Somewhere in Time (Iron Maiden album)

Somewhere in Time is the sixth studio album by the British heavy metal band Iron Maiden, released on September 29, 1986, by EMI in Europe and Capitol Records in the United States. It marked a stylistic departure for the band, featuring synthesizers for the first time, although they clarified these were guitar synthesizers and not keyboards.

The album's theme is loosely based around time travel, reflected in the cover artwork by Derek Riggs and some of the lyrical content. The artwork is notable for its densely packed detail, containing numerous references to the band's history and inside jokes.

Musically, Somewhere in Time continued the band's progressive metal leanings, building upon the foundations laid in Powerslave. The guitar synthesizers added a layer of texture and atmosphere, differentiating the album from its predecessors. Tracks such as "Wasted Years," "Heaven Can Wait," and "Alexander the Great" became fan favorites and staples of the band's live performances.

While commercially successful, Somewhere in Time initially received mixed reviews from critics who were divided on the use of synthesizers. However, it has since gained recognition as a significant and influential album in Iron Maiden's discography, showcasing their willingness to experiment and evolve their sound. The album reached number 3 in the UK Albums Chart and number 11 on the Billboard 200 in the US.