Iron Maiden, The Writing on the Wall | Track Review

Iconic heavy metal/hard rock band Iron Maiden makes a stellar return on “The Writing on the Wall,” the promo single from their 17^th LP, Senjutsu.

“H

ave you seen the writing on the wall? / Have you seen that writing?” Well, have you? Anyways, after six years, iconic English heavy metal/hard rock collective Iron Maiden is B-A-C-K!  Senjutsu, which arrives September 3, 2021, marks their 17^th studio album.  A six-minute-plus single, “The Writing on the Wall”, serves as the promo single for the LP.  Is “The Writing on the Wall” worthwhile? You bet!

Although lengthy, there’s plenty to heart about “The Writing on the Wall” – no shortage of epic-ness!  There’s no rush, as Iron Maiden spends north of a minute establishing the musical identity.  That identity includes a minor key center, assertive guitars, and pummeling drums.  Once Bruce Dickinson begins singing, “The Writing on the Wall” is solidified as a contemporary, classic sounding IM number.  Dickinson, in his sixties, remains potent and powerful with his distinct, dramatic vocal style – that upper range still pops.  The songwriting is intriguing, as always.  The chorus is simple but highly effective, while the ‘meat’ (or meat substitute if you’re plant-based) comes on the verses: “From Hollywood to Babylon, holy war to kingdom come / On a trail of dust and ashes when the burning sky is done.” Oh, and back to those guitars – there’s a must-hear solo!

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Final Thoughts  

“The Writing on the Wall” ends up being a terrific comeback from a legendary band.  There is no drop-off from Iron Maiden, even as they age.  The music remains fiery, and Bruce Dickinson is still the man! “The Writing on the Wall” tells me that Senjutsu should be a special project.  Rock on IM!

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Iron Maiden • Senjutsu • Sanctuary • 9.3.21

[: Brent Faulkner, The Musical Hype, OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay, Sanctuary]

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