Senjutsu
by Iron Maiden

This is probably the most expensive new vinyl I’ve ever bought, too expensive! But I wanted it on vinyl…I agree with a lot of the comments in that songs are longer. Maiden purists may not like this fact, it is starting to sound slightly progressive, as did parts of Book of Souls. I like this, Maiden purists will probably like the shorter tracks. An example is ‘The writing on the wall’, with its acoustic guitar intro, it twists in the style of prog rock, less turns, more twists. To be honest, it is only Dickinsons’ vocal delivery and a distinct lack of keyboards which confirms it is actually metal.

Much better than Maiden’s last couple of albums in my opinion.

From Strangel 09/24/2021 11:52 | #274127

Despite what I’m reading in the comments here, I’m sticking with my initial opinion of this release as being Maiden’s best offering since Seventh Son. I’ve drifted away from metal over the years so it’s no small thing for me to pump up a new release. As a band they have found a renewed energy and the sound gratifyingly gallops along as a Maiden album should but with nuances that make it sound fresh and contemporary at the same time. Bruce’s voice seems a bit lacklustre at times as age has probably taken the edge off it somewhat but he still gives it a good crack. The vocal in Stratego seems a bit stifled on the first few listens and yet he can hit full throttle on Days of Future Past where he pulls it off like mid-80s Bruce. And the melodies are definitely there, especially on The Writing in the Wall which I am loving at the moment in conjunction with the epic animated film clip.

From teague 09/11/2021 18:21 | #273640

What's with legendary metal bands releasing mediocre albums this year? Hopefully Mastodon's new album is good because this is pretty boring.

From VictorVale 09/07/2021 18:04 | #273426

Falta um pouco de força, mas há momentos excelentes!

Same problems like "Book of Souls" and "The Final Frontier", the songs are way too long but not dense enough.
Not memorable masterpieces like "Rime of the ancient Mariner", "Paschendale" or "The longest day".
Sounds a bit the same.
"The Writing on the wall" might be the exception.
Its a good album, but not really "edgy". The songs dont really stick.

From VictorVale 09/06/2021 21:42 | #273392

Cativou! Tem pontos criativos em meio a vários auto-plágios!

It's not bad but there are too many songs that just go on for about ten minutes where nothing really happens. Maiden struggle to write memorable melodies these days and there are certainly a lack of those here. Once a song has finished it's hard to remember anything about it. It sounds good and there is plenty of energy, especially for a group in their mid-sixties, but there are no standout tracks here, no songs that particularly jump out at you. It's enjoyable enough I guess but it's no Seventh son of a seventh son.