With such superb albums as Number of the Beast, Piece of Mind, and Powerslave, Iron Maiden had forged a completely original heavy metal sound. Feeling that they’d taken it as far it could go, the band decided to broaden their sound with the use of synthesizers for their sixth studio album, 1986’s Somewhere in Time. While many other metal bands used synths in the ’80s to appeal to the pop audience, Maiden wisely did not overindulge. Instead, they used them to create textures, and were rewarded with one of their most commercially successful releases. And although Maiden’s next album, 1988’s Seventh Son of a Seventh Son, would perfect this new approach, Somewhere contains many a highlight. Both the “do it now” rocker “Wasted Years” and the more melodic “Stranger in a Strange Land” were successful singles/videos, while other prominent tracks included the album-closing epic, “Alexander the Great,” the frenzied opener, “Caught Somewhere in Time,” and the singalong concert fave, “Heaven Can Wait.” Although not quite as substantial as its predecessors (filler crops up here and there), Somewhere in Time succeeded in broadening Maiden’s sound without alienating their longtime metal fans. ~ Greg Prato

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.