June 29th, 2013 - The Trooper Is Caught Somewhere In Time

Evening rockers!  How about a double dose of Iron Maiden?!  That's right... the Meista is here tonight with Maiden's "Somewhere In Time" and a Trooper Premium British Beer, an ale created by Iron Maiden and brewed by Robinson Brewery!!  Hell yeah!!

Trooper Premium British Beer was not only inspired by Iron Maiden's song "The Trooper," but vocalist Bruce Dickinson played a major role in the development of this classic English ale.  "I'm a lifelong fan of traditional English ale; I thought I'd died and gone to heaven when we were asked to create our own beer. I have to say that I was very nervous: Robinsons are the only people I have had to audition for in 30 years. Their magic has been to create the alchemical wedding of flavour and texture that is TROOPER. I love it." Trooper is definitely a true English ale with a good balance of hops and malts and true "depth of character."  Trooper pours a clear, deep copper with a thin white head.  The nose is both malty and hoppy with notes of freshly baked bread, roasted nuts, and a slight hint of lemon zest.  Brewed with roasted malts along with Bobec, Goldings, and Cascade hops, the flavor is much like the nose... crisp, nutty, malty, and hearty.... and perfectly refreshing! It is medium-bodied with a nice, clean and hoppy finish.  And coming in at only 4.7% ABV, you can through back a few of these easy drinking babies whilst pumping your fist and banging your head to "Somewhere In Time" on a hot summer's day (currently 103 degrees Fahrenheit here in Salt Lake City!)

Now obviously, "The Trooper" is not a track on the "Somewhere In Time" album, but I was in the mood for this wonderful album, and why be obvious?  "Somewhere In Time" is Iron Maiden's 6th studio album and was released on September 29th, 1986.  The concept of space and time is a common motif throughout the album, but it definitely isn't a concept album.  "We certainly never went in there and said, 'Right let's write a load of songs on the subject of time'," bassist and songwriter Steve Harris said of the album.  Regardless of thematic intent, this is one kick-ass collection of songs!!  I absolutely love each and every song on "Somewhere In Time"!  "Caught Somewhere In Time," "Wasted Years," "Sea Of Madness," "Heaven Can Wait," "The Loneliness Of The Long Distance Runner," "Stranger In A Strange Land," "Deja Vu," and "Alexander The Great"... metal perfection!!  I won't do the band or your, the reader the disservice of trying to describe the richness of each song, but just know that they are delivered with intensity, passion, honesty, and precision... fucking brilliant!!

And how about that kick-ass Blade Runner-eque cover by Derek Riggs?!  There's all sorts of obvious and not-so-obvious symbolism on both the front and back covers.  Google it sometime... pretty cool stuff!!

This pairing goes out to all my fellow Maiden fans out there!!!  Up the Irons!!!