The British heavy metal titans, godfathers of power metal, and one of the strongest forces in rock are back with their first new single since their latest album, 2015’s Book Of Souls, titled Stratego, from their upcoming album Senjutsu.

Iron Maiden has always been a staple when it comes to rock and metal. Their print on the culture is arguably greater than any other bands. When they announced a new album seemingly out of the blue, the metal world went crazy. So soon after the announcement, we were already blessed with two new singles, Stratego being the leading track. It immediately opens with the classic gallop bass-drum rhythm, one that Iron Maiden has become famous for, and an ominous chord progression that reminds me almost of their 1988 album Seventh Son of a Seventh Son. There’s dissonance in the harmony, all purposely leading to a powerful resolution. Bruce Dickinson sounds as good as ever, especially considering he’s 63 and coming back from a cancer recovery. His powerful vibratos and gritty tone, all paired with his impressive range, truly give Iron Maiden the blood required to pump the song forward. The harmonies he sings in the chorus are especially triumphant, which is a feeling that continuously persists throughout the track. Much like all of Iron Maiden’s greatest hits, Stratego seems to prepare the listeners to march onward to battle. The composition all feels very classic to Iron Maiden, from start to finish. Fans and new listeners alike are guaranteed to bang their heads to this one.

Stratego isn’t a brand-new direction for Iron Maiden; it’s safe to say that they’ve stuck to what they do best, albeit with the addition of keys which is always a welcome addition. This song feels like a worthy addition to their catalog, with one of the strongest choruses the band has ever put out. I’m unsure if they went for a safer-sounding song for the sake of accessibility, or if this is genuinely the vibe of the album, but regardless fans of metal are surely in for a treat with the upcoming album Senjutsu.

Author: Nicholas Gaudet

Music producer and writer from Dieppe, Canada.