Iron Maiden issued its fifth release, Powerslave, in 1984. It was a time in which the band had become a worldwide arena-headlining sensation. The album was also the first to not have been marked by a lineup change, helping Maiden produce another metal classic. While most other metal bands of the era were still singing about partying, Maiden continued to tackle some serious, thought-provoking subject matter. The band addresses the threat of nuclear war on “2 Minutes to Midnight,” World War II-era fighter pilots in the album-opening “Aces High,” and the demise of an Egyptian king in the title track. But the true highlight is the long and winding 13-and-a-half-minute epic “Rime of the Ancient Mariner.”

Parlophone Records will follow the 2012/13 IRON MAIDEN vinyl picture disc reissues of the first eight Iron Maiden albums, which spanned the 1980s, with brand new pressings of the albums in heavyweight 180g black vinyl.

In conjunction with these premium album releases, a strictly limited one-off run of the 7” singles from each respective album will be made available. These highly collectable black vinyl singles will be cut from the original analogue master tapes. Released in replica artwork packaging, they are sure to become a must-have item for fans, collectors and anyone who missed out first time round.

The albums will also be cut from the original analogue master tapes and packaged in identical artwork to the initial 1980’s releases. As a bonus, the first batch of album releases (Iron Maiden/Killers/The Number Of The Beast) will also be made available in a Collector’s Box sized to house all 8 albums. This package will be a strictly limited edition and available while stocks last.

The release of these high quality, black vinyl records offers optimum choice to fans who would like to own a piece of Maiden’s authentic 1980’s vinyl sound, or for those simply wanting to rediscover this much loved, iconic format. Coupled with the end of the Maiden England World Tour which began in North America in 2012 and finished last month at Knebworth Park’s Sonisphere Festival, this now completes Maiden’s 1980’s touring and catalogue reissues cycle, so the band are free to focus on their dynamic future plans.