Iron Maiden, Senjutsu and the Return of the (Metal) Emperor

The "Eddie and the boys" are back after 6 whole years with their new, highly anticipated work, titled "Senjutsu" (translated from Japanese as strategy/tactics) and, wielding their Japanese katanas, they crush their doubters once and for all!

A powerful start

The record kicks off with the title track "Senjutsu” (Smith/Harris) under the battle-cry drums of Nicko McBrain (influenced by the ancient Japanese art of " kumi-daiko"). At the same time, we're blasted by the guitar of Adrian Smith and the ageless vocals of Bruce Dickinson. The track runs 8 minutes and 20 seconds (almost short, one might say, by this album's standards). Listening to the track, we're now well and truly into the thick of it, since "Senjtusu" gives us a first taste of the record's direction. And it's exactly what we want…

Continuing on, and this time without wasting a minute on intros, comes the second single of the album "Stratego"(Gers/Harris). One of the two contributions from the band's "dancer"-guitarist Janick Gers to "Senjutsu", who as time goes by is also putting his signature on the astronomical value of Iron Maiden's discography. Within Stratego's 4:59 duration, we get the by-now iconic "Maiden Gallop," an incredibly catchy chorus and solo that make you want to grab your dusty guitar and give it a shot yourself! For the track's music video, Iron Maiden teamed up with Adult Swim, and the result is amazing…with Eddie playing Shogi (Japanese Chess).

Continuing with 'The Writing on the Wall'

We won't say much about the next track (you can check out a more complete analysis of ours here). It's about the “The Writing on the Wall” (Smith/Dickinson). It was released in mid-July as the first Single, surprising everyone with an excellent animated video clip, directed by Nicos Livesey. Its story comes straight out of Bruce Dickinson's mind. A bit of Southern Rock, a bit of British Heavy Metal and an Adrian Smith going… wild with his solo.

Next up is “Lost in a Lost World” (Steve Harris), the first “epic” of Senjutsu then, and it functions as a first breather. Slow, methodical and melodic, clocking in at 9:31 minutes. In it, Steve Harris reminds us why he's considered among the top (if not THE top) composers of the scene. He's gotten us used to (or rather spoiled us with) one or two ten-minute masterpieces on every Iron Maiden album. But Senjutsu differs in the fact that here 'Harry' gifts us not two or three, but four. Also worth noting is the excellent performance of Bruce Dickinson on this particular track, which, after everything he's been through with his health, surprises us with his inexhaustible abilities.

Closing out the first disc

In “Days of Future Past” (Smith/Dickinson), we get to experience what it's like to be immortal, and to walk this earth forever. All of this through Bruce's lyrics. The shortest (4:03) track in duration (but not in quality) on the album. It's extremely dynamic, with obvious Hard Rock influences–a trademark of Adrian Smith by now- and gives another feel to the structure of “Senjutsu”.

The first disc from the duo of “Senjutsu”, closes “The Time Machine” (Gers/Harris). Second contribution from Gers. In collaboration with captain Steve, they take us on a journey with those classic tempo and melody changes we've all come to love over the years in Maiden's music. A track that lives up to its title since it strongly recalls Maiden's first work after the long-awaited Reunion, back in 2000, Brave New World.

So, second record from "Senjutsu", and all I have to say is that the best is still ahead of us...

The “Darkest Hour” (Smith/Dickinson) opens the second LP of "Senjutsu". Dark and heavy, both musically and thematically, since it refers to the choices and life of Winston Churchill. It's one of the most "straightforward" tracks by the Iron Maiden. With a truly Heavy Metal riff and Adrian Smith (once again) proving to us why Maiden just aren't the same without him.

As I said above, Steve Harris did us the favor this time of gifting us four of his own, unique masterpieces. Thus the Senjutsu closes with 3(!) back to back. A real gift for Maiden fans.

Continuing on the second disc

Opening the fiery trio is “Death of the Celts” (Steve Harris) and takes us on a journey to the era of Celtic warriors. This song could almost be described as a "sequel" to “The Clansman” (Steve Harris), from the album Virtual XI, not only thematically but also musically. In fact, as the public's love for this particular track has proven, that can only be a good thing. The song's duration is 10:20 and I confess that when I listen to it, I don't want it to end. Another exceptional performance from Dickinson, giving it his all vocally. Like another William Wallace, he makes us want to grab our axe, our shield, and fight for our clan. The kilt isn't necessary, but it sure helps!

If you've ever wondered what “Powerslave” would sound like if Maiden had written it in 2021, wonder no more. Just listen to “The Parchment” (Steve Harris). Almost 13 minutes(!) of mysterious, thematic heavy metal music with riffs pulled straight out of the deserts and pyramids of Ancient Egypt. The triple guitars sing the melody in Steve Harris's mind, and the result is like an oasis in the middle of the scorching desert.

The album's closing

So, reaching the end of the thematic section of epic masterpieces by Steve Harris, we also reach the end of "Senjutsu" as a whole. This difficult undertaking falls to “Hell on Earth” (Steve Harris). This track needs many "playthroughs" before one can truly appreciate its real value. The only thing certain is that Steve still has a lot to give to the musical firmament, since he still seems to be at the peak of his 40-year musical career.

The “Hell on Earth” contains everything that makes Iron Maiden who they are. A melodic and emotional intro and abrupt shifts from melody to melody. All of this to the rhythm of the galloping drums bearing McBrain's signature. The vocals from Bruce Dickinson become one with the guitars of Smith, Murray and Gers. Crowning it all, the maestro Steve Harris. He's the one who holds them all together (us included), through the adventure and journey that only he can orchestrate… 

Of all the tracks, this is the one I'm most eager to hear at the next live show. Mission accomplished, then. The “Hell on Earth” stands comfortably and equally among Maiden's epic "giants". Tracks like “Hallowed be thy Name”, “Rime of the Ancient Mariner”, “Phantom of the Opera”, “Seventh Son of a Seventh Son”, “Alexander The Great”, “Dance of Death” and “For the Greater Good of God”.

Final thoughts

To sum up “Senjutsu”, it's an excellent record. As time passes and the dust from the hype that comes with the arrival of a new Maiden album settles, its true worth will show. A record that opens the third(!) decade of Iron Maiden's career triumphantly. Up the Irons!

Highlights of “Senjutsu”: “Hell on Earth”, “Death of the Celts”, “The Parchment”, “The Writing on the Wall” and “Senjutsu”.

P.S. I also find the album art excellent, as well as the idea of Eddie as a Samurai. Take a look at the many different editions of "Senjutsu", since they're all quite interesting.