Bruce Dickinson, the iconic vocalist of IRON MAIDEN, recently unveiled the official music video for his latest solo single, “Rain On The Graves”
This track is part of his upcoming solo album, “The Mandrake Project,” scheduled for release on March 1 through BMG. Bruce collaborated with his longtime co-writer and producer, Roy “Z” Ramirez, recording most of the album at Los Angeles’s Doom Room. Roy Z showcased his versatility by taking on the roles of guitarist and bassist. The recording lineup was complemented by keyboard virtuoso Mistheria and drummer Dave Moreno, both of whom were part of Bruce‘s previous solo studio album, “Tyranny Of Souls,” released in 2005.
On November 30, 2023, Bruce Dickinson premiered the dynamic and action-packed music video for the first single, “Afterglow Of Ragnarok,” from “The Mandrake Project” at CCXP23, Brazil’s Comic-Con event in São Paulo. The video, directed by Ryan Mackfall and co-written by Dickinson and renowned British writer Tony Lee, introduced the central character, Dr. Necropolis, and offered a glimpse into the dark narrative of the album. During the event, Bruce also shared insights into the upcoming comic series in collaboration with Z2, unveiling 2,000 CCXP-exclusive comic versions to the excitement of the international comic community.
Describing “Afterglow Of Ragnarok” as a “heavy song with a great big riff” and highlighting its melodic chorus, Bruce Dickinson emphasized its representation of the album’s overall light and shade.
The film, directed by Ryan Mackfall and co-written by Bruce Dickinson and Tony Lee, introduces Dr. Necropolis, the central figure of “The Mandrake Project,” and sets the stage for the unfolding story. This dark narrative is further explored in an eight-page comic book prequel, included in the seven-inch gatefold vinyl release of the single.
Beyond being a musical endeavor, “The Mandrake Project” is a mature narrative exploring themes of power, abuse, and identity within the realms of scientific and occult genius. Conceived by Bruce Dickinson, the comic series, scripted by Tony Lee and illustrated by Staz Johnson for Z2 Comics, will be released in 12 quarterly issues, ultimately compiled into three annual graphic novels.
Bruce Dickinson, accompanied by his exceptional band comprising guitarist Roy Z, drummer Dave Moreno, bassist Tanya O’Callaghan, and keyboardist Mistheria, will embark on a headline tour this spring and summer to bring the music of “The Mandrake Project” to life.
This forthcoming release marks Bruce Dickinson‘s seventh solo album and his first since “Tyranny Of Souls” in 2005, with BMG set to distribute it globally across multiple formats.
While widely celebrated as the legendary frontman of IRON MAIDEN, Bruce Dickinson has also carved an impressive niche for himself through a prolific solo career that showcases his versatility, creativity, and enduring passion for music.
Bruce Dickinson embarked on his solo journey in the early 1990s, marking a departure from the iconic sound of IRON MAIDEN. This move allowed him to explore a broader musical spectrum and express his artistic vision beyond the confines of a band setting.
Over the years, Dickinson has released a series of solo albums, each a testament to his diverse influences and musical prowess. From the hard-hitting “Tattooed Millionaire” (1990) to the progressive “The Chemical Wedding” (1998), Dickinson has consistently demonstrated his ability to navigate various genres with finesse.
Throughout his solo career, Bruce has collaborated with an array of talented musicians, bringing a unique flavor to each project. His long-term partnership with producer Roy “Z” Ramirez has been particularly fruitful, resulting in albums such as “The Chemical Wedding” and as mentioned above, “The Mandrake Project.“
Bruce Dickinson‘s solo career stands as a testament to his enduring musical legacy and artistic evolution. Beyond the galloping riffs of IRON MAIDEN, he has crafted a body of work that reflects his unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries and exploring the vast landscape of music and storytelling. As “The Mandrake Project” awaits its global release, fans eagerly anticipate the next chapter in the extraordinary solo journey of this iconic vocalist.