Bruce Dickinson Announces New Solo Album, ‘The Mandrake Project’: Everything You Need to Know
Bruce Dickinson – Author Charles Ken, Photo by John McMurtrie
Oh, happy days are here again for Iron Maiden fans, as vocalist Bruce Dickinson has released the details for his new solo album, “The Mandrake Project.” Dickinson has also released a new single off the set, the raging “Afterglow of Ragnarok,” and some special clues and messages for fans who are trying to figure out this complex story.
“The Mandrake Project” marks Dickinson’s first solo album since 2005. It’s unlike anything he’s released before, as Dickinson has told fans that this album will feature a bunch of goodies and unique pieces, including a 12-part graphic novel series dropping in January. Hey, Dickinson never goes small with his releases, so we shouldn’t be surprised.
Bruce Dickinson’s “The Mandrake Project” details
“The Mandrake Project” will feature 10 songs, including “Eternity Has Failed,” which first arrived on Iron Maiden’s 2015 album, “The Book of Souls.” In releasing details about the new album, Dickinson is using some mysterious Latin phrases and numbers, so fans have a lot of interpreting to do.
According to a press release about the record, listeners should expect a “dark, adult story of power, abuse and a struggle for identity, set against the backdrop of scientific and occult genius.” That sounds very creepy and very Bruce Dickinson.
As for “Afterglow of Ragnarok,” Dickinson has also released a music video and short motion picture for the song, which marks Dickinson’s first solo single since 2005’s “Tyranny of Souls.” Of the clip, director Ryan Mackfall says, “Many years before I was a director, I have fond memories of various music videos that spoke to me and one of those was ‘Can I Play With Madness’ by Iron Maiden. For me it defined what a music video is. Little did I know, many years later I’d be on a call with one of the stars of that video, Mr. Bruce Dickinson, discussing ideas for a music video.”
Mackfall added that Dickinson “has felt like a kindred spirit from that moment and it was therefore only right that we attempted to bring the story of ‘Afterglow Of Ragnarok’ to life in a live action form.” As for the music, he adds, “Naturally, the music is a big part of the engine of the music video and this track was a heavy hitter from the first play. But beyond that I firmly believe it’s also the passion of the artist that defines the results – Bruce’s passion is unmatched. I really hope the fans find themselves taking Necropolis’ journey with the mandrake juice time and time again. This is just the start of something very special!”
“The Mandrake Project” Graphic Novel Series
On top of the new music, “The Mandrake Project” will have a graphic novel series arriving in 12 quarterly issues. The first issue drops on Jan. 17. The novel series is put together by Dickinson, as well as writer Tony Lee and illustrated by Staz Johnson. Everything you need to order the series and learn more is available on the Z2 Comics website.
When will “The Mandrake Project” arrive?
“The Mandrake Project” will drop on March 1 via BMG. Pre-orders are available here.
Bruce Dickinson, “The Mandrake Project” Track List
01. “Afterglow Of Ragnarok”
02. “Many Doors To Hell”
03. “Rain On The Graves”
04. “Resurrection Men”
05. “Fingers In The Wounds”
06. “Eternity Has Failed”
07. “Mistress Of Mercy”
08. “Face In The Mirror”
09. “Shadow Of The Gods”
10. “Sonata (Immortal Beloved)”
Bruce Dickinson – vocals
Roy Z. – guitar, bass
Dave Moreno – bass
*Tanya O’Callaghan on bass for all shows
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