After 6 years of waiting Iron Maiden released a new album. The one called "Senjutsu" which means "Tactics". The total time is a bit above 82 minutes which means the album had to be released on 2 CDs and 3 vinyls. Eddie looks at us as a Japanese samurai and I must admit that the cover is really good. Maybe it lacks the complexity of such covers as "Somewhere in time" or "Live after death" but its austerity seems perfect.
The first single "The Writing on the Wall" is a typical song for Maidens. The chorus which proves Dickinson to be still in a good shape as a vocalist. The guitars which are a mix of a Led Zeppelin style with the traditional Iron Maiden style. It was a spectacular new song after a long break for me. The second single "Stratego" is a trademark for the band. Love it or hate it? Maidens are still faithful to their style.
What about other songs? The title song "Senjutsu" sounds really spacious and elaborated. "Lost in a Lost World" is really intriguing. And the guitars remind us of some old good times. "Days of Future Past" is a mixture of fast and slow parts with great work of guitarists again. Fantastic job, guys!
"The Time Machine" is both progressive and catchy. "Darkest Hour" is the darkest one indeed. It remainds me of a good times of "Tears of a dragon" solo hit of Dickinson. The work of guitars, especially in the solos, seems to be the most amazing and emotional of all in the album. Spectacular!
The next two songs "Death of the Celts" and "The Parchment" are successful as well, but... They are really long. The pace and the ideas seem to change a few times during one song. For a die-hard fan of Iron Maiden (who I am) it is a positive point. Especially the sound of the guitars in "The Parchment" is a piece of art indeed. However, as far as a metal ear is concerned it may be a bit boring, because it's too long. One song which is over 10-minute-long is enough. And the second one which is over 12-minute-long? It's really too much! But.. wait...
There is the final song on the "Senjutsu" album which is named "Hell on Earth". Wow! The tradition of a last tremendous hit at the end of the album is still alive! "Hell on Earth" is one of the best and most extraordinary songs the guys from Iron Maiden recorded in the XXI century! It's going to be a cult and iconic song!
Summing up, Iron Maiden once again proved that they're on the top of the most iconic bands ever. The album is so great that I had to buy both the deluxe version (a kind of a bookcase) and the vinyl version. It's worth every single penny! I strongly recommend it!
FINAL SCORE: 9/10
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