BRUCE DICKINSON – The Mandrake Project

Bruce Dickinson - The Mandrake Project album cover art.
  • 8.2/10
    BRUCE DICKINSON - The Mandrake Project - 8.2/10
8.2/10

Summary

Label: BMG
Release date: March 1, 2024

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It’s been since 2005 that Bruce Dickinson released his last solo album Tyranny of Souls, and for fans that adore and appreciate his work with guitarist/producer Roy Z, the time between albums felt like a drought. The wait for a new album from Bruce is finally over as he returns once again to work with Roy Z on his newest release The Mandrake Project.

Back in the 90s, when Bruce Dickinson had left Iron Maiden, he created a newer sound with Roy Z that focused more on shorter compositions than the typical Iron Maiden marathon songs that often topped nine minutes each. While Maiden dropped in popularity with replacement singer Blaze Bayley, Dickinson recruited Adrian Smith and was a force to be reckoned with on the Accident of Birth. With this lineup, Dickinson gave fans the strong, tight musical arrangements that they had been craving.

The Wait Is Over

With The Mandrake Project, Bruce Dickinson is back, and the songs are lyrical, the melodies take center stage, and the choruses keep you coming back for more. The pacing of the songs works well, as six out of ten tracks are under six minutes in length, and the layering of sounds creates an almost magical sensation upon listening. Bruce not only sings on the new album, but also plays keyboards, bongos & percussion, and even a guitar solo on “Face In The Mirror”.

The concept for The Mandrake Project is a dark, adult story of power, abuse and a struggle for identity, set against a backdrop of scientific and occult genius. The songwriting was a split between Roy Z and Bruce Dickinson, which is a successful formula that keeps on working.

Final Notes

Bruce Dickinson – The Mandrake Project is the seventh solo album by the legendary front man of Iron Maiden, and one of his best efforts. While the album is available on streaming, true fans have the options to own a copy on a tri-panel ‘digisleeve’ CD edition or a deluxe CD version packaged in a seven-inch case bound book. The latter comes with a ‘preview comic’ that has cover artwork by American artist Bill Sienkiewicz and a 20-page lyric booklet.

Vinyl versions include a gatefold 2LP black vinyl edition with an embossed sleeve and bundles with signed photocards are available, while stocks last, from the official artist shop.

No matter what format you choose, Bruce Dickenson – The Mandrake Project is a much awaited album that does not disappoint. Make a point to add this treasure to your collection. You’ll be glad you did.

Bruce Dickinson's band photo for his upcoming tour
Touring band Left to right: L to R: Tanya O’Callaghan-bass, Philip Näslund –guitar, Bruce Dickinson – vocals, Chris Declercq – guitar, Dave Moreno – drums. Photo: John McMurtie.

Lineup

  • Bruce Dickinson – lead vocals (all tracks), acoustic guitar (tracks 4, 8), bongo drums (4), additional keyboards (6, 7), percussion (6), solo guitar (8)
  • Roy Z – bass, guitar.
  • Dave Moreno – drums.
  • Mistheria – keyboards.
  • Chris Declerq – solo guitar (track 3)
  • Gus G – solo guitar (track 6)

The Mandrake Project – Tracklist

  1. Afterglow of Ragnarok
  2. Many Doors To Hell
  3. Rain On The Graves
  4. Resurrection Men
  5. Fingers In The Wounds
  6. Eternity Has Failed
  7. Mistress of Mercy
  8. Face In The Mirror
  9. Shadow Of The Gods
  10. Sonata (Immortal Beloved)

Author

  • Bryce Van Patten

    Bryce is an audio engineer and a graphic designer here at Metal Express Radio. From the day he purchased his first album (Machine Head by Deep Purple), he has had a passion for heavy music, which has influenced his whole life. Bryce is from the great Pacific Northwest in USA, and has played in metal bands like Babylon, Holy Terror, The Wild Dogs, Warhead and Egypt through the 80s. He had his first interview for the Portland, Oregon publication The Rock Rag with guitarist Paul Gilbert in his Racer X days. Then he was honored to get to have drinks, and talk for an hour with the legendary Dan McCafferty of Nazareth for his second interview. In 2013, he spent an amazing hour talking to Andi Deris of Helloween, which was the high point of his heavy metal journalism.   In the year 2001, he formed Man in Black Music Publishing. They released recordings by several local bands, and in the spirit of the old Metal Massacre compilations, he created a 2-album series called The Defenders of Metal. The albums featured classic styled Metal bands from all around the world, with bands from Australia to England, and from Argentina to Russia. Currently, he is the producer/creator/vocalist of the Metal band The Black Tuesdays.

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