Bruce Dickinson - The Mandrake Project [new album and 2024 tour]

[Powerage5]

I know we've got a few other big Maiden fans on here, and didn't want to clutter the Maiden thread with this. Anyone on here looking forward to Bruce's new solo album and/or seeing him on tour this year? First solo album since 2005, and first full tour since 1998 (Barring a handful of dates in 1999 and 2002). I've always been a big fan of all of his solo stuff, and the two singles released so far are good/great. Very excited for the tour also, I'll be doing the first few dates to open the tour in April. 

[twistoflemon21]

First two singles were pretty good although I haven't given them too much of a listen. If its even half as good as Tyranny Of Souls then it'll be a banger.

[Cosmo]

Still haven't listened to it besides the title track. Seeing a lot of divisive opinions about it.

[ShadowOfTheWave]

I LOL'd seeing all the complaints in Maiden Reddit about Bruce keeping the same vocals from the 10 year old Eternity demo. For obvious reasons.

[Powerage5]

On 3/3/2024 at 3:06 PM, Cosmo said:

Still haven't listened to it besides the title track. Seeing a lot of divisive opinions about it.

It's definitely got a split opinion. I had one of my preorders show up significantly early, so I've been able to digest the album for a few weeks already. It's a very diverse album - not at all a true heavy metal album in the same vein as Accident Of Birth or The Chemical Wedding, nor is it the true concept album that was originally envisioned (Though a few songs carrying the concept remain). It's very clear the album is compiled from material recorded over a vast number of years just from listening to Bruce's voice, he's suggested Sonata was recorded just after Accident Of Birth and the original vocals that were recorded are left untouched, that's completely believable from listening to the tone of his voice. That said, the production is pretty consistent across, and the album mostly works together despite how piecemeal the process was. 

There's a few really standout tracks, and really only one that isn't clicking with me on any level:

- Afterglow of Ragnarok - We'd heard it already, but it's a big heavy track that works well as an opener. It's probably the most riff-oriented song on the album. 

- Many Doors To Hell - Quite a simple song, but it's probably my favorite on the album. It's a great slice of hard rock/pop metal that's infectiously catchy. Bruce has likened it to something from the Scorpions in interviews, but I get huge Ghost vibes on it in line with some of their catchier rock songs like Square Hammer, Dance Macabre, etc. 

- Rain On The Graves - It's a fine heavy, bluesy song. It's a bit silly and campy, but it's not like Bruce has ever shied away from that in the past. 

- Resurrection Men - This is one that's grown on me a lot since my first spin. It's kind of a strange song - it feels very much like two separate ideas that got lumped into one song, but it somehow...works? The intro, first verse/chorus, and outdo have this big Latin rock/spaghetti western vibe, before going straight into this sort of stoner rock, Sabbath-y middle section that's riff-y with a big fuzzy bass sound. Bruce shows off his Ian Gillian influences a lot on this one. 

- Fingers In The Wounds - One of my favorites on the album. It's got a big, majestic, epic sound but condensed into three and a half minutes. It's kind of fire and ice with mellow verses and a big anthemic chorus. It reminds me a little bit of Prostitute from GN'R. I wish Maiden could write more songs that have this epic feel but not so drawn out. 

- Eternity Has Failed - This one is what became of If Eternity Should Fail, the song was originally meant to be a Bruce solo song before Steve heard the demo and nicked it for Maiden's use. It's got some differences; the instrumentation on the intro, no second verse, the lyrics have been tweaked a bit, and the instrumental section in the middle is way more developed. But it's largely the same song as what Maiden released, with a different feel. Maiden gave the song a little more urgency, this is a more sinister, brooding affair with the laid back tempo.

- Mistress Of Mercy - Kind of like a heavier Skunkworks-era song. Riff is very similar to Freak. But it's a nice shot of energy in the middle of the album, and it's grown on me a lot since my first listen. 

- Face In The Mirror - This is the one I can't get into at all. I thought it was fine on my first listen, but my opinion has soured since. It's very unremarkable, I can't take Bruce seriously singing about alcoholism (Since he isn't an alcoholic), and it just doesn't go anywhere. He's put out some fantastic ballads during his solo career, but this isn't one of them.

- Shadow Of The Gods - My second favorite on the album, but it's undeniably the best song I think. Bruce had originally written this for a planned project with Halford and Dio, and it's interesting to hear how the song was arranged to cater to all three vocalists' unique voices. The Halford section is one of the meanest vocal performances Bruce has ever done. I get massive Chemical Wedding vibes on this one, just a fantastic epic track.

- Sonata (Immortal Beloved) - This one is really interesting. It's very prog-influenced, there's nothing in Bruce's catalogue that is comparable. Lots of alternating between singing a speaking, Bruce really experiments with using his voice as an instrument on this one. Sublime guitar work from Roy Z on this one. 

 

All in all, not sits firmly in the middle of Bruce's solo catalogue for me. Nothing could ever top Accident Of Birth or The Chemical Wedding, and I like it about as much as Tyranny Of Souls, although I can admit that is a much more cohesive album. 

 

[Cosmo]

3 hours ago, Powerage5 said:

It's definitely got a split opinion. I had one of my preorders show up significantly early, so I've been able to digest the album for a few weeks already. It's a very diverse album - not at all a true heavy metal album in the same vein as Accident Of Birth or The Chemical Wedding, nor is it the true concept album that was originally envisioned (Though a few songs carrying the concept remain). It's very clear the album is compiled from material recorded over a vast number of years just from listening to Bruce's voice, he's suggested Sonata was recorded just after Accident Of Birth and the original vocals that were recorded are left untouched, that's completely believable from listening to the tone of his voice. That said, the production is pretty consistent across, and the album mostly works together despite how piecemeal the process was. 

There's a few really standout tracks, and really only one that isn't clicking with me on any level:

- Afterglow of Ragnarok - We'd heard it already, but it's a big heavy track that works well as an opener. It's probably the most riff-oriented song on the album. 

- Many Doors To Hell - Quite a simple song, but it's probably my favorite on the album. It's a great slice of hard rock/pop metal that's infectiously catchy. Bruce has likened it to something from the Scorpions in interviews, but I get huge Ghost vibes on it in line with some of their catchier rock songs like Square Hammer, Dance Macabre, etc. 

- Rain On The Graves - It's a fine heavy, bluesy song. It's a bit silly and campy, but it's not like Bruce has ever shied away from that in the past. 

- Resurrection Men - This is one that's grown on me a lot since my first spin. It's kind of a strange song - it feels very much like two separate ideas that got lumped into one song, but it somehow...works? The intro, first verse/chorus, and outdo have this big Latin rock/spaghetti western vibe, before going straight into this sort of stoner rock, Sabbath-y middle section that's riff-y with a big fuzzy bass sound. Bruce shows off his Ian Gillian influences a lot on this one. 

- Fingers In The Wounds - One of my favorites on the album. It's got a big, majestic, epic sound but condensed into three and a half minutes. It's kind of fire and ice with mellow verses and a big anthemic chorus. It reminds me a little bit of Prostitute from GN'R. I wish Maiden could write more songs that have this epic feel but not so drawn out. 

- Eternity Has Failed - This one is what became of If Eternity Should Fail, the song was originally meant to be a Bruce solo song before Steve heard the demo and nicked it for Maiden's use. It's got some differences; the instrumentation on the intro, no second verse, the lyrics have been tweaked a bit, and the instrumental section in the middle is way more developed. But it's largely the same song as what Maiden released, with a different feel. Maiden gave the song a little more urgency, this is a more sinister, brooding affair with the laid back tempo.

- Mistress Of Mercy - Kind of like a heavier Skunkworks-era song. Riff is very similar to Freak. But it's a nice shot of energy in the middle of the album, and it's grown on me a lot since my first listen. 

- Face In The Mirror - This is the one I can't get into at all. I thought it was fine on my first listen, but my opinion has soured since. It's very unremarkable, I can't take Bruce seriously singing about alcoholism (Since he isn't an alcoholic), and it just doesn't go anywhere. He's put out some fantastic ballads during his solo career, but this isn't one of them.

- Shadow Of The Gods - My second favorite on the album, but it's undeniably the best song I think. Bruce had originally written this for a planned project with Halford and Dio, and it's interesting to hear how the song was arranged to cater to all three vocalists' unique voices. The Halford section is one of the meanest vocal performances Bruce has ever done. I get massive Chemical Wedding vibes on this one, just a fantastic epic track.

- Sonata (Immortal Beloved) - This one is really interesting. It's very prog-influenced, there's nothing in Bruce's catalogue that is comparable. Lots of alternating between singing a speaking, Bruce really experiments with using his voice as an instrument on this one. Sublime guitar work from Roy Z on this one. 

 

All in all, not sits firmly in the middle of Bruce's solo catalogue for me. Nothing could ever top Accident Of Birth or The Chemical Wedding, and I like it about as much as Tyranny Of Souls, although I can admit that is a much more cohesive album. 

 

 

I've listened to the album twice over the last three days and I think it's a good album. Not a GREAT one, but solid nonetheless. Not too familiar with Bruce's solo work, though. It definitely sounds different than Maiden.

 

Here's my favourite-to-least-favourite song rank:

1. Afterglow of Ragnarok: Love the chorus, and the riff is really good. Sticks to the head in a good way
2. Eternity Has Failed: We all know this one. I do prefer the Maiden version a lot more.
3. Fingers in the Wounds: Cool track. Great chorus. Like the eastern breakdown.
4. Ressurection Men: Another pretty cool track. Especially the sabbathy part. It's great. It does sound a bit like a batch of three ideas glued together.
5. Many Doors to Hell: Solid song. Not a big fan of the synth/keys in the background. The chorus is pretty good, though.
6. Shadow of the Gods: I like it. Best vocals in the album, for sure. 
7. Sonata (Immortal Beloved): Not a fan of the "Save me now" chorus. But great solo at the end. 
8. Mistress of Mercy: Meh. Kinda weak, IMO.
9. Face in the Mirror: Kinda repetitive. This album has way better slow songs/ballads.
10. Rain on the Graves: Don't like this one at all. It's really cheesy and sticks to the head in a bad way. Plus, I think the verses are really uninspired.

 

Need to check out his other solo albums. Heard they're pretty good.

[Powerage5]

4 hours ago, Cosmo said:

 

I've listened to the album twice over the last three days and I think it's a good album. Not a GREAT one, but solid nonetheless. Not too familiar with Bruce's solo work, though. It definitely sounds different than Maiden.

 

Here's my favourite-to-least-favourite song rank:

1. Afterglow of Ragnarok: Love the chorus, and the riff is really good. Sticks to the head in a good way
2. Eternity Has Failed: We all know this one. I do prefer the Maiden version a lot more.
3. Fingers in the Wounds: Cool track. Great chorus. Like the eastern breakdown.
4. Ressurection Men: Another pretty cool track. Especially the sabbathy part. It's great. It does sound a bit like a batch of three ideas glued together.
5. Many Doors to Hell: Solid song. Not a big fan of the synth/keys in the background. The chorus is pretty good, though.
6. Shadow of the Gods: I like it. Best vocals in the album, for sure. 
7. Sonata (Immortal Beloved): Not a fan of the "Save me now" chorus. But great solo at the end. 
8. Mistress of Mercy: Meh. Kinda weak, IMO.
9. Face in the Mirror: Kinda repetitive. This album has way better slow songs/ballads.
10. Rain on the Graves: Don't like this one at all. It's really cheesy and sticks to the head in a bad way. Plus, I think the verses are really uninspired.

 

Need to check out his other solo albums. Heard they're pretty good.

I love all of his solo albums in one way or another - all very much worth checking out. For me the high points are Accident Of Birth and The Chemical Wedding - both done with the same band, including Adrian Smith. The former has some big Maiden vibes but a heavier tone, and The Chemical Wedding is a quasi concept album that leans heavily into the occult, Alistair Crowley, and William Blake. Some of the finest heavy metal albums ever recorded IMO. Tyranny Of Souls continues the same sound but with a different band - some of Bruce’s strongest vocals ever though. 

The rest is all a bit more out there. Tattooed Millionaire is a straight ahead hard rock album that’s quite fun and good at what it aims to do (And it features Janice Gers on guitar). Balls To Picasso is his most experimental album which went through several iterations and rerecordings before it finally got released. Heavy at times but also a diverse sound with some different elements sprinkled in. Skunkworks leans heavily into the grunge/alt rock sound, and comes off quite good at times. It was panned at the time but has since gained a number of big fans. 

[Cosmo]

8 hours ago, Powerage5 said:

I love all of his solo albums in one way or another - all very much worth checking out. For me the high points are Accident Of Birth and The Chemical Wedding - both done with the same band, including Adrian Smith. The former has some big Maiden vibes but a heavier tone, and The Chemical Wedding is a quasi concept album that leans heavily into the occult, Alistair Crowley, and William Blake. Some of the finest heavy metal albums ever recorded IMO. Tyranny Of Souls continues the same sound but with a different band - some of Bruce’s strongest vocals ever though. 

The rest is all a bit more out there. Tattooed Millionaire is a straight ahead hard rock album that’s quite fun and good at what it aims to do (And it features Janice Gers on guitar). Balls To Picasso is his most experimental album which went through several iterations and rerecordings before it finally got released. Heavy at times but also a diverse sound with some different elements sprinkled in. Skunkworks leans heavily into the grunge/alt rock sound, and comes off quite good at times. It was panned at the time but has since gained a number of big fans. 

Thanks, man! I'll be sure to check oujt Accident of Birth and The Chemical Wedding this week! I'll tell you what I though about them later!

[Powerage5]

Not sure if anybody is excited for the tour as well, but “secret” shows tonight and tomorrow at the Whisky under the pseudonym The House Band Of Hell, and the first proper show on Monday in Santa Ana. 
 

I’m on my flight to LA currently - I’ve got tickets for all three, and tonight will be tight to make but I should be good to catch at least a majority of the show. I am buzzing beyond belief. Major, major bucket list thing for me to finally see Bruce solo, still seems surreal. 

[Powerage5]

Fantastic show last night. It was my first time at the Whisky also, so that on its own was fun. The band was very tight for a debut show, and Bruce sounded top notch. Rejuvenated and powerful, some of his best live vocals I’ve heard post-cancer. Great setlist too - four new songs debuted, along with debuts for Abduction and The Alchemist. Looking forward to tonight!

Night 1 set:
Accident of Birth
Abduction
Laughing in the Hiding Bush
Afterglow of Ragnarok
Chemical Wedding
Many Doors to Hell
Tears of the Dragon
Resurrection Men
Rain on the Graves
Frankenstein (Edgar Winter cover)
Gods of War
The Alchemist
Darkside of Aquarius
—-
Jerusalem
Road to Hell

[Twist Of Lime]

I’m not even going but I’m still hoping he’ll play Kill Devil Hill on this tour.

[Powerage5]

4 hours ago, Twist Of Lime said:

I’m not even going but I’m still hoping he’ll play Kill Devil Hill on this tour.

I would welcome anything from Tyranny of Souls - it’s criminal that album never got a tour. Abduction is a great energetic live song, but Navigate the Seas of the Sun has been especially good; maybe my favorite song in the setlist since it got added.