What makes Empire of the Clouds by Iron Maiden notable?

'Empire of the Clouds' stands out not only for its ambitious length but also for its critical acclaim, receiving praise from various music publications. The song reached high positions on global charts, highlighting Iron Maiden's enduring relevance in the heavy metal scene and solidifying their legacy as pioneers of the genre. Released in 2016, 'Empire of the Clouds' is Iron Maiden's first studio recording since 'The Book of Souls' in 2015. It showcases the band's continued evolution as they embraced longer compositions and complex narrative themes. This track also marked a significant departure towards more cinematic elements in their music.