Folks, ALS is simply one of the most intense, elaboorate, intricate, complex rock songs EVER written by anyone - period.
Musicians, producers of music, studio techs, would all agree that the technical and mucisianship of that one song eclipses anything that Zep had done before or after.
This was Jimmy's epic masterpiece.
I've listened to ALS with studio reference equipment - both the analog and digital versions. I prefer the analog however. The guitar and bass work here are sublime, brilliant! Bonhams' drumming, pacing and breaks are transcendant - really. The over-dubs on Pages end are simply unequalled to this day.
Nobody layers guitar lines like that anymore, only because they can't!
Listen carefully, layer upon layer - tasteful and portant guitar runs that build the song to great heights.
John's drumming - roll upon roll moving in synch with JPJ bass lines - steady, forceful, pure power.
And Robert's lyrics sung with passion and spiritual loft...his best effort by far. Beats Kashmir in complexity and ferocity.
Simply put - Achilles Last Stand is a masterpiece for generations to come.