Bruce Dickinson, the legendary singer of Iron Maiden, recently revealed some information about his next solo album, The Mandrake Project, which is scheduled for release on March 1st via BMG. In an interview with Brazilian show A Radio Rock, Dickinson talks about the inspiration for the album and the unexpected journey of one of its tracks.
Recorded primarily at the Doom Room in Los Angeles, the Mandrake Project consists of longtime collaborator Roy “Z” Ramirez, both guitarist and bassist, as well as Mistheria on keyboards and drummer Dave Moreno. The album holds a special place in Dickinson's heart, with its origins dating back to 2014 when he was contemplating a follow-up to Tyranny Of Souls.
However, life took unexpected turns with Dickinson's throat cancer diagnosis in 2015 and subsequent Iron Maiden tours, coupled with pandemic-related travel restrictions. Given these challenges, the concept of a graphic novel to accompany the album evolved into a twelve-episode series. The name “The Mandrake Project” mysteriously appeared and resonated with Dickinson without having been used in any significant way before.
Dickinson announced that the album was a sequel to his 2014 project. Some tracks, like “Shadow Of The Gods”, were almost finished, while the last track, “Sonata (Immortal Beloved)”, surprised him because it was over 20 years old. Originally a demo inspired by the film Immortal Beloved, it found its way onto the album thanks to Dickinson's wife Leana, who insisted on recording it after hearing the demo.
Regarding the album's dark and mature narrative, Dickinson explained that it revolves around Doctor Necropolis, an orphaned genius in search of his identity who is involved in the Mandrake Project. This project aims to capture and preserve human souls at the moment of death, which raises ethical questions that are explored in the story.
The Mandrake Project is not just an album, but a coherent graphic novel that combines the worlds of music and comics. Dickinson explained that music and comics naturally complemented each other and that he had long envisioned this synergy. The single Afterglow Of Ragnarok sets the tone for the album and the accompanying music video, directed by Ryan Mackfall, introduces the main protagonist Doctor Necropolis.
The ten-track album promises a mix of heavy riffs and melodic elements and showcases Dickinson's musical versatility. Dickinson's band, consisting of Roy Z, Dave Moreno, Tanya O'Callaghan and Mistheria, will embark on a major tour next spring and summer to bring The Mandrake Project to life.
French-language concerts:
- May 26th – L'Olympia, Paris, FRANCE
- 27–30 June – Hellfest, Clisson, FRANCE
- June 30 – Rockhal, Esch-Sur-Alzette, LUXEMBOURG
Bruce Dickison interview with A Radio Rock:
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