September 3rd, 1984, marks a date that, for many music enthusiasts—and especially for metal lovers—represents a milestone: the release of *Powerslave*, the fifth album by Iron Maiden. It was a magical moment for the British band and for the fans, including a fourteen-year-old brimming with expectations, waiting for this album as if anticipating a divine revelation. And the revelation arrived, dispelling any doubts about how they could possibly surpass the already extraordinary *Piece of Mind*. Today, forty years later, *Powerslave* continues to resonate in our lives as if it were the first time.Powerslave* is the myth, the legend, the apex, the reference point. There’s no use beating around the bush—I even dedicated a book to it, imagining a bit of the genesis of this masterpiece.

In the ’80s, music carried a different weight, a sacredness that perhaps has been partially lost today. Vinyl records and tapes were precious objects, rituals to be handled with care. The release of a new album wasn’t just a musical event, but one that captivated everyone’s attention, a collective ritual. *Powerslave* was no exception. Its epic sound, the mystical atmosphere evoked by the lyrics, and the fascinating artwork transported us to a distant world, between Egyptian pyramids and epic battles. It was love at first sight for many, an album that not only marked Iron Maiden’s career but also the lives of those who listened to it.

But what has changed in these forty years? Not just the music, but also ourselves, the society we live in, and even Iron Maiden themselves. Back then, we were young rebels, often at odds with the traditional family, searching for an identity in a world that was just starting to change. Today, that traditional family is often a memory, replaced by new models that reflect a more fluid, yet more fragmented, society. And while, at the time, prosperity seemed within everyone’s reach, today we find ourselves facing a more uncertain world, where economic stability is no longer guaranteed, and the future seems less secure.

The digital revolution has transformed everything, including how we consume music. Back then, we would wait months for an album release; today, we have all the music in the world at our fingertips. But paradoxically, this abundance has taken away some of that magic, that anticipation that accompanied every new release. However, Iron Maiden managed to navigate these stormy waters, adapting to the times without ever betraying their essence. Today, they are still one of the most respected and influential bands in the music scene, capable of filling stadiums and inspiring new generations of fans.And then there’s the memory of that concert in Arma di Taggia. It was 1984, and for many of us, it was an experience that went beyond a simple live performance. It was an opportunity to gather, to share a passion that united us and made us feel part of something bigger. That sense of belonging, of community, is perhaps what remains intact today, in a world where everything has become more virtual and less tangible.

In these forty years, we’ve changed, Iron Maiden has changed, and the world around us has changed. But one thing has remained constant: the power and magic of *Powerslave*. Even today, when we play that album, we are catapulted back in time, rediscovering the same emotions we felt back then, when the world seemed simpler and music was a gateway to infinity.

Perhaps this is the secret of Iron Maiden and *Powerslave*: the ability to remain eternally young, to continue speaking to new generations with the same intensity as forty years ago. And while the world around us continues to change, we can always rely on that old magic that makes us feel, as we did back then, like young rebels ready to conquer the world.