Iron Maiden - Powerslave

The track "Rime of the Ancient Mariner" is the longest song on the album, spanning exactly 13 minutes and 18 seconds. The epic track is directly based on the 18th-century poem of the same name by Samuel Taylor Coleridge. It features multiple time signature changes and a famous quiet, atmospheric middle section with guitar arpeggios.

Powerslave was released on September 3, 1984, by EMI Records in Europe and Capitol Records in the United States. It was the band's fifth studio album and solidified their status as global heavy metal superstars. The album reached number 2 on the UK Albums Chart and launched their massive World Slavery Tour.

The album features two of Iron Maiden's most famous singles: "2 Minutes to Midnight" and "Aces High." Both songs were released ahead of the album and received heavy rotation on radio and MTV. "2 Minutes to Midnight" addresses themes of nuclear apocalypse, while "Aces High" is written from the perspective of a WWII fighter pilot.

The iconic album cover, featuring ancient Egyptian pyramids and a massive Eddie, was painted by Derek Riggs. It took several months to complete and includes intricate details like hidden hieroglyphics. The artwork perfectly matches the Egyptian-themed title track on the record.