#GreatAlbums1980s - #IronMaiden – Powerslave (1984). Few bands sustain energy long enough to make their fifth LP such a tour-de-force. Powerslave is where the prog ambitions Maiden always threatened leap to the fore, esp. on the epic closer "Rime of the Ancient Mariner." There's a touch of extra fury in "The Duellists" and "Back in the Village" as thrash comes sneaking up the back alley. Plus, of course, the double-fisted opener of "Aces High" and "2 Minutes to Midnight."
