Senjutsu - 3rd September 2021

The Parchment - wow, I still don't know what to write about this one. Yes, if someone tells you "It's an 'Arry epic", you slap your forehead, of course it is! Yet, it's very different. Possibly the biggest mood piece off the entire album, it plods along relentlessly, going through some Eastern modes, an almost bluesy mid-section (I mean mainly the solos)... not really memorable, in fact possibly the least memorable track on the new album, but the oppressive atmosphere makes up for it, I'd say.

That part beginning with the seventh (?) minute - where there's the similarity in the guitar leads and Bruce's vocal lines - that's really beautiful. Even later on, when it starts reminding me of WTWWB (and we're still one track early, the true Wild Wind is yet to come!), it still has an awesome effect. Also, love the switch to the gallop around the tenth minute, followed by (Janick's, right?) great solo, vivacious, passionate.

Not a huge fan of the ending (I mean the final "playful" harmonies, not the repeated outro, that's nice), but overall it's a very intriguing epic, I'd even be willing to say it reminds me of Avalon with its innovativeness.
 
TheMercenary said:
There are informations about the guitar solos on 'Senjutsu' taken from a post on a FB group about Maiden. :)
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The first solo in Hell On Earth is of course by Dave, and the last is by Janick...looks like this list has a lot of errors.

The lead melody at 3:01 in this track is also by Dave, but some people might think that that it is played by Janick (because he usuallys play the vocal melody on guitar in some of Steve's tracks).

Dave overall did some excellent lead work on "Hell on Earth". He didn't get any writing credits this time around though, but he sure left his mark anyway.
 
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Hell on Earth - I already wrote elsewhere that I had expected WTWWB no. 2 from this track and I was right. And I don't mean that as a put-down - remember, I actually had Wild Wind played at my friggin' wedding! It's just that the mood and maybe some of the melodic touches might be slightly similar, but yes, this is the best song off the second CD, the 'Arry epic to close the album. The intro might be a tad overlong, especially when we get another subdued section around the seventh minute, but in general, it just slaps. The melodies and emotions might actually be my favourite off the whole album.

How do you do this? You're pushing 70, you've been doing the same kind of music for the past 40 years, you have your recogniseable songwriting identity and you don't shy away from borrowing from yourself... and yet come up with something so undeniably cool? I mean, it's not Steve's greatest epic, but it aspires to greatness, which after 40 years and 17 albums... well, the aspiration itself is something to praise, even if you hated the track itself, IMHO.
 
Vaenyr said:
It reminds me a lot of "Real World" from Bruce's solo albums.
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I know what you mean, but no, I mean including the instrumental backing, I think it's a Maiden song. I'm currently trying to find out which one I meant (right now The "20 days without a meal" Talisman comes to mind, but that might not be it).
 
After listening to the album a few times now, and letting it sink in. I've come to the conclusion that I don't think this album would suit the normal Maiden world tour in massive arenas and stadiums, I don't think it would honestly translate that well. I really hope the band goes with Bruce's idea of a smaller intimate tour to support the album and play it in full, because I think every track could be played live, but in the right setting.
 
THESEVENTHMARINER said:
After listening to the album a few times now, and letting it sink in. I've come to the conclusion that I don't think this album would suit the normal Maiden world tour in massive arenas and stadiums, I don't think it would honestly translate that well. I really hope the band goes with Bruce's idea of a smaller intimate tour to support the album and play it in full, because I think every track could be played live, but in the right setting.
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I think they will play 5/6 songs off the album. If I were a betting man I’d say they will play Senjutsu, Stratego, The Writing on the Wall, Days of Future Past and two out of The Time Machine/Death of the Celts/Hell on Earth.
 
GhostofCain said:
I think they will play 5/6 songs off the album. If I were a betting man I’d say they will play Senjutsu, Stratego, The Writing on the Wall, Days of Future Past and two out of The Time Machine/Death of the Celts/Hell on Earth.
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Based on YT popularity it'll probably be Senjutsu, Stratego, TWOTW, DOFP, Death Of The Celts and Hell On Earth.
 
JudasMyGuide said:
Just now - anybody else feels like the title track is really similar (at least as far as rhythm/vibe are concerned, if not melody, and maybe that one too) to Face in the Sand? Am I crazy? I haven't seen it noticed so far. Anyway, love this particular track much more the second time around.
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Absolutely. FitS keeps popping up in my head despite not hearing that song for ages, due to listening to Senjutsu lately.
 
I wish they played the whole thing live. Fingers crossed. If not, I'd say the most likely picks are Senjutsu, Stratego, TWotW, DoFP, The Time Machine and Hell on Earth. I wish The Parchment was played too, but I'm not sure about the likelihood of that outside the full album scenario.
 
I would actually love it if they played, lets say five new songs (Senjutsu, Strat, WOTW, Time and Hell) and one song from each of the five other albums by this line up. Bring back Brave New World, Paschendale, Ben Breeg, Coming Home and Death or Glory.
 
Interesting that you guys think “Hell on Earth” is a shoe-in. I personally wouldn’t bet on it, it seems almost too emotional for the band unless they’re gonna actually play the full album live. At first I thought “The Parchment” would be the one they skip, but now I think it’s built to be played live. The lyrics are massive but the vocals are low to give Bruce a break, PLUS all the instrumental sections as well — it feels crafted for the live shows. Additionally Nicko has raved about it so there’s that. My money is on the following songs:

— Senjutsu
— Stratego
— The Writing on the Wall
— Days of Future Past
— The Time Machine
— Death of the Celts
— The Parchment

“Darkest Hour” could also be in there but I feel it’s slightly less likely than the others here. Bruce has spoken about how excited he is to play “The Time Machine” live so I think they’ll do it.
 
Poto said:
I would actually love it if they played, lets say five new songs (Senjutsu, Strat, WOTW, Time and Hell) and one song from each of the five other albums by this line up. Bring back Brave New World, Paschendale, Ben Breeg, Coming Home and Death or Glory.
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Nice idea, although I'd rather have The Longest Day off AMOLAD. :edmetal:
 
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