"Iron Maiden" is a British heavy metal band known for their intricate and epic songs. "Empire of the Clouds" is a particularly unique and interesting track from their 2015 album "The Book of Souls." Here are some facts about the song:
Longest Iron Maiden Song: "Empire of the Clouds" is the longest song ever recorded by Iron Maiden. It has a runtime of approximately 18 minutes and 1 second. This epic length allows the band to explore complex musical and lyrical themes.
Written by Bruce Dickinson: The song was solely written by Bruce Dickinson, the band's lead vocalist and one of its primary lyricists. It's unusual for Iron Maiden, as many of their songs are written by the band's bassist and primary songwriter, Steve Harris.
Inspired by the R101 Airship: The song's lyrics are inspired by the story of the R101, a British airship that crashed in France in 1930, resulting in significant loss of life. The lyrics tell the tragic story of the airship's ill-fated voyage.
Orchestral Arrangement: "Empire of the Clouds" features a significant orchestral arrangement, which is not typical for Iron Maiden's music. Bruce Dickinson played the piano himself on the recording, and the song incorporates strings and other orchestral instruments to create a grand and cinematic atmosphere.
Recorded Live in the Studio: Iron Maiden recorded the song as a live band in the studio, rather than tracking individual instruments separately. This approach gives the song a more organic and dynamic feel.
Bruce Dickinson's Vocal Performance: Bruce Dickinson's vocals in "Empire of the Clouds" are notably emotive and theatrical. He delivers a powerful and dramatic performance that matches the epic nature of the song.
Complex Song Structure: The song's structure is quite intricate, featuring multiple sections and transitions. It progresses through different musical themes, adding depth and complexity to the storytelling.
Fan Favorite: Despite its length and departure from Iron Maiden's typical sound, "Empire of the Clouds" has become a fan favorite and is often praised for its storytelling, musicianship, and the band's willingness to experiment with their music.
Live Performances: While "Empire of the Clouds" is a challenging song to perform live due to its orchestral elements and length, Iron Maiden did include it in their setlist for "The Book of Souls World Tour," utilizing backing tracks for the orchestral parts and bringing this epic track to their live shows.
Recognition and Awards: The song received critical acclaim and was nominated for the Grammy Award for "Best Metal Performance" in 2017, showcasing its impact and significance in the world of heavy metal music.
"Empire of the Clouds" stands out as a remarkable and ambitious composition within Iron Maiden's extensive discography, demonstrating the band's willingness to push boundaries and explore new musical territories.