(2CD/3LP, Parlophone/EMI, 2021)
There are two kinds of people in the world: those who like the post “Brave New World” IRON MAIDEN, and those who don’t. The current incarnation of the band, no longer writes fast, tight and dramatic anthems but composes longer, darker and often repetitive songs. I love every era of the band, but at the same time I understand those who complain; the ‘80s albums are probably the best Heavy Metal albums in the history of music, and therefore everything released after those glory years will be inferior, in comparison.
The legendary band unleashed to the world their 17th album, titled “Senjutsu” that can be translated in English as “stratagem”. Any release by the British legends will always be a major event in the Metal world, and this is no exception. So, I am very proud to review it, although it is impossible for me to be unbiased, as IRON MAIDEN is not just my favorite band, but part of my life for almost 40 years.
“Senjutsu”, as its predecessors, features longer, mid-paced songs, being epic and dark at the same time. There are many common musical themes that the band has used (and sometimes overused in the recent past), but to their credit, they have been experimenting with new ideas trying to diversify their sound. The three guitarists have more creative liberty, contributing significantly more, with additional solos as compared to the past. The absolute highlight of this record is the amazing vocal performance from the legendary vocalist, Mr. Bruce Dickinson, who proves to everyone that not even cancer can stop him. Although, the way the vocals were mix is a matter of controversy.
The first track of the first disc is the album’s title track and one of my favorites. Despite being an Adrian Smith composition, it is not a guitar-driven one. This is a song about a city under siege facing impending doom and therefore is both epic and tragic narrated with soaring vocals and tribal drumming. The galloping and up-tempo “Stratego” would have been one of the best songs of the last decade, if there were a stronger chorus. The Hard Rock / Southern elements in “The Writing On The Wall” is up for debate, but personally I like it. The beautiful acoustic intro “Lost In A Lost World” with a stunning vocal performance leads to “Days Of Future Past”, which along with “The Time Machine” are just good tracks; more up-tempo with very cool choruses.
The haunting dark ballad “Darkest Hour” opens the second disc and is one of the best tracks of the album, being inspired by the namesake movie. Then, a Steve Harris trinity follows: “Death Of The Celts” is one of the epics that everybody loves, reminiscent of “The Clansman”. Then, the true masterpiece, “The Parchment”, that I believe is one of the best, later era MAIDEN compositions with Middle Eastern melodies, has some excellent guitar lines and a slow tempo that gradually picks-up, grabbing the listener’s attention. The last of the three, is the melodic “Hell On Earth” that drops the curtain with more excellent singing.
So, how good “Senjutsu” is? The fans who like the 21st version of IRON MAIDEN will love it, and play it to death. For the ones who don’t, I’d suggest to not dismiss it without giving it a try. After all, all the tracks are available online for streaming, so there is no excuse. In my humble opinion, “Senjutsu” is a fine addition to the band’s catalogue. IRON MAIDEN is the best Heavy Metal band of all ages, soldiering on, and preparing to tour the globe.
Up the Irons!
9/10
Links:
www.IronMaiden.Com
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www.Instagram.Com/IronMaiden
Tracklist:
01. Senjutsu
02. Stratego
03. The Writing On The Wall
04. Lost In A Lost World
05. Days Of Future Past
06. The Time Machine
07. Darkest Hour
08. Death Of The Celts
09. The Parchment
10. Hell On Earth
Lineup:
Steve Harris - Bass
Dave Murray - Guitars
Adrian Smith - Guitars
Bruce Dickinson - Lead Vocals
Nicko McBrain - Drums
Janick Gers - Guitars