More magic from 'Maiden' as they notch up another masterpiece. A little more accessible than 'Piece of Mind' with more variety and complexity as 'Maiden' start expanding on the epic compositions laid down on the previous release. For the first time the lineup remains the same, as the two-pronged guitar attack of 'Dave Murray' and 'Adrian Smith' continue to write musical history. 'Steve Harris' and 'Nicko McBrain' supply the trademark explosive rhythm and 'Bruce Dickinson' continues to establishes himself at the forefront of 'Power Metal' vocalists.

Thundering the album off are the two single releases, 'Aces High' and '2 Minutes to Midnight', don't let this mislead you to think these are half-hearted pop-metal attempts, as both are uncompromising metal classics. 'Aces High' is a thumping galloper of the highest order, complete with cutting guitar work and blistering 'Dickinson' vocals, while the antiwar ripper '2 Minutes to Midnight' is superbly written, with catchy chorus and smoking drum and bass work. 'Losfer Words' is a bit of departure for 'Maiden', their last instrumental being with 'Paul Di'Anno' but as you would expect, they don't disappoint, not up to the brilliance of 'Phantom of the Opera', but still a tasty, riff driven, rolling gem. Next up is the often overlooked 'Flash of the Blade', an enjoyable romp which features some brilliant strafing guitars which really enhance the feel of this fantasy tale. Closing the first half is 'The Duellists' a slightly more laboured track and is reminiscent of work from 'Piece of Mind', a decent effort but not one of the highlights. Side two kicks off with 'Back in the Village' another underrated track, full of fine soloing and glorious vocals, not too sure about the lyrics, but still a pleasant ride. The album really comes into its own with the epic title track, a masterfully written piece based around a galloping Eastern rhythm fuelled by the famous duelling guitars. The almost acoustic wind-down is also a treat, especially when it fires back into the thumping chorus- Magnificent. They've saved the best for last though, 'Rime of the Ancient Mariner' is nothing short of a masterpiece, inspired by a 'Samuel Taylor Coleridge' poem, it makes for a 13 minute magnum opus. Stealing the infectious rhythm from 'Flight of Icarus', 'Maiden' take it a step further, with scorching fret work, massive power vocals and rich and intelligent lyrics, the introduction of the glorious spoken passages also adds to the depth of this classic.

The massive world-wide tour that followed, truly put 'Iron Maiden' on the map, and established them as the foremost Metal outfit. The tour took its toll out of the group and it's rumoured 'Bruce Dickinson' was ready to quit. Fortunately he didn't and 'Maiden's' run of brilliant albums continued, although 'Powerslave' is judged by some as the last of the great studio releases.