Iron Maiden – Senjutsu Vinyl Review

Senjutsu is a fitting title for an Iron Maiden album. The Japanese word is translated to “strategy,” a concept that Iron Maiden knows well. After all, how does an 80’s metal band avoid becoming a novelty act relegated to rehashing canonical classics? With a carefully balanced touring schedule built around new album cycles and classic hit tours, Maiden have established themselves as a contemporary act that consistently creates quality music on their own terms. 21 years after Brave New World, a new Iron Maiden album is regarded as inevitable and met with levels of enthusiasm that rival the long gone decade when metal was king.

Senjutsu marks the 6th studio album since reforming with Bruce Dickinson and Adrian Smith. Like its predecessor Book of Souls, Senjutsu is a sprawling triple record. 10 songs are spread out over 82 minutes. Literally half of the album sides contain a single track as Maiden continue incorporating prog elements into their classic metal style.

Given the heavy touring schedule that Maiden have embarked on the past several years, one could conclude that Senjutsu was the product of quarantine. Album 17 was actually finished well before COVID shut the world down. Recording began during a break in the “Legacy of the Beast” tour and wrapped up nearly two years ago. The pandemic merely delayed an already complete album.

Our first glimpse into new Iron Maiden was the single “Writing on the Wall.” Always a band to go all out, Maiden hired former Pixar execs to create a visual landscape. Biblical themes run throughout the video but the real appeal are Iron Maiden Easter eggs. Many nods, such as the World Slavery T-shirt, are immediately obvious. Less visible references, including Trooper beer cans and an Eddie’s Archive box set, can be found scattered throughout the background. One needs to watch the video repeatedly to catch all them all.

Senjutsu is available in a variety of formats. In addition to streaming, digital versions can be purchased in a 2 CD standard digipack and deluxe 2 CD book. Triple vinyl can be purchased in standard black with red and silver variants available at select retailers. A “Super Deluxe Box Set” contains a 2 CD set alongside a Blu-Ray disc, poster, art cards, and even a printed origami sheet to make an Eddie helmet!

Procuring Senjutsu on release day was harder than anticipated. My go to record shop did not receive copies from their distributor. Multiple online retailers had the record back ordered. When I did find a local shop with copies, their website warned of “limited stock” and advised shoppers to “not delay” their purchase. The vinyl was boasted as a “limited edition.” Judging from stock issues on release day, it DOES appear to be quite limited.

As always, the album art lived up to Maiden’s notoriously high standard. Eddie now appears as a samurai warrior. Throughout the set, we are greeted with different variations. The rear cover removes Eddie’s helmet, revealing his ghoulish image in vivid detail.

Each inner sleeve boasts a full body image of Eddie. These illustrations detail elaborate battle gear that vary throughout three distinct designs.

The flip side of each sleeve contains lyrics and a variety of Japanese themed doodles.

The triple gatefold is arguably the finest art in the entire package. Spread across three panels, a battle worn Eddie stands victorious among scattered corpses. Japanese buildings in the background are drawn in vivid detail. Words and pictures cannot do justice to the gatefold. Glossy, vibrant, and intricate, the visual components of the vinyl edition are truly stunning.

The eight-plus minute title track kicks off Senjutsu. Immediately, the sound of war drums set the tone for a lengthy commentary on human conflict. A Maiden album devoted to themes of war has been done but it’s hard to fault a band with a consistent 40 year creative output.

It’s tempting to connect lyrics to the prevalent Japanese theme. However, the words transcend cultures. “Darkest Hour” was written about Winston Churchill and his burden of overcoming personal tribulations before standing up to Hitler, the “barbarians at the gates.” The song is bookmarked by the sound of beaches. The initial beach represents Dunkirk and defeat, while the closing beach represents D-Day, perseverance, and victory.

At this point, no one is expecting the energy and fire of Powerslave or Number of the Beast. Senjutsu is modern Maiden. Long, bloated, mid-tempo marches through recycled subject matter comprise the three LPs. A harsh analysis, yes, BUT, it’s an Iron Maiden album in 2021. The fact that such an iconic band remains actively creative is a blessing. The album is very much a commendable achievement worthy of praise. Just make no mistake; Senjutsu is NOT the Iron Maiden of the 80’s.

Steve Harris remains the weakest link in contemporary Iron Maiden. The final three vinyl sides are devoted to a single Harris penned “epic.” These tracks often feel like a chore to get through. Poor Bruce is a professional, spitting out an endless barrage of lyrics with very little variations in melody. Fans will not be singing back every word in a live setting. Rather, they can duck out for a bathroom break and beer and still get back in time to catch the trio of guitarists engage in histrionics. Perhaps if Steve Harris would wake from his illusion that Maiden are a progressive rock outfit, we’d get some of the energy that made “Aces High” such a thrilling opener.

Still, the Harris songs have their moments. Gentle, melodic, introductions create a sense of dynamics that contrast with the inevitable distorted guitars. The lyrics can be a snooze fest, but interesting guitar patterns lurk beneath the words. Instrumental breaks are a welcome reprieve from seemingly endless verses. These songs require repeated listens with lyric sheet in hand. Fans willing to devote time to absorbing the record will be rewarded. Anyone who passes judgement after a single listen will likely lose interest.

Unfortunately, my record was marred by a non-visible pressing defect that tainted the entire intro of “Hell on Earth.” A consistent, jarring tick was audible for every rotation through the ENTIRE introduction, effectively destroying any attempt to focus on music.

Senjutsu is the rare release where CD may be the preferable format. Audible pressing defects aside, the continuity of the record is destroyed from having to flip a record every 11 minutes. Powerslave clocked in at over 51 minutes and was issued as a single LP. One can’t help but wonder why Senjutsu wasn’t released as a 2 LP set. Still, a glance at the beautiful triple gatefold squashes reservations about owning the vinyl variant. Besides, there’s no reason why someone can’t own both the vinyl and CD versions. After all, a new Iron Maiden album is a moment to commemorate.