden as a forever arena band. With the exception of the Blaze Bailey fronted years. And it’s easy to see why. It’s first five tracks are among some of the best Iron Maiden material in all of their four decade career. The album cover is one of the most iconic. With it’s image of Eddie in an insane asylum isolation room. Complete with straightjacket and menacing scream aimed at the viewer. An all around heavy metal classic, this is a must have for any fan of heavy music. So crank it this weekend and celebrate the Iron Maiden.
