The Iron Maiden Thread v. The Merge of Souls

[wolfking]

Wasn't TFF supposed to be their last album too?

[Dedalus]

Wasn't TFF supposed to be their last album too?

Just because of the title.

But time passes and people get old. Considering the time gap between records, I find it difficult to have a new one. But maybe I'm wrong and they do some more (to the misfortune of many  )

[DoctorAction]

I was a little surprised by SIT and SSOASS when I first heard them. They were a little different. (And the evolution from the debut to Killers to NOTB is clear) but apart from that, they've basically sounded the same to me for the vast majority of the time. Yeah, there are some little detours here and there, but they don't stray far.  They're just not that band.

I'm just hoping for a good solid Maiden album. I'm encouraged by the singles so far.

[nobloodyname]

I was a little surprised by SIT and SSOASS when I first heard them. They were a little different.

Yes, I certainly noticed the difference between those two and the two that preceded them when listening back to back.

I've found myself wishing I'd got into Maiden a little earlier than I did so I could have enjoyed their first few albums on release, living through their early evolution in real time. As it was, I got into them with Fear of the Dark. Their clichéd heavy metal singer had put me off prior to that (And those cringeworthy videos for Seventh Son... ugh!)

[wolfking]

I was a little surprised by SIT and SSOASS when I first heard them. They were a little different. (And the evolution from the debut to Killers to NOTB is clear) but apart from that, they've basically sounded the same to me for the vast majority of the time. Yeah, there are some little detours here and there, but they don't stray far.  They're just not that band.

I'm just hoping for a good solid Maiden album. I'm encouraged by the singles so far.

I'm lukewarm on WOTW but loved Stratego.  That song has got me pretty hyped.

[wolfking]

Only a week and a half away!

[Zydar]

When can we expect some early reviews start coming in?

[nobloodyname]

When can we expect some early reviews start coming in?

There are quite a few out there already. The album seems to be scoring what often reads like a bit of a polite 3/5, 7/10.

[RodrigoAltaf]

I've been listening to an album a day in the run-up to Senjutsu's release. What's struck me the most - aside from the stylistic change between Killers and The Number of the Beast - is how fast (in terms of tempo) some of their songs used to be. I'm not someone who believes they should try to remake those earlier albums but it'd be lovely to hear something genuinely up tempo from them. I think that's probably what I miss most.

Stratego is the fastest song on Senjutsu.

[Mladen]

Good thing I haven't listened to Stratego so I don't know how fast it is. 

I'm starting to avoid the thread now. I've tried for days, but now is the time. 

[RodrigoAltaf]

There's a little bit more keyboards on a few songs this time, and more moments where the guitar matches the vocal lines, just like you heard on Stratego. Death of the Celts is a standout track on my first listens.

[Zydar]

I don't know if it's already been posted here, but I found a track-by-track review by Loudwire.

https://loudwire.com/iron-maiden-senjutsu-track-by-track-guide-review/

[porcacultor]

So, I quickly skimmed through an audio interview with Nicko and learned two interesting facts:

- He actually had a song (or at least ideas for a song) for this album cycle, but decided to keep it to himself and present it when/if they do the next album. His song would've been about a racecar driver, of all topics!

- The first solo on Writing on the Wall was played by Dave Murray! I thought it sounded like him, but many insisted Adrian took both solos. We can now put that to rest 

Here's the interview proper, there ought to be more interesting tidbits in it, I'm just swamped for time at the moment https://omny.fm/shows/talkin-rock-with-meltdown/talkin-rock-with-iron-maidens-nicko-mcbrain-and-mo

So excited for September 3rd!!

[devieira73]

So, I quickly skimmed through an audio interview with Nicko and learned two interesting facts:

- He actually had a song (or at least ideas for a song) for this album cycle, but decided to keep it to himself and present it when/if they do the next album. His song would've been about a racecar driver, of all topics!

I’m happy that Nicko, being the the oldest in the band, although not sure, seems to expect one more Maiden album!

[kaos2900]

Considering this new has been in the can for almost 2 years already, they could easily do another album.

[Zydar]

Was the race car driver called Jerry?

(Primus reference)

[WardySI]

Quite a few reviews appearing now and all in the positive (so far).  Can't wait for Friday wasn't so taken by Writing OT Wall but LOVE this new song!

[soupytwist]

So, I quickly skimmed through an audio interview with Nicko and learned two interesting facts:

- He actually had a song (or at least ideas for a song) for this album cycle, but decided to keep it to himself and present it when/if they do the next album. His song would've been about a racecar driver, of all topics!

I’m happy that Nicko, being the the oldest in the band, although not sure, seems to expect one more Maiden album!

Nothing about this album feels like it maybe there last.  The last two albums had that potential - 'The FINAL Frontier' on the name alone and wasn't that a old interview doing the rounds at the time whereby Harris said he wanted to make 15 albums.   'Book of Souls' just felt so epic is scope at the time that it may have been the one they wanted to end on.   

I have to admit this is the least invested I've felt in a Maiden album this close till release since Virtual XII.  The two singles are both solid, but not overly inspiring, with the production again an issue.  Also I look at the track listing and see 4 Harris solo epic writes and that worries me- don't get me wrong I love several of his long songs, but they do have a predictablity too them and the thought of 3 of those epics closing the album (with a combined runtime of 35 minutes)....yeah, that's alot.

But I hope on the 3rd I'll be really enjoying Senjutsu.

[JediKnight1969]

I don't know if it's already been posted here, but I found a track-by-track review by Loudwire.

https://loudwire.com/iron-maiden-senjutsu-track-by-track-guide-review/

More great reviews!

https://www.hotpress.com/music/album-review-iron-maiden-senjutsu-22868613

https://www.reddit.com/r/ironmaiden/comments/p8vytd/senjutsu_metal_hammer_review/

[TAC]

So I've been listening to a lot of Iron Maiden at work the last few days.
Today I hit En Vivo and Live Chapter.

On En Vivo, The Talisman and Coming Home back to back..these are two of Iron Maiden's best songs..IMO anyway.

What jumped out to me listening to the Live Chapter was Janick's solo in Blood Brothers.
https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=55669.0
Amazing!

And I don't know about anyone else, but I could listen to the middle part of The Red And The Black all fucking day on a loop.

[Stadler]

So I've been listening to a lot of Iron Maiden at work the last few days.
Today I hit En Vivo and Live Chapter.

On En Vivo, The Talisman and Coming Home back to back..these are two of Iron Maiden's best songs..IMO anyway.

What jumped out to me listening to the Live Chapter was Janick's solo in Blood Brothers.
https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=55669.0
Amazing!

And I don't know about anyone else, but I could listen to the middle part of The Red And The Black all fucking day on a loop.

I'm with you on that. 

Also, I'm a BIG fan of En Vivo.

[wolfking]

So I've been listening to a lot of Iron Maiden at work the last few days.
Today I hit En Vivo and Live Chapter.

On En Vivo, The Talisman and Coming Home back to back..these are two of Iron Maiden's best songs..IMO anyway.

What jumped out to me listening to the Live Chapter was Janick's solo in Blood Brothers.
https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=55669.0
Amazing!

And I don't know about anyone else, but I could listen to the middle part of The Red And The Black all fucking day on a loop.

100%.

[RodrigoAltaf]

Good review from my buddies at Sonic Perspectives: https://www.sonicperspectives.com/album-reviews/iron-maiden-senjutsu/

[TAC]

(Not directed at Rodrigo, as I planned this rant last night, but you did remind me to post it..)

So, there's already been some reviews posted here, and I know we'll get more as the DT album gets closer.

I seriously cannot read reviews before I hear an album, especially by a major band that I love. WTF do I care what some dude thinks about it? I've been listening to Iron Maiden for over 40 years. That guy's opinion doesn't mean shit to me, and I'm sure it's likewise.

I'm fine discussing our thoughts on DTF though, because it's like a circle of friends talking about it.

[wolfking]

I'm kind of on the same page.  I think I started reading one of the first reviews and closed it half way through.  I know what I like from Maiden and why I like them so it's true, I don't care what some nobody thinks about it.  Also not directed at Rodrigo, as even though these are my thoughts, I'd love the job myself.

[RodrigoAltaf]

I totally see your point guys, and I didn't take it as a jab against me. I was always curious about reviews, because there's always a chance that the writer brings out something I didn't notice about a particular track. What I liked about this one from John Kokel is that he described the tracks in a lot of detail, without making any judgement. It seems he enjoyed the album, so he was the right guy to write it. I would be just as descriptive as he was if I was to write the review (as was originally the plan), but I wouldn't have been so kind in my score. The album isn't bad, but it's full of songs that would be PERFECT b-sides for a better album.

[wolfking]

I totally see your point guys, and I didn't take it as a jab against me. I was always curious about reviews, because there's always a chance that the writer brings out something I didn't notice about a particular track. What I liked about this one from John Kokel is that he described the tracks in a lot of detail, without making any judgement. It seems he enjoyed the album, so he was the right guy to write it. I would be just as descriptive as he was if I was to write the review (as was originally the plan), but I wouldn't have been so kind in my score. The album isn't bad, but it's full of songs that would be PERFECT b-sides for a better album.

Jeez, that doesn't sound positive at all.

[RodrigoAltaf]

I totally see your point guys, and I didn't take it as a jab against me. I was always curious about reviews, because there's always a chance that the writer brings out something I didn't notice about a particular track. What I liked about this one from John Kokel is that he described the tracks in a lot of detail, without making any judgement. It seems he enjoyed the album, so he was the right guy to write it. I would be just as descriptive as he was if I was to write the review (as was originally the plan), but I wouldn't have been so kind in my score. The album isn't bad, but it's full of songs that would be PERFECT b-sides for a better album.

Jeez, that doesn't sound positive at all.

And I had MULTIPLE listens since I got it last Monday. To me, it's their worst with Bruce. And I saw the short videos they did to promote it, and didn't think they sounded particularly excited about the album.

[devieira73]

The reviewer really hates the keyboards on Maiden songs!
I really liked the keyboards arrangements and tone on Stratego, so, I'm expecting to like them in the rest of the album, following the pattern of the review. Reviews are interesting sometimes because we can really perceive how differently we hear things compared to the reviewer's perception.
I would never thought or write this:
"Roughly divided, Iron Maiden through “Seventh Son of a Seventh Son” could be considered the first act, “No Prayer for the Dying” through “Brave New World” could be considered the second and most turbulent act, and “Dance of Death” through the future (from here to eternity?) could be considered the third and final act... Most bands of this vintage have ceased to exist or are otherwise some unspeakable Lovecraftian abomination for no reason for being, and no resemblance to their previous form (we are looking at you, Metallica...)."
Really strange this Maiden career division on those acts... I don't even consider 80's Maiden only one act! Take the first album and 7th, for example. BNW is in the same act as No Prayer, but not with DOD?!  And, you can't hear any resemblance between Ride the Lightning or Re-Load and Hardwired?! C'mon! Guns n Roses I agree, obviously.

[TAC]

The album isn't bad, but it's full of songs that would be PERFECT b-sides for a better album.

An album of Iron Maiden B sides would be better than most band's albums.

[wolfking]

I totally see your point guys, and I didn't take it as a jab against me. I was always curious about reviews, because there's always a chance that the writer brings out something I didn't notice about a particular track. What I liked about this one from John Kokel is that he described the tracks in a lot of detail, without making any judgement. It seems he enjoyed the album, so he was the right guy to write it. I would be just as descriptive as he was if I was to write the review (as was originally the plan), but I wouldn't have been so kind in my score. The album isn't bad, but it's full of songs that would be PERFECT b-sides for a better album.

Jeez, that doesn't sound positive at all.

And I had MULTIPLE listens since I got it last Monday. To me, it's their worst with Bruce. And I saw the short videos they did to promote it, and didn't think they sounded particularly excited about the album.

Fair play mate.

The album isn't bad, but it's full of songs that would be PERFECT b-sides for a better album.

An album of Iron Maiden B sides would be better than most band's albums.

Another fair play.

[Dream Team]

I've been listening to an album a day in the run-up to Senjutsu's release. What's struck me the most - aside from the stylistic change between Killers and The Number of the Beast - is how fast (in terms of tempo) some of their songs used to be. I'm not someone who believes they should try to remake those earlier albums but it'd be lovely to hear something genuinely up tempo from them. I think that's probably what I miss most.

Stratego is the fastest song on Senjutsu.

For real? LOL.

[Dream Team]

I don't know if it's already been posted here, but I found a track-by-track review by Loudwire.

https://loudwire.com/iron-maiden-senjutsu-track-by-track-guide-review/

More great reviews!

https://www.hotpress.com/music/album-review-iron-maiden-senjutsu-22868613

https://www.reddit.com/r/ironmaiden/comments/p8vytd/senjutsu_metal_hammer_review/

That 2nd one reminds me a lot of the St Anger reviews that hyped me up in 2003. Yeah . . .

[porcacultor]

There's nothing really taking the edge off the excitement of getting to listen to this thing. In fact, I must say I appreciate what little I'm getting to glean from all the reviews (including the impressions of our own Rodrigo) just because I enjoy having a "fictional" idea of the album in my mind and then getting the real thing to compare.

I obviously can't be sure before I listen to the thing, but this album seems tailor-made for what I wanted from Iron Maiden at this point (including MORE HARRIS). I'm a bit of a hopeless optimist about a few things and Iron Maiden is one of them    even though AMOLAD and TFF really took some time to grow on me (but they did!) and I thought 60% of TBoS was BRILLIANT and 40% of it was mostly alright. In all cases, Harris' tunes were what definitely held the fort together for me.

It doesn't hurt that there have been a few comparisons with The X-Factor vibes – definitely a highlight in their career for me.

[cramx3]

The album isn't bad, but it's full of songs that would be PERFECT b-sides for a better album.

An album of Iron Maiden B sides would be better than most band's albums.

Since I have the best of the b-sides album that comes with Eddie's Archive, I can say from my opinion this would not be the case at all.  I'm not a fan of 80% of their bsides and am happy they did not land on the albums.  Really only the Blaze bsides were strong IMO to be album worthy.

I totally see your point guys, and I didn't take it as a jab against me. I was always curious about reviews, because there's always a chance that the writer brings out something I didn't notice about a particular track. What I liked about this one from John Kokel is that he described the tracks in a lot of detail, without making any judgement. It seems he enjoyed the album, so he was the right guy to write it. I would be just as descriptive as he was if I was to write the review (as was originally the plan), but I wouldn't have been so kind in my score. The album isn't bad, but it's full of songs that would be PERFECT b-sides for a better album.

I don't care too much about reviews for the same reasons others have stated, but sometimes I go back after I already made up my mind just to see what others have said.  I don't want someone's words to influence my initial opinion, but once mine is formed, it's interesting to see where it lines up against others. Similar to how we here at DTF continue to debate albums for years and years.

Also, another reason to not put too much stock into reviews is what you basically hinted at.  There is bias sometimes.  If you wrote a negative review would it even get published?