Growing up is not always a recommendation for a metal band. British Iron Maiden have done a pretty good job of transitioning from a cartoonish and wanton metal band to, to use comic book terms, a graphic novel metal band. Even their zombie-mascot Eddy got a nice update as a samurai on the 17th album Senjutsu. With elements of prog rock and a penchant for menacing midtemps, Iron Maiden put up thick
… walls, interspersed with cinematic passages and influences from Celtic and Arabic music, among others. This layered horror music forms the backdrop for the epic lyrics of singer Bruce Dickinson, who has lost the high and theatrical screams of yesteryear, but has instead become a darker and more convincing storyteller. The downfalls of ancient cultures, whereby the necessary blood flows, are Dickinson's favourite subjects on Senjutsu. Iron Maiden could easily have sold out stadiums forever with their tried and tested repertoire. Instead, they've made another rock-solid double album. (MR)more
