Iron Maiden

Senjutsu

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Genre: Heavy Metal.
Released: 03/09/2021
Via Parlophone Records

Album Review: Iron Maiden – Senjutsu

Iron Maiden, arguably the biggest metal band to ever exist return for their highly anticipated 17th studio album titled ‘Senjutsu’. This marks the bands first release of new music since their critically acclaimed 2015 album titled ‘The Book of Souls’. I believe it goes without saying that whenever it comes to Iron Maiden releasing new music, the metal masses wait eagerly for any glimpse of what the legendary band have in store so without any further delay, here is my review of ‘Senjutsu’.

Slow and methodical is the way Maiden have opted to open their seventeenth album, as title-track ‘Senjustsu’ eases the listener in with the iconic style that has been so prevalent on Iron Maiden’s work ever since their inception. Taking the saying “if it’s not broke, don’t fix it” literally, the band have perfected their craft and this track is a great example of the band proving they don’t need to go all guns blazing to create an enjoyable track. Similarly, ‘Statego’ opts for a more stable beat that allows the song to feel a bit more lively. Bruce’s voice is simply iconic and his vocal performance for this track just gives the track a bit more life and helps to keep the listener engaged.

Belshazzar’s Feast was what sent Maiden fans into overdrive when the band teased the flyer and the outcome was the single ‘The Writing On The Wall’. This song has already become a massive hit amongst the metal community and for good reason. The track feels like a proper old school metal track that I would compare to the likes on ‘Number Of The Beast’ and ‘Blood Brothers’. I absolutely love the story the song tells and the complementary instrumental just tops off one hell of a track. Following this is the extremely atmospheric ‘Lost In A Lost World’. This song brings a new scene of ambition that I haven’t heard from Maiden in quite a while. Trying to blend a mix of styles and emotions really elevates this track to a new height. I am aware that this song will not be a hit with everyone however I found this to be an extremely enjoyable track.

As the album progresses, you get more of what you’ve probably come to expect from Maiden. ‘Days Of Future Past’ is a decent heavy metal track that is stuffed full of memorable riffs and powerful vocals, while ‘The Time Machine’ opts for a suspenseful intro before unleashing a groovy piece of music before ending with a similar, harrowing style that opened the track. Now it’s time for a song that I think is truly special. ‘Darkest Hour’ is an incredible piece of music that flows beautifully and captures the listener’s imagination extremely well. Iron Maiden’s storytelling is unrivalled and this track is a shining example of just how good they can be. I highly recommend this track!

It’s very rare that an album still has over 30 minutes worth of music when you find yourself at the final 3 tracks however Maiden love to do things a bit different. ‘Death Of The Celts’ is the beginning of the end and the track is full of atmospheric changes however it does seem to go on a little longer than necessary. It’s a decency song but I often found myself distracted while listening to it. similarly, ‘The Parchmet’ seemed to be a lot more instrumental which is fine however, being over 12 minutes long, I would at times just turn off while listening to it as it isn’t the most adventurous piece of righting out there. Finishing the album is the track ‘Hell On Earth’. Once again, this track comes in at just over 11 minutes however, unlike the last two tracks, I found this song a lot more engaging and exciting. The way the song progresses keeps the listener interested for its entirety and it makes for a great way to send the album off.

Iron Maiden may be one of the most consistent bands going as once again, the British heavy metal band have struck gold. Despite not being perfect, Iron Maiden have managed to release a number of great tracks with this release that I’m sure will quickly find their way into metalheads hearts around the world. I truly believe that fans of the band will agree with me when I say that this album was worth the wait.