Released by: BMG
Release Date: March 1st, 2024
Genre: Metal
Links: https://www.themandrakeproject.com/
Line Up:
Vocals – Bruce Dickinson
Guitarist – Roy Z
Drummer – Dave Moreno
Keyboard – Mistheria
Tracklist:
Afterglow Of Ragnarok (05.45)
Many Doors To Hell (04.48)
Rain On The Graves (05.05)
Resurrection Men (06.24)
Fingers In The Wounds (03.39)
Eternity Has Failed (06.59)
Mistress Of Mercy (05.08)
Face In The Mirror (04.08)
Shadow Of The Gods (07.02)
Sonata (Immortal Beloved) (09.51)
The name Bruce Dickinson resonates as a Heavy Metal legend—a veritable icon and a vocal virtuoso. The merits ascribed to this luminary figure appear boundless. A maestro of the airwaves, possessed of acute business acumen, and an unabashedly outspoken personality; accolades for him are ceaseless. Dickinson has traversed a life that many can only dream of, not solely as a pivotal figure in Maiden but also by carving a distinctive niche for his solo musical pursuits. The ’90s reverberate with memories of Bruce and Iron Maiden parting ways, leading him to form a band with Adrian Smith and the esteemed producer/guitar virtuoso Roy Z.
Together, they forged a path into heavier, more traditional realms of Heavy Metal, with solo opuses like The Chemical Wedding and Accident of Birth achieving recognition in the Metal world. The last culmination of his solo endeavors came in 2005 with Tyranny of Souls. Amidst the perpetual touring of Iron Maiden and finding the time in the staleness of the music world in the Pandemic, Dickinson returns with great anticipation surrounding “The Mandrake Project,” reuniting with Roy Z to bring to fruition ideas cultivated over the last half-decade.
Embarking on the album, Dickinson’s vocals, undiminished by the passage of time, exude a timeless brilliance. The album’s narrative has transcended into a series of graphic novels, each panel weaving tales of characters like Dr. Necropolis—an orphan of prodigious intellect, harboring disdain for both his genius and life itself. Dr. Necropolis finds himself entwined in The Mandrake Project, an audacious initiative seeking to seize the human soul at the brink of mortality, preserving it, and transferring it into an alternate vessel—an idea ripe for cinematic exploration.
And the musical odyssey? Let us immerse ourselves. The ethereal introductory strains of “Afterglow of Ragnarok” set a captivating tone, resonating with Bruce’s storytelling finesse. It serves as an eloquent prologue to the album’s unfolding narrative. Another opulent gem, “Rain on the Graves,” unveils subdued vocal nuances midstream.
The higher-cadence orchestrations of “Eternity Has Failed” showcase Maiden-esque attributes, featuring galloping bass and a righteous thumping throughout. A melodic symphony unfolds, enriched by a tapestry of keys and guitars, impeccably executed. Delicate interludes where Roy’s acoustic finesse takes center stage seamlessly temper the energy, adding nuanced layers to the storytelling. The album’s denouement comprises two magnum opuses, “Shadow of the Gods” (spanning 7 minutes) and the epic finale, “Sonata (Immortal Beloved)” (approaching the 10-minute mark), each crowned with a modern crescendo melody—a chorus that ensnares the senses.
Anticipate an abundance of accolades from the media for this opus, and we echo these sentiments. Dickinson’s life journey has come full circle, yet he continually forges new avenues. The collaboration with Roy Z, a stalwart companion from the annals of his past, distinguishes Bruce’s solo oeuvre from Maiden, augmenting the profundity of his legacy as one of the foremost Metal virtuosos for all eternity.
Score: 8/10
Reviewed by: Shadow Editor
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