Gustaf Holtenäs directs a mesmerizing and bizarre epic for rock legends Iron Maiden for Stratego, from their acclaimed new album. The film takes place in a Japanese-inspired landscape, with two rival armies heading to battle in an action-filled match of the ancient Japanese strategy game Shiogi. As with his recent video for Black Midi, Holtenäs combines 2D and 3D elements to create a mind-boggling visual to match the monumental tone of the song.This is the second collaboration between Blinkink and Iron Maiden, following The Writing on the Wall, directed by Nicos Livesey, released last month.Stunningly executed, the rich textures, vibrant colours and seamless animation form a dreamy, transcendent aesthetic, contrasted by the riotous, high energy pacing and bloody narrative. Truly epic in scale and well worth a watch.
Rob Ulitski - 15th Sept 2021