Rating 9/10
"The loudest Folk-Band on the Planet"
Iron Maiden themselves probably never thought about sitting 3 years on a finished record and weren't able to talk to you about it. Recorded 2019 in Guillaume Tell Studios in Paris, a Studio they know and love. 22 Years ago they recorded Brave New World and also 2015 Book of Souls was created in the western part of Paris. Senjutsu, the name of their 17th output, was kept a secret way to long. After completion the Band toured through North- and South America, shortly after everyone was going their own way to different parts of the world. The last time they've been together was October 15th 2019 in Chile. They worked a little on Legacy of the Beast and Adrian Smith worked with Richie Kotzen on their Self titled collaboration. Then, Corona hit and everything fell kind of flat. After Bruce rejoined maiden in 2000, their musical output can be described in short : Songs are getting longer and more playful. This proud band is taking it's time in creating new songs. Some older fans might mourn the loss of fast paced rockers. But still, Maiden is extremely exciting to this day. If you are burning for more progressive songs while also getting older, they are right there for you. This also accounts for Senjutsu. Maiden successfully create are very thoughtful Double Album clocking in at 82 Minutes. It greatly differs from The Book of Souls. It's closer to Brave New World due to amazing melodies while keeping the progressive direction the Band hast taken since. You instantly hear how unagitated Bruce sings these songs without sounding rushed. Also noteworthy is the production by Kevin Shirley. this is the first record which allows you to put on some headphones and enjoy it. Senjutsu sounds powerful and clear. They didn't sound THAT good since their 80's.
The Brits start off the record kind of monumental and heavy, but also bulky. Nicko takes center stage in >Senjutsu< , drumming like a Shaman, swinging around his kit with ease. in combination with raw guitar chords , the first seconds remind me of Saigon Kicks - New World until it unfolds into a tough and thrilling Maiden Epos. This Harris / Smith song sounds more like a Smith / Dickinson song which could have landed on a Bruce Solo Record. It instantly sits in your ear and doesn't let go.
The robust >Stratego< by Harris / Gers is patented maiden galloping. The chorus is kind of Brave new World flair from Bruce. Haven't heard them that tight in a long time. Great guitar work.
>Writing on the Wall< is a song which enriches Maiden-Folklore with a Southern twist. Great Hard Rock.
>Lost in a Lost World< is the first 9 Minute Harris Epic. It gets carried by foggy Keyboard sounds and an acoustic guitar while Bruce sings lowly and creates a big amount of tension. Creepy Choirs appear out of the fog and lead us into a Guitar and Bass attack after 2 minutes. We are right in it, resemblance of Fear of the Dark, Rime and For the Greater good of God come to mind, without the same tempo and no rushed verses. The Chorus is sublime and is underlined with fine Synths. Highly addictive !
Wrzucę resztę jak będzie przetłumaczona.
Myślałem, że Metalurgia dostatecznie to pisemko i jego "opinie" zmiażdżyła.