SENJUTSU

Despite long length in many songs and tempo and rythm changes it is still not prog metal, (but yes, is becoming even more prog related if you will) and still sounds like pure Maiden. With the 17th studio album Iron Maiden delivers one of the top 3 works since the 1999 reunion (the others being Brave New World and personal favorit AMoLaD). Three stand-out tracks Writing on the Wall, The Pachment and Hell on Earth are among the best they have done in their very long career. But the album is great to listen as a whole as there are really no low points here (specially for a Maiden fan). You love prog rock/metal and don't know Iron Maiden that good? Wouldn't say this is the best place to start though (try maybe Piece of Mind, Seventh Son or AMoLaD first). Senjustsu as its own vibe, its unique sound, mature and natural, not sounding too forced in the longer compositions as it did in previous works. Throughout the 82 minutes the long time fan can notice a re-capture and correction of ideias that didn't work well at the time in works like XFactor, Virtual XI or even the sloppy Book of Souls. Here and now Maiden is confortable with its evolved sound, the composition is inspired not trying to bring back old formulas of the successful 80s. And don't forget this guys are in their 60s (!), who would have thought after listening their brand new sound?!

Senjetsu is without any doubt an excellent addition to any rock music collection ! (4 stars)

5 stars if you are an old-time fan, for whom this new collection of songs is a true blessing.