I'll let you describe why you deem that to not make sense before I respond.
You said:
Power chords are few and far between -- perhaps Iron Maiden's least riffing album ever.
I
interpreted this to mean that you equate "riffing" fundamentally with the use of guitar power chords i.e. that these were linked, not just two unconnected statements. Since you didn't directly correct
my assumption of what you said I assumed you accepted my basic summary of your position i.e. that power chords = riffing in your view.
I'm not making a judgement on whether your opinion of good or bad riffs is one I agree with. But as a statement of fact, using the musical terminology you've used, your statement (or my summation of it) is plainly false. Sure, lots of riffs are based around chords progressions and this might involve power chords. It equally might not. Most "riffs" as you or anyone else would describe them are just as likely to be produced by a guitarist playing single notes as they are playing power chords. Assuming, as a guitarist (or not), you understand what a power chord is; and you, additionally, don't have some absurd, unconventional, or incredibly narrow definition/understanding of what a
riff is.
Iconic Maiden riffs? What about the intro to
Fear of the Dark? The intro to
Wasted Years? The verse of
Alexander the Great? The verse of
Hallowed Be Thy Name? The beginning of
Run to the Hills? The verse of
The Trooper? None of these involve power chords. In fact Maiden, with their harmonies (& now with
three guitarists), are literally the perfect example of a band that make riffs
without using power chords. The exact opposite of what you've said.
This is what I mean by not making sense.
I know I said I don't like The Trooper live, but to say that you don't like the studio version as much as Sun And Steel or Quest For Fire is a really bold statement!
