Released: 2021

Genres: Heavy Metal, Progressive Metal

The Musiquarium’s Senjutsu Review Score: 7 out of 10

Iron Maiden is one of those classic metal bands that still releases strong music in their older years, even if it’s not quite as exciting as it once was. Other than a few missteps in the nineties, they haven’t really released anything bad, with their rekindled relationship with vocalist Bruce Dickinson having yielded very positive results.

The singles, The Writing on the Wall and Stratego, proved that the band still has their mojo, despite the ravishes of time. The band also continues with making 10+ minute long compositions (Death of the Celts, The Parchment, Hell on Earth), which have been mainstays since the 2010s and gives their newer material something distinct from their past works (outside of the odd classic epic, like Rime of the Ancient Mariner or Seventh Son of a Seventh Son). With saying that, Iron Maiden’s galloping bass lines and classical-influenced guitar parts are starting to feel a bit cliché, verging into Spinal Tap territory, but overall, they’ve still got it in their old age.

Senjutsu is another solid Iron Maiden album from the NWOBHM legends and though it might not be as innovative as their best works, it’s still an impressive record for a band in their fifth decade.

For credit breakdowns and historic release details, view Iron Maiden on Discogs.

Back to the 2021 Album Guide or the Iron Maiden Reviews page.

Written by Brett Nippard