Bruce Dickinson - The Mandrake Project (2024)

Solo projects are great when an artist wants to do things differently from their full time band. I approach these situations with caution though, as it is not rare that the final result will sound very similar to that band’s sound without adding anything. This case is not one of those instances however, as Iron Maiden frontman’s new endeavor is a rich canvas of different music ideas that more than justifies its existence. Bruce returns without the rest of the gang 19 years after Tyranny of Souls.

There is no need for further introductions this time, so let’s jump straight to The Mandrake Project. Starting with what to expect and what not, this album is not the heaviest or fastest thing out there. Its virtues lie on good songwriting and on the fact that it borrows ideas from many styles to make each song sound different more or less. The vibes it gives are also very epic like it is made clear with the starting Afterglow of Ragnarok.

While the record lasts, we will hear the great carefree and theatric verses of Rain on the Graves. We will discover the Western themes of Resurrection Men. Eternity has Failed has a solo session that kills, while its chorus is repeated in the end with a backing choir before a (very) brief flute segment enters to close the song. Fingers in the Wounds features piano and a great middle eastern part by utilizing orchestral arrangements. The use of Piano can also be found in later parts of the album. If you are searching for something edgier, Mistress of Mercy is your go to moment.

When reaching the end, things calm down on the last 3 songs to focus more on the melodies and Bruce’s performance. Not that the heavy part is absent, the second half in Shadow of the Gods is nothing if not top Metal. But don’t be deceived by that, because compositions like Sonata (Immortal Beloved) overflow with sentiment. What i am trying to say with all this is that if anything, the album surely has variety.

Now, what does that all mean for the final impressions concerning The Mandrake Project? Firstly that it differentiates from Iron Maiden and that it is home to good, inspired music. Secondly, the fact that I like slower parts and love when a song has infusions from other genres, doesn’t mean that the same applies to everyone.

This record is surely not there just to provide an excuse for Bruce to tour. His status though is so huge that there are countless people, each one having different expectations from his music. The best thing to do if you like the solo works of Mr. Dickinson, is to give this one a spin with your full attention. There is no chance of walking away with zero songs in your playlists. Personally i found “worth it” moments in all of the compositions and thoroughly enjoyed the album.