Senjutsu ( Casebound Deluxe

I usually go for the vinyl copy of a new Maiden album, but since my vinyl copy of Book of Souls has largely gone unplayed in favour of the CD I thought I would go 'half-way' with the CD version but in the nicer packaging. Casebound "book" is a bit of an overstatement. What you get is a hard back version of the classic CD sleeve with the lyrics, a couple of pages of artwork and the details about equipment used and band member acknowledgements; more a casebound booklet than basebound book. Still, it's a nice physical product to have and much more enjoyable than a download.On to the music...I was already familiar with the singles and have really got into them. What strikes me about the rest of the songs is that there is a really nice concept running throughout of the end of life, mortality and the passing of the ages. I love it so far and sense that those songs I'm not so much a fan of will be growers.The production gets better with each album. Through my AKG headphones or Wharfedale speakers the drums are really clear with the cymbals and skins being nicely balanced. Steve's bass continues to be (to my ear) less compressed than on the older Maiden albums and you get much much of that brighter 'clack' that you hear in his live mix. The guitars are given space and, once again, you can pretty much tell which of the guitarists are playing each solo. I've been a bit of a critic of Bruce's voice in recent years when judged against the ridiculously high standards he set earlier in his career. The straining I first heard on the Final Frontier isn't evident here; it sounds to me as though Bruce has found his current range much more comfortably. The keys aren't too over the top (which I like) but I can hear a really high pitched keyboard line quite far back on the Stratego mix which doesn't work for me!Early impressions are that this is a better album than Book of Souls and creates much more of an atmosphere. I've not regretted going for the CD version which I have ripped to flac for my phone, PC etc. and having the hard back booklet has been a nice thing to look through and follow the lyrics with during early listening sessions.

Everything I expected from the lads. I've been listening to Maiden for forty years now, and yes some albums aren't always as good as you'd like or expect. This one for ME however makes up for those. I've always considered listening to Maiden as a river journey. Alot fans choose to step off onto the bank after certain eras and albums. You know, they don't like anything else after the 80s, and that's their Iron Maiden. That's Ok. Others like myself choose to go the distance and see what's round the next bend in the river. I'm glad I've always stayed true to the cause, and enjoyed all of twists and turns Eddies thrown at me. This album takes me right back to where I started with this band. Amazing lyrics and crushing riffs. Only thing missing for me is Martin Birch mixing it, as some tracks can be over done and of course the legendary Derek Riggs artwork. Listen, I've read everyone else's reviews, good, bad and indifferent. However, albums be it either Maiden or whoever are always subjective. SO MAKE YOUR OWN MINDS UP. This is just a die hard 52 year old Maiden fans' opinion. Another chapter, another incarnation of Eddie. I'll be buying the vinyl format too. Up the Irons. Cheers.🤘

Since Brave New World was released in 2000 Iron Maiden seem to grow and expand their musical abilities to new heights. Senjutsu is a superb return. The pounding drum's from Nicko McBrain instantly gives you goosebumps on the album opener. What I love about Senjutsu as an album is there is a strong Eastern musical influence. So many catchy melodies and riffs. The Parchment is a fine example with these influences which easily could have been written for the Powerslave album. Death of the Celts has a typical Maiden ditty to it. A great 2021 Clansman number. The first release The Writing's on the Wall still is a great number. Love the southern rock / folky feel. It may not be everyone's cup of tea as the shortest song is about 5 minutes but I love my Prog rock and metal and to me the songs are top notch. The deluxe edition casebook is also a great addition to the Maiden catalogue. The Samurai Eddie theme is right in the top 5 Maiden designs. The casebook is smartly presented and love the translation of the songs in Japanese. Definitely will be right up the top for Album of the year.

Maiden's 17th Studio Album is one of those that a lot will dislike and others will love. I am in the love it camp. I've had it on repeat play since it arrived.The tracks are nearly all ones that require loud volume, repeated playing and a relaxed atmosphere, maybe a glass of scotch and a comfortable seat. Let the music envelop and surround you and you will appreciate it far more.So far my favourite track has changed several times. Death of The Celts seems be to getting a lot of dislike online, but I personally think it's great. Darkest hour has a melancholy feeling, I'm going for it being set between Dunkirk and then the Normandy landings.The shorter tracks will all sound great live. I love the Western vibe on Writing On The Wall.the actual product packaging is top notch, some really good Eddie based art throughout the book and on the case. Well worth the few extra quid over the regular CD version.