Song of the Day: Powerslave (by Iron Maiden)

It took me awhile to get into Iron Maiden. I listened to them somewhat during the 80’s but it wasn’t until later in life that I truly appreciated the band for what they were and that was one of the great metal bands of all-time. “Powerslave” continues the mini-series in the “Song of the Day” series as another song with a great guitar solo section.

It’s a song steeped in Ancient Egypt imagery and mysticism and one written by band front man Bruce Dickinson. From the fifth and album of the same name, “Powerslave” is over 7 minutes of classic Iron Maiden that spoke not just to its headbanging followers, but to another group that was pushed even farther into the fringes of society when the album first came out: nerds.

Iron Maiden’s songs have always been more about lore, mysticism, history and classic literature than it was about sex and drugs the way 80’s metal (hair and glam metal movement) in the U.S. focused on. These things spoke to the geeks and nerds who spent time on AD&D and reading ancient and military history instead of parties, sports and the high school social scene.

The has two competing guitar solos that come midpoint in the song’s playing time with both Adrian Smith and Dave Murray getting a chance to shine and show-off their guitar skills. And yeah, Bruce Dickinson’s vocals were pretty amazing, as well…

Powerslave

Into the Abyss I’ll fall – the eye of Horus
Into the eyes of the night – watching me go
Green is the cat’s eye that glows – in this Temple
Enter the risen Osiris – risen again

Tell me why I had to be a Powerslave
I don’t wanna die, I’m a God, why can’t I live on?
When the Life Giver dies, all around is laid waste
And in my last hour, I’m a slave to the Power of Death

When I was living this lie – Fear was my game
People would worship and fall – drop to their knees
So bring me the blood and red wine for the one to succeed me,
for he is a man and a God – and He will die too

(guitar solos)

Now I am cold but a ghost lives in my veins
Silent the terror that reigned – marbled in stone
A shell of a man God preserved – for a thousand ages
But open the gates of my Hell – I will strike from the grave