Iron Maiden's New Album: Senjutsu - My First Impressions!
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- Опубликовано: 18 окт 2024
- My thoughts on Iron Maiden's new album, Senjutsu, after having listened to it for the first three days since its release. This is not a "review" or a critique but just my first impressions as a longtime fan.
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Just insane they can be this vital and fresh at this point of their career. Lost in a lost world and hell on earth have really hot me on an emotional level
Great review. For me Hell on Earth is the stand out. Can’t stop listening to it over and over..
Same! I’m obsessed!
I love that everyone has different favourites. It's a real testament to the album's depth and breadth!
best song they've done since reunion. I get goosebumps. powerful upbeat melody to great and sad lyrics
@@phillytheflyerable yeah the song is both celebratory and mournful.
Absolutely fantastic album in my opinion. There is not a bad song on it. It is a lot to absorb but its such an epic, cerebral album.
Agreed
Agreed. This is a really great one. Best of the post-reunion by far.
Are you okay? Did you even listen to the album?
They opened X Factor with sign of the cross, which coincidentally or purposefully I hear call backs to on Senjutsu.
Which is great, as I love X Factor
X factor is in my top 5 i listen to it a lot its a great album with a great atmosphere.
Death Of The Celts is just a masterpiece! I hope they play this live.
I remember when I herd the first few seconds of it. I was like yeah this is gonna be epic
Adrian’s “Senjutsu” riff is one of the most badass riffs in Metal history. Unreal.
Dave's solo on the Parchment is amazing
Bruce said in an interview that once they finished this album back in 2019 they all were ready to go back to the studio and record another one, he also went to say that they had the studio already booked and ready to travel to start but they had a chance of heart and thought it was better to focus on this one and wait a bit till things get better with the pandemic and everything that is happening around the world the past couple of years... anyways listening to Bruce, saying that they were that close to record the 18th album means that we will see another masterpiece sooner than everybody thought. Up the Irons!
That's awesome! Thanks for sharing that bit of info 😃🤘
Thanks!!!
There's a rumour that Bruce has a solo album waiting around for release...........🤞
I really hope so! They're seriously on their A game right now. I would not be disappointed if they just cranked out some albums and toured them later.
dave's solo in hell on earth OMG!!
m favorite song is hell on earth!!! :D
greatings from Mexico :D
Your my favorite channel now. Your no nonsense approach to this gift of a band is spot on. Cant wait for the next video. Thank you.
Wow thank you so so much!!! You really made my night with that comment :)
Fantastic album, put your headphones, listen fully, and you are transported on a journey, cinematographic, heavy and deep, Maiden still rules! Up the Irons 🤘🏻🎸
Absolutely! This album is complete headphone candy!
people complaining about sound, mix ..echoes... me did heard anything like than even on speakers loud , album sound great deep, dark ..finally
Well said. Phenomenal album for sure. Headphones is a must .
I agree with you, Nico! This album is wonderful and a gift to us Maiden fans. Waiting for your next videos. Cheers from Brazil! Up the Irons!
You got this album spot on for me. I can't believe in their 60's they produce possibly their best work, it's just insane! Whilst working the other day I played the album start to finish over and over again. Each listen through you pull something more from the music. I have to say as well I think Nicko's drumming is in top form, particularly in the title track. Oh and by the way, your playing is so sharp and sounds great in all your vids, you should be on the stage playing along with them.
It's a darker album, for sure. Their extensive use of phrygian/phryrigian dominant makes it so. The last line in The Parchment is the reason why you have Mr. Bruce Dickinson in your band. It's "The dreamers may die, but the dreams live on" moment of the album. Incredibly powerful, it gives me chills every time.
Amazing breakdown. Love your analysis. And if I ever get stranded on a desert island with only one band to listen to, IM is a no brainer. But hopefully you can drop in from time to time to give me your amazing insight into the intricacies of Maiden in a way that I can't exactly see for myself being a non-musician.
Your kind words are greatly appreciated! Thank you so much 🙇🏻🙏🤘
I finally let myself watch this video. I'd been avoiding discussion and reviews and opinions until I had the album in my hands and had a playthrough on my own.
This is the first album in a while where I have found riffs and melodies stuck in my head after a single playthrough. I'm absolutely amazed. I love how clear and crisp the recording is with the elaborate layering of harmonies. It's a symphonic feast.
Senjustu is an Epic Album not one filler. I would love to see them play this album in it’s entirety! There I said it! I have seen Maiden 27 times only missed the 2 Blaze t and AMOLAD Tours and I regret it to this day. This Album along with Empire in The Clouds then Hallowed Be Thy Name would be and Night to Remember! Up The Irons for Life🤘❤️⚒😎🤘
I would LOVE to see them play the whole album live!
@@LicksOfTheBeast i think bruce confirmed on chris jericho's podcast that they will. A couple peppered into legacy 22 for balance and then full album in small clubs next year or year after
@@ironhazzard Can't wait to see that!!
I agree with their creativity being at the top. What truly astonishes me is that after so many albums, so many years and so many songs one might think they said it all. Instead they are still young and powerful. I’m guessing they’ll keep on playing good music from here to eternity…
Senjutsu has become my favorite Maiden album. Hell on Earth is my favorite song off if it, and may even be my favorite Maiden song. The whole song, from beginning to end, is just beautiful! I actually don’t mind that the melody for the verses is predictable. Hell on Earth has some of my favorite Maiden melodies. The entire album is superb, but Hell on Earth is just it for me: Bruce’s emotional singing; Nicko’s drumming; Steve’s captivating bass playing; the beautiful guitar melodies with all of those added sprinkles of Adrian and Janick dust throughout the song; and those beautiful solos.
The whole album is like a gift to us: Adrian, Dave, and Janick outdid themselves with their guitar work; Nicko’s drumming is impeccable; Steve’s bass playing is on another level; Bruce’s voice sounds a little strained at times, but that happens with age. He hits some crazy high notes on this album.
And the art work on this album is cool as hell! Love this album!
It might actually rival AMOLAD for me which is just absolute craziness!
I am trying to not just gush over the whole thing and actually make some sense in this video so it's good thing I waited or it would have just been 12 minutes of me losing my mind 🤣
Hell on Earth is an excellent song and yeah those Adrian and Janick sprinkles are wonderful touches indeed! I think the melodies are beautiful and fit the song perfectly... Again, I just wish they hadn't alluded to each one with guitar or keyboard beforehand but it doesn't make the song any less good to me overall.
And the artwork is so awesome! As a big fan of Feudal Japanese history and lore I am over the moon with it!
@@LicksOfTheBeast
Each time I listen to this album, something new sticks out to me. It’s just filled with little gifts that keep opening. It’s such a gorgeous album, with so much depth.
Absolutely! HoE also my by faaar fav on Senjutsu!!! So complex rich and beautiful song!!! It has alll the things we love in Maiden music!!! A Masterpiece!!!
@@sergeyromanenko6329
Yes! HoE is pure magic! It’s just so beautiful! It is replete with so many nuances that add to the emotional drive of the song. You can even hear what sounds like Adrian’s guitar “crying” during the slower parts.
That 11 minutes and 15 seconds just flies!
@@SomewhereInTheMaidenverse feels like 4 minutes
Just the man I wanted to hear from! I’ll be very happy to have your thoughts, covers, and breakdowns as part of celebrating the release of the new album!
Nice "tengu" shirt haha! I think it's an incredible album, and frankly it's astonishing that all the band members are in their sixties still rocking harder than anyone else. The vinyl's arriving on the 8th in Japan and I'm already rubbing my hands together in anticipation. Also now that you mention the Legacy of the Beast tour - that's scheduled for 2022! I hope the situation gets sorted out by then and I can see them live.
ありがとう！笑
I agree wholeheartedly man! Back in 1988 I never thought I would be discovering yet another brand new Iron Maiden album... I am so happy with it!
I also ordered the black marble vinyl but I have no idea when that will be shipping... Hopefully soon cause that cover looks fantastic!! And seriously I can't wait to see the stage when they finally tour for the album. Legacy of the Beast is already an incredible production (best show I ever saw in my life!) 😃
I think this is my favorite Maiden album since Seventh Son. So many epic moments. Totally agree on Dave's playing. Brought back all the reasons I always fought to play Dave's parts when I was playing in cover bands as a kid.
Feel the same .rock on .love early Maiden .love this album first time in a long time.
Great analysis! I am also impressed by how many people have a different favorite song on this album. It has something for every maiden fan. After listening to them for 30 plus years I can say that Senjutsu has went beyond anything I expected. I truly love this album from start to finish. Up the Irons!! 🤘
I agree with you, it's definetely a cinematic album that I think requires that you give it the attention it deserves. I remember on my first listening not finding Hell on Earth to be very exciting, but now it's the song that brings out the most emotion for me. The melodies and the lyrics highlights, at least for me, how humanity keep wasting it's potential with it's never ending conflicts. It's catchy and epic, yet sad and melancholic at the same time.
CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU, SUPER VIDEO, A MAGICAL ALBUM UP THE IRONS
I totally agree with you. This album sounds great and powerful: Maiden at their top! They have all played together for so long, and yet there are still so many new ideas to explore. Those guys are really awesome... Cheers from France! 😁
The first time I heard Adrian's solo on The Darkest Hour I was overjoyed with the tiny reference to his own solo on Children of the Damned!
Also loved The Parchment.... Damn, that song is so mean!
I would say it's the best album since No prayer... and that's amazing considering a lot of great and in most cases underrated songs like Holy Smoke, Be quick or be dead, Out of the silent planet and The reincarnation of Benjamin Breeg, just to name a few
The only thing that lets this album down is the lack of harmonies. We have 3 guitars here and they play mainly unison or octaves. I miss this.
It’s growing on me more though each day.
Darkest Hour is my favourite so far.
It has the feel of a Bruce solo album track - Gates of Urizen maybe? Smith and Dickinson tracks always kick ass!
Thanks for the video man.
I am a big fan of their harmonies but with these songs I honestly don't find a melody line where a harmony would have made it better. Harmonies can sometimes sound cool until you realize they are actually making the sound smaller and more closed so as a band you always have to keep that in mind when arranging.
And yes definitely big Gates of Urizen vibes on future past!!
I understand what you’re saying. I miss it too, it was great during the solo of “The Longest Day”. But personally I think the songs on “Senjutsu” are so strong that I haven’t missed it.
But I understand you. 3 guitar players and not much twin killing.
I was already wondering, where is Nico? you had not appeared to give your opinion on the album haha…. I hope we can see covers of the songs soon 🤘🏼 greetings!
Well... I wanted to make sure that first of all I took the time to enjoy this release because it was definitely a special one and second, I wanted to make sure I had a good enough basic understanding of the songs before sharing my first thoughts because it's a complex album and I wanted to approach it with the respect it deserves 🙂
And yes I definitely will be releasing some covers too! 🤘
Just one/two things.
I felt a lot of wasting love vibes in Darkest hour. And I totally love Hell on Earth, I feel it so smooth, doesnt sound like a 10min epic...it just floes so easy to my ears.
Other than that, totally agree on everything with you. Nico youre the man!!! Thanks for your effort!! Nice video.
There's already a very good Stratego cover by the Australian band Lord
The Time Machine is my fav track so far. A unique harmonizing done there, both with the vocals and guitars but very different to their usual twin leads sound. In my opinion this is their best album since Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son.
love time machine. that lick that kicks off half way through the song is outstanding! louder the better!
I love The Time Machine too! I didn't realize how big of a fan of Janick's writing I am. His 6/8 time songs are just amazing. I picked up a total Dance of Death vibe on this one.
@@liammerrick6399 This lick is almost the same that we could hear in The Edge Of Darkness (The X factor, 1995...). It's just recycling.
This album sounds great. Just gonna go ahead and leave it playing in my car for awhile. First time I've seen your channel and immediate follow!
I really enjoyed listening to your impressions. About to give it a third play through. Maiden since '80
Indeed Nico. It is a great album and I am still digesting it. IMO they are on fire! So far my favorite songs are Stratego, Days of Future Past, and Hell on Earth. Looking forward to see you talking more about the songs.
Same here... It's not easy listening by any means. It's an album that asks a lot of the listener but also gives back even more! Cheers 🤜🤛
@@LicksOfTheBeast absoloutely!! It's really dark, deep and heavy, for sure. But i looove it. I also think moost of the songs were just built to be played live (Death Of The Celts, Hell on Earth, Writing on the Wall, Lost in a Lost World.
Hey ! Thank you for this very interresting debrief. Like you, I adore this album for its variety, powerful, solos and melodies. You're right, it's a fantastic album. Favorite songs (today): The parchment and Senjutsu ... Up !
Haha I love the favourite songs today... Definitely echo that sentiment! 🙂
IMO, the greatest song on this album is The Writing on the Wall. I didn't really dig it at first but now that I've heard it a lot, its one of the best songs they've done in the reunion era. Davey's solo is pretty good but my god, that might just be my favorite H solo he's done since rejoining the band!
I agree! Adrian's solo is just gorgeous.
It's a definite highlight for sure!
Dave's is perfect in for what the song needs at that point (more of a lead break than a "SOLO") but yeah Adrian's is out of this world!
Agreed . WotW and Senjutsu for me.
The Parchment for me. But they're all great. Love Stratego and Days Of Future's Past!
For me it's one of his most brilliant solos, my fav along with 2 minutes to midnight and stranger in a strange land, I get goosebumps Everytime I listen to it
Excellent review! I feel the same way. It may take years for my final verdict, but so far it's great. Probably the best since Brave New World, if not Seventh Son! One thing that all the reviews I saw fail to mention, though, is that this is probably the album where I hear the most guitar sounds from a clean amp channel, across many songs. It changes the classic Iron Maiden sound a little. Cheers!
It's really a great structured record, to be listened very carefully, without being a mere background while carrying out other kind of activities. Maiden rocks! And great introductory video!
Excellent video with very insightful and valuable comments. As an Iron Maiden fan I really appreciate your feedback and the way you also include the guitar riffs given your ability to play. Keep going!!
I was really disappointed with the last two albums, but Senjutsu is really very good indeed. It feels like their 'Seventh Son of a Seventh Son' of the reunion era. I honestly think there is a case to be made that this is their best ever album.
Thank you Nico! Great quick review. Eagerly anticipating the full review Senjutsu is a fantastic album. Hell on Earth is my favorite so far. Up The Irons!
this whole album is like someone took a jar of honey and dumped it into my ear canal. Its so good.
😂😂😂😂😂 Love this!
Album has absolutely blown me away, something that Book of Souls didn't do when I first listened to it. I thought the solo section of Days of Future Past sounded like Bruce's solo stuff as well, but I specifically thought it sounded like Road to Hell! Hell on Earth has to be my favourite song from this album though. Never been so emotionally moved by a song in long time like that!
I really liked book of souls too but this one has a better flow from beginning to end. There are no weak moments! Well... I don't think there are anyway 😃
I know whatever new songs they play live will sound even heavier. So I'm really looking forward to that after what I heard in the album. I hope they have a planned and decent recording this time (as in "En Vivo!" as opposed to the last two) so we get the best version of some of these songs.
🤞🤞🤞
I've been looking forward to your reaction. I absolutely love this album
You're amazing Nico. Love your vibe and your reviews! Keep up the good work and UP THE IRONS!
Too kind my man!! Thank you!! 🙏🤘
A true masterpiece, not a bad or boring song on the whole album.. Definitely one of the best Maiden albums since Bruce and Adrian came back to Maiden.. I really hope they play the whole album live as they did back in 2006 with A Matter of Life and Death.. Those songs live are deadly!!
I dig this album a lot! Your comment about it asking a lot of the listener and giving even more back really resonated with me, I instinctively understood the ask of the listener from the very first spin of the disc, nice job of stating that eloquently Nico.
The Parchment has been my favorite track so far, but I’m guessing that’s going to change periodically as I love the album as a whole.
It’s going to be difficult to wait for them to tour this album, seeing them on the Legacy of the Beast tour in Nashville, Tennessee was one of the coolest concert experiences of my life. It was also the last big thing I did in the “before times” (before the pandemic), so I’m hugely thankful for that trip.
Great initial review Nico, and I love your approach regarding taking your time with this album!! “I’m not in any rush. We’re going to have a good amount of time with this album before the next one” and “it’s a fantastic album, it’s a rich album, with enough music, lyrics, and sounds, and imagery to keep us engaged for the next few years and beyond”.
My last thought here is that Bruce’s vocals we’re absolutely out of this world. Listening to the album through headphones I couldn’t help but sit in amazement at his vocal performance/achievement which was perfectly matched with the bands masterpiece of instrumentation.
Thanks!!
Same for me man... I think my favourite song will just end up being the whole album 😅
@@LicksOfTheBeast - Very cool! - Thanks for your patience with my long posts. I’ve just been so excited for this album! Finding your channel after you posted your writing on the wall video just kind of fueled the fire! Love this channel! Have a good one today!
@@CC-qb9sm What patience? Man you're nice enough to leave comments and encourage what I'm doing... I can only day thank you! 🤜🤛
@@LicksOfTheBeast - Thanks! Really glad to know you a little bit. I got to looking back at some of my posts and I was like geez I’m long-winded! LOL 😂 😂😂
Hi and thank you for this impression video. Im very pleased to hear your comments about the sound quality cause you know these things. Im am hifi fan also and im quite pissed of about ongoing loudness war and i thought that this is one of the new releases that are ruined by it especially when reading all those comments about stream/utube sound quality. But when iboughtthe CD and listen it with my nice Maranzt setup i noticed that this album really sound clear enough without too much compression and all important content are there. So anyways it is nice 2 hear that your impressions about sound are the same :)
When it's about Maiden, Nico never fails to please! Great vid my friend, brief and straight to the point. Keep up the amazing work! Greetings from Turkey.
When I first listened to Hell on Earth I was completely blown away by the intro.
I was anxious to know your opinion since you are a very genuine and honest fan of the band (and very passionate). I agree with you about almost everything. Also after some listenings (1 or 2 a day since the realease), the album keeps getting better. The facts that left me speachless are: 1. 17th album, they are 60+ years old, 40 years of career and still they can produce these beatiful songs. 2. They do whatever they want. Long songs? Strings? Cinematics? yeah why not. Still they sound Iron Maiden while evolving. Their music is more mature and articulate. 3. How can it be that i'm not bored? Is like a film where you notice more details as you see it again. I could not imagine i would like it this much. After the first listening i was "meh" but now i cannot take out my head "hell on earth", or the gallop of time machine, or the solo from WOTW. I mean, i really love every song on this album. And the concepts, the artworks, the lyrics....i love them all. I think performed live, this album has potential to kick serious ass.
Last note about the producer, i overall like the result. I think in some songs Bruce is mixed too low (ex.: Stratego) and something is strange to my ears (ex.: the fading on the solo ending at 2:30 on the day of future past). I mean, i'm no expert, i'm a self taught guitarist, but something sounded off to my ears. Anyway i'm very proud of my favourite band, and i feel blessed to be able to listen to another album from them. Can't wait to hear new records from Bruce, and thanks Nico for your work! \m/
I was waiting for this review 🙂 As usual, great video!
Thank you brother, this is the best Senjutsu review on RUclips. Good work 👍
This album is really special
Thx for your initial thoughts! And you agree with my impressions, especially for "Senjutsu" and "The parchment". I read a couple of completely different reviews and stopped doing that...
Fantastic review,the best i've seen/heard!For me,this is the greatest album they have ever made,with The Parchment being the best track ever from them.I can't understand why this wonderful album divides opinion,it's majestic,mindblowing!
I have a few theories that are too long to discuss on here but ultimately I think it's just that you can't please all of the people all of the time, as the saying goes... 🤷😁
I was really looking forward to this review. From the minute I listened to the album, I started coming here every day to see what you had to say about it, until yesterday I finally saw your IG post announcing this video and I said: "There he is!" hahaha... I'm sure your next videos on Senjutsu will be awesome! My thoughts on the album? Epic!! What I still don't know is whether I like it better than TBOS (which is my favorite from the reunion era) or not, but so far I have no complaints whatsoever. The fact that we have four Harris epics, and that I find the album to be so solid, makes it hard for me to pick favorite songs. Everything sounds so well together that it might as well be a concept album music wise. I look forward to watching your next videos!
I appreciate that very very much. Thank you!! I wanted to make sure I had the time to really get a good basic understanding of the album before just coming on here in a hurry and saying something that had no value to anyone. And on a selfish note, I wanted to enjoy this release for myself too, just listening to the album a few times with the lyrics and a set of headphones 😊
I think this is a rather dense album. On first listen it really bored me, but after a lot of listens in preparation of the live show this is really one of their best albums ever.
Wow, I just discovered your channel today while listening to this new album, and it’s top quality Iron Maiden as expected! I really enjoyed your knowledge, and guitar skills while explaining your take on the songs. I subscribed and will be watching more of your content, well done sir!
Thank you so much for watching, subscribing and leaving some encouraging words!! Much much appreciated 😃
I am really enjoying the album too and now I'm starting to learn some of the songs as well so stay tuned for some little covers coming up 🙂🤘
Yeah Nick great review and spot on about Dave... I noticed on the last tour he had stepped up his intensity and I’d been hoping and waiting for years for that... there’s flashes in wrathchild and nob live on raising hell and these colours don’t run but this really is the real deal! Great spot ⭐️ best Maiden analyst I’ve seen and you can play their solos!
Was waiting patiently for this video. I could see the writing on the wall.
🤣🤣🤣 bada-bing!
So far, the title track, Darkest Hour, The Writing on the Wall, Days of Future Past, and The Time Machine are my favorites, but that could easily change as I listen to the others more. It takes awhile for me to process the longer, epic-y songs. Great video and playing. My favorite part was when you said you didn't think it would be their last album. 😄🍻🤘
hahaha yeah I mean these guys are just crushing it and they seem really proud of this album - as they should be! They're definitely not ready to hang up their gear...
The Adrian penned songs are the ones that stood out to me right away as well - and Time Machine too! But yeah I anticipate my favourite songs will change all the time with this one. It's just too rich an album!
Hell on Earth chorus is godly, wish they revisited it one more time in the song.
what was the chorus tho? it had like 2-3 great choruses and 5 different riffs/melodies.
@@phillytheflyerable probably hes referring to "life in danger, lost in anger" part
Great review! It's already become one of my favourite Maiden albums...I don't how they do it this late in their career! Long may they run!
Thanks for the review. I note that people have all manner of different favourite songs, a sign of a class album. Myself, I adore "Lost in a lost world". I'm still discovering all manner of absolutely wonderful moments in songs, little riffs, solos, vocals, bass, drum rhythms. It's deffo in my top five Maiden albums. It's certainly more consistent than two of those albums, Brave New World, and Somewhere In Time, as much as I love those albums (where some of the highs in them may be higher, don't know yet).
Senjutsu is absolute FANTASTIC
Looking forward to hearing your take on Adrian's solo on "Darkest Hour!"
Dave really shines in this album. I personally would be happy if he had a writing credit as well but his performance, lead and rhythm is just fantastic. He's always great but I feel in this album he shines more compared to the last 2 - 3 albums. Even he's more audible in the mix IMO. After many listens, I love all tracks but the title track / opener is still the one that has stayed with me the most.
I agree with you 1000%!
Bass sound is incredible, Death of the Celts🏴 has a bass moment towards the middle of the song reminsicing of Harris' playing prime in the 80s😃
Bruce vocal is flawless, especially on Stratego and he doesn t struggle like on Book of souls
I find that this double album needs to be approached almost as two albums... CD1 is kinda a strong metal album per se with standout songs like Senjutsu, WOTW and Time Machine. Stratego is the best catchy pre-chorus/chorus in ages for the band.
CD 2 needs to be perceived as an epic cinematic classical effort, a sort of degusation of musical raffinement... Moreover, it s my idol, the core of the band, Steve Harris that is responsible for that marvelous moment. In some ways, CD 2' s tryptic is Steve Harris' own "Empire of the clouds"....
In some ways that CD2 sounds like X Factor could have sounded with Smith and Dickinson in 94-95...
HAVE YOU NOTICED
There s a "Seventh son" moment on that album... Probably an Harris trick.
A verse is recurent on Senjutsu track and Hell On Earth track almost kind of" Seven deadly sins, seven ways to win..."
REFLEXION By the way, that formidable album could have been perfect if only Dickinson could have put his selfish solo album ambitions aside and write/provide musically at least a good song with the talent he s able to give when it s for his own artistical sake...
Up the Irons !
Definitely agree about the cd1/cd2 breakdown.
Bruce did co-write four songs though... That's not little!
Bass is decent, sadly the treble is non-existent, worst studio mastering I've heard since.....well....Maiden's last album actually
@@LicksOfTheBeast he wrote mainly the lyrics on those songs though
"Knowledge and virtue is stricken by lust" - "Knowledge and virtue taken by lust"
and
"Dancing on graves of those who bled for us" - "You dance on the graves who bled for us"
I agree 1000% on the bass in Death of the Celts. Feels like old style Maiden.
Excellent job breaking down each song. Thank you for sharing this with us
I've been waiting for this!
And! I'm also glad, that someone else felt Nightwish vibes too)
Boxset at the preview looks cool (ot's a boxset, isn't it?)!
Almost patiently waiting for mine to arrive))
I agree pretty much everything that you said. This album is as good as or better than any of their other 21st century and 80s and albums for me. It has so many epic vocal and guitar melodies. The guitar solos are all amazing. I also love all of the acoustic bass and synthesizer in it. My favorite tracks are the last two right now. Bruce delivers that last vocal part of The Parchment perfectly, and it sounds really epic. Same with Hell on Earth. Every track is full of awesome parts and as a whole the album the album has a great variety of epics that each have their completely own vibe and shorter songs that are also amazing. This came out on my birthday too. Also, besides the intro, Lost in a Lost World totally sounds like it could have come from the X Factor, though I like it more than most of the songs on the X Factor.
I'm going back and forth between The Time Machine and Hell on Earth as my favorite
What a epic album, I really enjoyed the Book of Souls which is clearly new style of Maiden but Sentjustsu is masterpiece, specially the Steve Harris trilogy, epic and phenomenal long pieces thaf never feel bored or overtiming, in my opinion they created some brilliant and fresh, Up the Irons.
Great review; it got me nodding in affirmation the whole video. I got my copy yesterday and boy, I've enjoyed listening to it 6 times now. It's definately not a 'classic' Maiden album (though it will become one, I'm sure) but there's so much depth and power in it. It is as if the band wanted to deliver a defiant 'pièce de resistance' to the times we're living in. But in a sense it also breathes the atmosphere of someone who has made peace with his maker and is reflecting on his past life; I can't put my finger on it. There may be a lot of creativity left in the members, but somehow I can't escape the notion that the tour of this album will be the last one. NIcko's running towards 70, so that would be no minor feat. And it's nothing to be gloomy about; this album is a cause for celebration of basically the finest band of characters I can think of that has given so much joy to a massive fan base. Cheers and Up the Irons!
Incredible album and a great review, thoroughly enjoyed the video.
That's awesome to hear, man!
Thank you 🤜🤛
And yes absolutely an incredible album... I'm starting to feel it's one of their best overall!
I was waiting for this video
thanks for this, i always like when you explain how you feel about the riffs, i feel the same almost every time. hell on earth is my favorite as many people's too for sure, but i never thought about the vocal melodies as you mentioned. i guess you could say that this song is something like catachy pop like metal long epic track lol. but i love it this way, sometimes the melodies almost make me cry. i never thought steve would be able to do it again after decades of composing in E-minor
Great review, man.. I definitely agree with most of what you have said, but in particular The Parchment, you were not the only one who have compared with Powerslave, in fact I believe this is mentioned in pretty much every review I've seen... However I must say it reminds me so much more of The Nomad instead... Because of the middle-eastern vibe and also during the instrumental section, with the palm-muted rhythmic guitars, which reminded me a lot of that controversial bit, which I really love... Also, on Hell on Earth, I see what you meant by the melodies getting anticipated by the guitars might had spoiled it a little, but for me it's so epic I honestly can't say it made me feel the same... From the spot I knew that it would be my favorite song, which still is, at least for now after about 20-30 listenings... But the whole album is still getting better each time... Cheers!
For the Parchment, the vibe is definitely closer to Nomad than Powerslave (it actually doesn't have the same vibe as Powerslave at all) but I was talking about musically how they're playing a gallop rhythm and blending the phrygian and phrygian dominant modes on the riff (as they do on Rime and Powerslave).
Hell on Earth I'm starting to get past that already....on every album I have some things that take me a few listens to get used to :)
@@LicksOfTheBeast I'd never notice this kind of technical stuff, which is one of the main reasons I follow you haha... Can't wait to see your in-depth analysis in the future
Great video! Looking forward to a follow-up when the tracks have settled a bit. 🤘 Greetings from 🇸🇪
Cheers from the North on the other side 🇨🇦
the throwback to piece of mind you mention on the death of the celts, is from TO TAME A LAND.
Yup! 🙂
fantastic review!! Book of Souls had much catchier standout tracks BUT I love Senjutsu as an album experience. Listening to this whole thing in one run is such a fulfilling ride, especially the trinitiy of opening songs and Hell on Earth are simply superb!
It does flow very nicely as an album despite its length! It's like watching a movie this thing...😃
@@LicksOfTheBeast fully agree on the soundtrack aspect, it certainly has a concept album flair
I hope you cover the Darkest Hour solo soon. Its crazy.
Congratulations I love your point of view, you mix your subjectivity (which is impossible to remove) with measurable and technical aspects, I had never heard you before, I have subscribed. Regarding your opinion on hell on earth, you are right, the guitar passages anticipate the voice, but they are so beautiful that I do not think they will spoil the surprise. more good is to listen to it twice. Sorry for english is my second language
Thank you very much and yes you are absolutely right about subjectivity being an inevitable factor. And that's why I said in my video about Stratego that I won't ever be doing critiques or actual reviews of Maiden's music because for one thing I'm not one of their peers so who am I to critique anything? And because I'm a fan so I have preferences, expectations, biases etc... I'd rather just highlight what I think is cool and try to explain why 😃
Thanks again for the kind words and for subscribing to my channel. I truly appreciate the support very much. Cheers! 🤜🤛
Currently my #8 after the seven untouchable classics, time will tell if that changes. Iron Maiden best Metal band ever!
I wasn't sold on the album after the first couple of listens. But, oh boy, did it really reveal itself to be a fantastic record over the next few listens. The Parchment is an absolute triumph. Being Irish, I have to give some love to Death of the Celts. It's really cool how they manage to make the track have Celtic vibes, without it having any explicitly Celtic components. I mean, tracks like Transylvania, Dance of Death and Quest For Fire have Traditional Celtic Folk Music sounding parts that you could almost Riverdance to. Death of the Celts manages to have a Celtic feel without having any real folksy elements. I really love that track.
I think a song like Death of the Celts requires a certain experience and maturity to write and arrange... I agree this one has those elements with a bit more subtlety and refinement. Great track for sure!
It's ironic you had a little hesitancy with Hell on Earth and I found myself wanting to listen to that one over and over and even suggested to people to try that song first and if they loved it as much as I do, they would love the whole album. Regardless, Senjutsu is likely their finest studio album to-date.
It's become one of my faves too now!
I loved the beginning from the get-go but I was just iffy on the pre-announcing of the vocal melodies with the guitar lines but after a few listens it didn't matter anymore and the song just made more sense to me afterwards.
Hi Nico, thanks for the great review. I almost agree with all. Two questions from me. 1) What do you think about Adrian ‘s solo in Days of Future Past? 2) Even Bruce complained about repetitions despite melodies are amazing. It’s obvious that this is Steve’s choice. Why did he choose this way? To fill the album time to make it a proper double cd album? Thanks in advance.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Adrian's solo on future past is really cool. It's the first one I learned from the new album actually 🙂 I really like how in the second half of the first lick he delays the melody a little, playing behind the beat. It's makes a simple line so much more impactful!
As for the repetition, I think Steve just really likes that (remember angel/gambler and don't look to the eyes of a stranger?). I think the idea is that repetition reinforces the melody or the statement. It's just a compositional technique like any other 🙂
Your analysis makes me listen to Iron Maiden's albums so hard! Really inspiring. Greetings from Chile !!
That's so kind of you to say. Thank you!!
Really glad these videos could enhance your listening experience! 😊
Despite the "thread" running through that they always have so you know it's Maiden, I think there's some really fresh sounds and ideas on this record. I was surprised to hear Adrian exploring the flutter technique a bit on Senjutsu. It's one of my favorite whammy techniques to use myself so it was a pleasant surprise to hear Adrian explore the technique himself. I can't recall hearing him ever using the technique before and I love how it gives a Japanese flavor at the end of the song. The intro to Lost In A Lost World is fairly different for Maiden, that riff for The Time Machine as you mentioned has a refreshing vibe and feel for Maiden and I hadn't noticed how it sounded like the Pumpkins until you mentioned it. I also like Adrian's Tom Morello impression on that one too 😆 Spot on with the parallel you drew with The Chemical Wedding and Days Of Future Past too. The vocal delivery from Bruce on that feels like something that could've been lifted directly from that album. Great performances from everyone as you eluded to. Really happy with Jan's playing on this album. I think he's put in some really memorable solos this time around. Gotta mention Nicko too, his drumming is phenomenal on this album. Tough album to break down as there's so much to absorb. First record they've released for a while where I find it impossible to just pick one song to play from it and I find myself going back again and again and playing the whole album from start to finish as I feel each individual song has more ebb and flow when the album is played in its entirety. Really enjoying this one! Great to hear your thoughts as always man 👍
Absolutely man! And I mean it's a Maiden album... Of course it's gonna have Maiden-isms all over it! 😂
@@LicksOfTheBeast wouldn't expect anything less. I genuinely think this is one of their more unique and original sounding records though. They've definitely outdone themselves once again.
My favorite tracks are (and it's no surprise) the ones written, or co-written, by Adrian, with the title track being simply... well, phenomenal. As you said it's a strange opener if compared to older records, but it's perfect because it sets the mood for the entire record. The Time machine is another great song. I still have to "understand" the ones written by Steve, but probably they deserve a careful listening to be appreciated. Anyway, it's a great, great record. Cheers from Italy
Yeah Steve's songs took me 2-3 listens to really understand them because there is a lot of buildup and nuance but once I got past that point they got stuck in my head 😃 Saluti dal Canada!
The title track “Senjutsu” has easily become one of my favorite Maiden songs ever written. The drums intro along with Adrian’s KILLER guitar riff gets me going every time. And Bruce’s harmonies in the verses gives me goosebumps it’s so good. Been a fan for 38 years and am SO blown away by this album. Absolutely incredible. UP THE IRONS FOREVER!!! 🤘🏻
@@keithpudliner7489 Right??! Same here man 🤘
A few of my friends just saw them in Seattle... They NEVER DISAPPOINT! TRUE PROFESSIONALS!
... BTW...
The more I watch your casts, the more I'm digging your channel! You really help to see with new eyes!! I'm learning a lot!
I'm gonna share it with some friends of mine who play live local circuits here in the Great Northwest Washington State.
Rock on 🤘🏼😎🎸
That's great to hear, thank you!!
Have I ever told you about my time machine
Sit you down I'll tell you everywhere I've been...
I made a point of listening to this beginning to end in one go, first album I’ve done that for since maybe Death on the Road. It is outstanding. I’ve always thought every album has a filler track or two, and I couldn’t find one in Senjutsu. I also thought it was the least Maidenish album for a long time, in a very good way. Bruce said it himself, there are influences you would never expect and it’s worked so well. Just brilliant.
Really great insights my friend!
1000 thanks!! I greatly appreciate the encouragement 🙏🙏
Fantastic review and really cool observations, man!
How do you find the opening riff of Darkest Hour? I guess it was Adrian´s idea to try to imitate the sound of seagulls...
I think it worked out brilliantly.
The whole album is a blast and clearly Iron Maiden are like red wine! :-D
So glad to be sharing the same extremely positive impressions about this album as many others.
Just like you said - Maiden outdid themselves, totally!
Great review. Loving the album too.
Best album since long time
Brilliant solo, covered it perfectly 🤘🏻