Bruce Dickinson's seventh solo album, The Mandrake Project, blends scientific and occult themes into its storyline alongside the reimagined Iron Maiden classic, "Eternity Has Failed."
The Mandrake Project is proof you can take the man out of Maiden, but you can’t take the Maiden out of the man. Why just make a record when you can create a grandiose project that also includes a comic book and music videos that feel like mini motion pictures.
Bruce Dickinson, hailed globally as one of heavy metal's most iconic vocalists, has released The Mandrake Project, his seventh solo endeavor and a long-awaited return since 2005's Tyranny Of Souls. The new album reunites him with the producer Roy Z, known for his work with Halford and Rob Rock. Exploring dark themes of power, abuse, and the quest for identity, The Mandrake Project intertwines elements of scientific and occult prowess into its narrative.
Ten tracks deep, the album pushes the boundaries of what we've come to expect from Dickinson and promises to be one of heavy music's best albums of 2024. Recorded primarily at DOOM ROOM studio in Los Angeles, the album features Roy Z's dual roles as guitarist and bassist, complemented by the talents of Mistheria on keyboards and drummer Dave Moreno, both familiar names from Tyranny Of Souls.
Die-hard fans of Bruce Dickinson and Iron Maiden will recognize the enigmatic track "Eternity Has Failed," previously known as "If Eternity Should Fail" on Maiden's The Book of Souls from 2015. This inclusion underscores the extensive creative journey behind The Mandrake Project.
However, The Mandrake Project isn't just a musical achievement - it's also a comic series penned by Dickinson and scripted by Tony Lee. Illustrated with finesse by Staz Johnson, the comic is being released by Z2 Comics in 12 quarterly issues culminating in three annual graphic novels which parallel the album's narrative. The first installment was released in January of this year. The deluxe edition of the CD includes an exclusive preview comic with cover artwork by Bill Sienkiewicz.