Meta Description: Discover the brilliance of Led Zeppelin’s “Achilles’ Last Stand.” Explore how this epic track from Presence showcases the band’s progressive rock prowess and musical evolution.
Led Zeppelin’s “Achilles’ Last Stand”: A Prog Rock Masterpiece
By the end of the 1970s, Led Zeppelin had transcended their identity as a typical hard rock band. By their fourth album, they had evolved into something extraordinary, and by Physical Graffiti, they had solidified their status as a rock institution. Jimmy Page, the mastermind behind their iconic riffs, and Robert Plant, who typically crafted the melodies, continued to push boundaries. Plant recalled being blown away when they first presented Led Zeppelin’s “Achilles’ Last Stand” to him.
The Evolution of Led Zeppelin
Following the monumental success of Physical Graffiti, Led Zeppelin could have retired and remained one of the biggest names in music history. They had already delivered an unparalleled run of albums, so ending their journey then could have been one of the cleanest breaks in rock history.
Challenges During Presence
As they embarked on their next record, Presence, challenges arose when Plant was injured in a car accident before entering the studio. Despite his determination to deliver an outstanding performance, recording some of his greatest vocal work from a wheelchair proved difficult.
While Presence may not be the quintessential Led Zeppelin record, it contains remarkable moments. However, a track like ‘Candy Store Rock’ pales in comparison to their other epic songs. Yet, Led Zeppelin’s “Achilles’ Last Stand” stands out, aligning with the powerful, epic style they were known for.
The Epic Power of “Achilles’ Last Stand”
At ten minutes long, “Achilles’ Last Stand” rivals ‘Kashmir’ in its live performances. While ‘Kashmir’ feels like a musical journey, this track thrusts listeners onto a battlefield from the first notes, with John Paul Jones’s thunderous eight-string bass supporting Jimmy Page’s masterful guitar licks.
Before Plant even added his vocals, he recognized the musical brilliance of the track, stating, “‘Achilles’ Last Stand’ was prog rock gone mad, and it was brilliant. When we wrote it, it was like releasing a beautiful bird. The music was stunning, and performing it live was either unbelievable or dreadful. But at least it wasn’t ‘Great Balls of Fire’.”
Influence on Progressive Rock
The progressive rock elements of Led Zeppelin’s “Achilles’ Last Stand” were ahead of their time. Bands like Rush would later draw inspiration from Zeppelin’s progressive style, incorporating fictional characters and epic tales into their music, as seen in tracks like ‘The Necromancer’ and ‘Xanadu’.
A Testament to Original Composition
Despite accusations that Zeppelin were merely a cover band, “Achilles’ Last Stand” exemplifies their prowess with original compositions. Page’s ability to craft ear-catching licks is evident, but the powerful guitars on this track signal to listeners that they are about to experience one of the most epic tales the 1970s produced.
