I listened to this album 3 times in a row and man, it has really grown on me. This album is amazing. I hear so many influences from so many classic bands and when you add that unreal voice, you can’t lose. So glad this record is so damn good.
Yeah, I fully agree. The more you listen to it, the more it grows on you. It is really better than 99% of everything that is being published this year, were it not for the hype, it would be rated as a masterpiece.
The thing is, we need repetition over time to really fully appreciate a work of art. Rarely a gem is found on first listening. I'll come up with my very detailed verdict by around April, but none of his solo albums have let me down so far... in fact, I consider them to be some of the absolute best music out there.
This is cope by fanboys. Repetition to find gems is something you do with complex music, with actual progressive or experimental art, not with what is still pretty standard metal, there are no arrangements in the entire album that need closer inspection. Is an ok album, nothing more.
OK, Einstein, you're bright and only need one listen to grasp everything, it never happened to you to find a metal record average and then getting more and more accustomed to it, unless it's some crazy experimental music, Suuuure LOL@@homerc9101
17:24 I feel like this line is a reference to the song "Chemical Wedding" - the chorus goes: "And so we lay, we lay in the same grave..." It sounds really, really similar
This review surprised me. Bruce is my favorite singer. I prefer his solo work to his Maiden work, despite the fact that Maiden is my favorite band. I'm blown away by this new album. There are no weak moments and a lot of surprises. Face in the Mirror is a personal favorite. Shadow of the Gods is just incredible. That's a masterpiece. The more I dive into this album, the more I'm loving it. Chemical Wedding is still my favorite but I've been living with it since it's release. I'll give this time before jumping to radical statements. This album is an easy 10/10 for me. Just for Sonata alone, I'm in love with the music.
Fully agree with your assessment. Review is on the point with my reactions and feelings. It is indeed a Very good album, yet not the best, but bery fresh, surprising and enjoyable. Btw. Bruce has said somewhere recently he has already somerhing for the yet another album
@@JimsMusicJourneyi have lots of albums in my all time fav list, that weren't instant likes. Art is always a mood thing. doesn't matter if it's music, paintings, literature or movies, it always depends on how you feel at the time of consuming.
Just ordered this today, but have heard 6 of the 10 tracks on you tube. Of those 6 “Eternity Has Failed” is my favorite so far. It’s become an ear worm for me. I just can’t get over it. I love it!
I like your analysis but I differ something, Eternity Has Failed sounds much more powerful than Iron Maiden, specially from the minute 3:15. The album is full of diversity and creativity, something difficult to find on this era. Something that you didn’t not include is the feeling and new air from the musicians, the detail is included on the book that you have on behind. Non famous elements, virtousisms, feeling, no commercial interest, playing for the album and for the songs; not for a brand or name. Pure art, class
Honestly, I like the album a lot more than I expected, even on first listen. I don't think he picked the strongest songs for the MVs. Bruce himself matched my expectations but the instrumentation exceeded them. These days I mentally adjust when listening to Maiden otherwise I'll yearn for the types of small touches that my favourite younger bands do. This album actually has some of those touches. If you're a traditional metal fan who hates modern metal, this could be a good album to bridge the gap.
It’s definitely a grower and it gets better and better with every listen. At first i was like “meh” but now i love it. It sounds mature and contemporary. Thus said, i can’t stand “Afterglow Of Ragnarok”, each to their own lol
I'm going to have to give it a few more listens before I really form an opinion but my first impression is that it falls a little short of expectations and is not even as good as Tyranny. I hope I'm wrong on this one and it turns out to be a real grower of an album.
Like you MP, I was left a little cold after the first listen. Some highlights, but not what I expected. However, repeat listens have revealed the good in The Mandrake Project! This is a rich album full of so many musical flavours, and a complex narrative packed with philosophy and symbolism. It deserves so much more than being discarded after one listen. I believe that the listeners who persevere with this record will be deeply rewarded.
As they always say, everyone has it's own taste. Honestly, the album it's pretty good for me, there are albums that I like and I understand that many people find it boring, like Maiden's final frontier, and vice versa, albums that I don't like very much like Slayer's Reign in Blood but I understand why many people love it, to give two examples, however, I can't understand the hate that is being given to this album, do you really think there are so many bad songs in the album? There are 2 that don't convince me, but the rest are generally quite enjoyable like "Many Door to Hell", "Fingers in the wounds" or "Shadow of the gods". I give it a 4/5. I sincerely believe that the things that happens is not that they really don't like it but that the expectations were TOO high (19 years without an album, they have been working on it for many years... etc.) If you answer me, please be respectful, I have simply given my opinion.
I love that you always find a positive in everything 😊 Personally, I'm disappointed in The Mandrake Project. But if Bruce is expressing his art then good for him. It's not like he needs the money or anyone's approval, he is a legend, he can do whatever makes him happy.
Chemical Wedding is brilliance, and as great as this new album is that's a tall order. Accident of birth and The Chemical Wedding are 2 of the greatest metal albums in history. I'm glad he didn't try to replicate them. There's elements of them on Mandrake but not so much that it sounds like he's trying to copy them blatantly. Bravo Bruce!
Yeah you’re right, because that’s its own album. It’s his best for sure, but it doesn’t take away from TMP and how great of an album it is. No need for comparison, yes it has similarities and connections to TCW and AoB… but they’re different albums homie
i have only heard it once on vinyl cuz i bought it in a store as soon as it arrived, i really enjoyed it. if it's only gonna get better the more i hear it, i'm really excited
Great Review. Totally agree the first listen seems nah specially compared to AOB or TCW but at next listens the album is terribly catchy and includes great grower songs
Shadow of the Gods is a pure masterpiece! I can listen to this song over and over again. Still, the rest of the songs are good or very good. I can't really tell which track is the weakest, but I'm leaning toward Mistress Of Mercy. It sounds so generic, an album filler... but I bet it would be banger during concerts.
I love the album including some songs like Eternity has Failed, Shadows of the Gods etc. I think this album i love it, just like the albums release in 1997 and 1998
I appreciate that you're prepared to give constructive criticism about the album. I find that many UA-cam reviewers are actually too positive, specifically reaction video people who get more shares from over the top expressions. I agree that the album was never going to satisfy many fans. The Iron Maiden fanbase is quite snobbish and very quick to criticise because they build up huge expectations. Mind you, had this album been released in, say, 2007 it wouldn't have been as successful. Now that Maiden solo projects are promoted in house by Maiden's website & social media 'The Mandrake Project' has been able to reach more people than Bruce's solo career ever did in the past. It charted at number 3 in the UK (his highest charting solo album) which is pretty damn impressive. It also shows the state of mainstream Metal in the 90s compared to today.
Very good review and I couldn't agree more. I have listened to the album 3 times so far and I started liking it but it's definitely not the best Dickinson album. Favourite tracks: Afterglow of Ragnarok, Resurrection Men and Mistress of Mercy. Also, doesn't Many Doors to Hell sound like Ghost with Bruce on the vocals?
I agree with you 99%! I do think the first half is the more accesible stuff, while they second one is the more intricate and experimental stuff. I gave the record a 9/10 on my personal Review. I think this album is over the first three Bruce records, but it underneath Accident and Chemical. Btw, where would you rank this album in a Dickinson Ranking? It tops Tyranny of Souls? Or is it too soon?? Cheers, friend! Love your channel 🤟🏼🇺🇾
Shadow of the Gods is one of the best Bruce songs of all time!! I loved the whole album too!! 💯 Chemical Wedding is still my favorite BUT Shadow of the God's like I said is my favorite Bruce Dickinson song of all time!
as someone who only became a metal head back in 2018 or 2019 as I had a very controlling father who didn't like any heavier music, and have Iron Maiden as their favorite band since listening to Dance of Death, I think this is certainly not the best of Bruce's albums, objectively speaking, but it's my favorite, and the first of his solo career that makes me wanna listen to it on loop, and 3 of it's songs are on my top 8 of all Bruce's solo career songs
I think it’s a very strong effort and I appreciate it greatly. Everyone should, how many more times are the metal masters going to give us wonderful gifts like this?
I give this album a solid 8/10, easily the best between all the bands releasing new stuff. It's creative, adventurous, full of nuances and it's very exciting to listen to.
Resurrection Man is my favorite so far. It's like The Outlaws with a Black Sabbath jam in the middle. Very different for Bruce. The whole album is great though. I love it.
The thing that surprised me the most was Bruces almost growling vocals in the second half of Shadow of the Gods, i dont think i have heard him dying quite like that before All in all an absolute banger of an album even if it isnt on the😢same level as AoB and TCW
I'd just finish my first listening beggining to end of the album. Afterglow already liked and Rain on the Graves is just fabulous. Ressurection Men is a nice song and Many Doors to Hell really got me. The rest of the album is Ok, it is Bruce all the way. A couple of songs reminds me of Skunkorks, at least it has some of its vibe. Eternity?? I prefer Maiden version but Roy Z solo is really really great. Within time the album as whole might become better. Not Bruce's best work but it's a good album. Just the fact he's still out there touring and writing new music deserves our attention!!
@@andreaserblin3205 I can understand that. I do like the album, however it does not stand up to albums like Chemical Wedding and Accident of Birth. The album is not a "Mosh Pit" type of album where it's in your face. It's more of a slow burn where it gives you kind of a journey. 4.45/5
it's one of those albums you really have to WANT to like it in order to be able to. Kind of like everything Maiden's done since BNW. You listen to it repeatedly beating your brain into submission, forcing it to find enough positives. So, a fine record for sure. But not going to bring a single new fan on board, while us faithful do our best to find enough value to validate it's existence.
I absolutely agree with you on 'Resurrection Men', a bit bothered by the vocals in the verse. Hopefully this can be fixed in live performance? Anyway, the album is great, and I can't wait to see Bruce solo live, been waiting for it since I was a little kid. :D
I loved this album right from the start, connected with me heavily, and i love most of the tracks, Think only one or two that i'd skip, i prefer this version of Eternity has failed, my favorite was Shadow Of The Gods, i think! Overall i would rate this album 8/10, Very excited, Looking forward to see him live this summer in Sweden! Thanks for another great video, Mr Pilgrim!
I really love this album I'm ngl, and Bruce seems really happy and passionate about it, both in videos and when i met him at one of the UK Album signings which I love to see. Though that maybe a hot take since my favourite album of all time is Skunkworks haha
I felt exactly the same. The first time I listened to it I maybe had too high expectations. But I actually loved the hype they created around this album. And after a second listen it really grew on me. But this was also true for me for Iron Maiden when I first dug deeper into their songs. I also think that Bruce could have sung Resurrection Man a little lower. I love all the different parts of this album. About Face in the Mirror: first I found it too a little too repetitive, but it really suits the atmosphere they created with this song. Overall a really awesome mix of so many differnt styles and all the brilliant variations Bruce can do with his voice ❤ I'm so excited to hopefully meet him this week and tell him. And of course for the live performances of the songs 🤘🏻🔥
After hearing the singles(did take time to digest and i admit i was on the fence) im positive surpriced, liked it a lot and as commented below, music you put on your favorite list isnt what you like or think is a masterpiece the first time you hear it, it takes several listens and it growns on you, thats a sign of quality and the album is there for me
I felt like eternity has failed accually sounds like a direct successor to if eternity should fail, sounds like: you see, all of that and yet eternity HAS failed you. Thinking like that made the song hit me too hard
Now I have finally listened to the album for the 1st time and I have to say I like it instantly, but there's no doubt that it's a grower and an album that requires you to dive deep and discover everything over time. I think there is one ballad too many, but in general hell yes. Many Doors to Hell, a bit goofy but alright. I also think that Eternity Has Failed is better than If Eternity Should Fail. Not as good as Accident, Chemical and Tyranny, but diffently a good album and very different in certain aspects from what you would expect and an album that will grow. I work sunday - thursday so friday morning I am diffently gonna start my weekend with a re-listen :)
Prior to release, I was fearing that Afterglow of Ragnarok and Rain on the graves would be the only strong tracks but boy was I wrong! The album quickly grew on me! Although I enjoy the whole album, Face in the mirror is my least favourite.
I really like this album, and I cannot wait to see Bruce live, in fact this year I'll have seen all 3 recording maiden singers solo live, but out of the mandrake project and circle of stone - I prefer circle of stone I think. But this album was great and to have both albums release so close to each other was brilliant
I must admit only after 2 listens I wasn’t that impressed maybe reading the lyrics may help , but what did impress me was the fact that every track was produced in Dolby Atmos and my Sonos system allows me to enjoy this amazing immersive sound 🤘🏻😎🤘🏻
Thanks, great review! I have only listened to it once so far and certainly will have many more listenings to the album. It is quite a varied pot and a somewhat unorthodox way to structure an album but I do appreciate that aspect. I very much prefer to listen to music albumwise start to finish and I think it has quite good potential to grow over time. Cheers from Sweden!
I’m a huge Maiden and Bruce fan. His favourite solos albums for me are Accident of Birth and and Chemical wedding. I wish Adrian was in the band still.
I liked the entire album. One thing I noticed is how much better Bruce’s voice is. He is singing better than in the last 3 albums they released in Iron Maiden. I wish Iron Maiden would release more “spontaneous” songs instead of those 10 minute long journeys.
I love the record........ I will see bruce live in Paris..... . Up the irons 🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘... shadow of the gods my favourite song at the moment.....is not the best record of Bruce solo ..... but is a very good record...
Never feel guilty about taking time to get into an album! It took me quite a few years to realise that the X Factor is pretty darn good. Aside from the undoubtedly gloomy feel and production, when it came out I was absurdly programmed to dislike since it simply wasn't Bruce. Let's see how this solo album pans out as only had two complete run throughs so far. Further to your observations I will be keeping a wary eye on the vocal styles. What I don't want to hear is Bruce straining or almost slightly pitchy. Within the confines of Maiden I think Steve's lyrical gymnastics sometimes don't help Bruce.
I’ve only listened to it once. I enjoyed it, but it didn’t really grab me. Something about it seems like it’s going to grow on me in a big way, but I won’t know for sure until I’ve listened a few more times.
i've listened twice now. it's the first dickinson record where there's not one song i dislike. i have to give it a few more listens, but i like how it flows and how he's constantly referencing his past. the mix is fantastic, bruce's vox are top form and the playing is fantastic. it's also not very "metal", which is a-ok with me.
I had the same feeling after my first listen of this record as I had with Tyranny of souls, which was basically it’s pretty good however, after listening to accident and chemical wedding I thought oh my God this is amazing
I think this is a good album, great diversity of songs and interesting production. I would like to call out to the Dolby Atmos mix, which has hits and misses on delivering the experience in many aspects. First, it worth a listen. It helps to better capturing Roy Z's intentions with the instruments and the storytelling with the production. Rain on the Graves sound more interesting when you have all those sound effects filling up the room, plus the different placements of Bruce's voice - really cool. On the other hand, Shadow of the Gods ends up a bit ruined. The orchestration gets bigger with the color and movement, but Bruce voice sounds far and is completely buried in the mix. Balance could be an issue to many parts, sometimes from verse to chorus. It makes me think they did not properly tested it before releasing it. Dolby Atmos mixes in rock/metal generally fall short, but here it was about to work fine if it wasn’t these issues. If you want to get an idea of what a good Dolby Atmos mix should sound like, check out the latest abums of Steven Wilson or the Beatles catalog remastered on Apple Music.
Only given it the one spin on UA-cam. Waiting for my copy to arrive. First impression, no real stand outs on it..absolutely loved tyranny of souls which was a lot more immediate for me. Songs on this are grand 5/6 out of 10's but I'll probably be sticking with the back catalogue over TMP.
Shadow of the gods sounds like it belongs on chemical wedding after the alchemist. In my opinion it’s by far the best track. I love the album. With the shadow of the gods the moment I heard “and so we lay” I was on the edge of my seat.
ad the freak vibe you mentioned at 14:01: go and listen to the beginning of rob zombie's the man without fear from daredevil soundtrack of all things...
The only big criticism of the album I would have is how sometimes Bruce's vocal lines are too high... He reaches the notes but they don't always sound comfortable... Especially in the last song on the "save me"
Are you planning to see Bruce live this year? If so, where?
Berlin, Hamburg, Paris and Gdańsk
No Dublin or Belfast...yet...
Gdańsk, Poland!
Yes, driving nearly 5 hours to Manchester, (England) because I have my children the weekend he plays in London (Which is only 90 minutes away)
I definitely would go see him, but sadly, no Texas dates. But.....I got my Maiden tix for November in San Antonio.
I listened to this album 3 times in a row and man, it has really grown on me. This album is amazing. I hear so many influences from so many classic bands and when you add that unreal voice, you can’t lose. So glad this record is so damn good.
I agree. More that I listen the better it gets.
i agree with you also! amazing album 😊
Agree,one of the best albums I have heard since few years back. And it is getting better and better every time I'm listening to it.
Yeah, I fully agree. The more you listen to it, the more it grows on you. It is really better than 99% of everything that is being published this year, were it not for the hype, it would be rated as a masterpiece.
And albums that grow on you sound great and exciting a LOT longer.
The thing is, we need repetition over time to really fully appreciate a work of art. Rarely a gem is found on first listening. I'll come up with my very detailed verdict by around April, but none of his solo albums have let me down so far... in fact, I consider them to be some of the absolute best music out there.
Exactly, people are too quick to review records.
Agree, did take me several listen to digest and really like it as with most music that is among my favorites
This is cope by fanboys. Repetition to find gems is something you do with complex music, with actual progressive or experimental art, not with what is still pretty standard metal, there are no arrangements in the entire album that need closer inspection. Is an ok album, nothing more.
OK, Einstein, you're bright and only need one listen to grasp everything, it never happened to you to find a metal record average and then getting more and more accustomed to it, unless it's some crazy experimental music, Suuuure LOL@@homerc9101
Shadow of the Gods, personal favorite, especially the second part
Accident of birth my favorite Bruce album \,,/
17:24 I feel like this line is a reference to the song "Chemical Wedding" - the chorus goes: "And so we lay, we lay in the same grave..."
It sounds really, really similar
Yeh i thought it was about to lead into chemical weeding
This review surprised me. Bruce is my favorite singer. I prefer his solo work to his Maiden work, despite the fact that Maiden is my favorite band. I'm blown away by this new album. There are no weak moments and a lot of surprises. Face in the Mirror is a personal favorite. Shadow of the Gods is just incredible. That's a masterpiece. The more I dive into this album, the more I'm loving it. Chemical Wedding is still my favorite but I've been living with it since it's release. I'll give this time before jumping to radical statements. This album is an easy 10/10 for me. Just for Sonata alone, I'm in love with the music.
Thank you for the great review. I am supper proud to have worked on this album and love seeing people as stoked as I am with the result. All the best!
Hi Brendan! As I said, the mixing and overall production on this record is amazing. Thanks for doing a great job on that front!
Fully agree with your assessment. Review is on the point with my reactions and feelings. It is indeed a Very good album, yet not the best, but bery fresh, surprising and enjoyable. Btw. Bruce has said somewhere recently he has already somerhing for the yet another album
Absolutely agree with you. This is not a masterpiece at first listen. This album will hopefully reveal it's strength over time.
That's a long way off saying "it's meh"
@@AmericanNationalist852well yes, for now it is
it grows with every listen but still isn't a big deal... good yes, but that's all...
If it needs to grow on you it is not good
@@JimsMusicJourneyi have lots of albums in my all time fav list, that weren't instant likes. Art is always a mood thing. doesn't matter if it's music, paintings, literature or movies, it always depends on how you feel at the time of consuming.
Shadow of the gods is perfect!
Just ordered this today, but have heard 6 of the 10 tracks on you tube. Of those 6 “Eternity Has Failed” is my favorite so far. It’s become an ear worm for me. I just can’t get over it. I love it!
I like your analysis but I differ something, Eternity Has Failed sounds much more powerful than Iron Maiden, specially from the minute 3:15.
The album is full of diversity and creativity, something difficult to find on this era.
Something that you didn’t not include is the feeling and new air from the musicians, the detail is included on the book that you have on behind. Non famous elements, virtousisms, feeling, no commercial interest, playing for the album and for the songs; not for a brand or name. Pure art, class
I agree. This version of Eternity is far superior to the Maiden version.
Honestly, I like the album a lot more than I expected, even on first listen. I don't think he picked the strongest songs for the MVs.
Bruce himself matched my expectations but the instrumentation exceeded them. These days I mentally adjust when listening to Maiden otherwise I'll yearn for the types of small touches that my favourite younger bands do. This album actually has some of those touches. If you're a traditional metal fan who hates modern metal, this could be a good album to bridge the gap.
I really love this album. Sonata (Immortal Beloved) is my favorite song.
Way too long
@@vikingraven4156 The album or the song I mentioned?
@@andreviews7101 both
The ballads are by far the strongest tracks imo
It’s definitely a grower and it gets better and better with every listen. At first i was like “meh” but now i love it. It sounds mature and contemporary. Thus said, i can’t stand “Afterglow Of Ragnarok”, each to their own lol
Afterglow is for sure one of the strongest songs on the album.
and yes Bruce is back 😊 thank you for still producing so high quality music at this age!
I'm going to have to give it a few more listens before I really form an opinion but my first impression is that it falls a little short of expectations and is not even as good as Tyranny. I hope I'm wrong on this one and it turns out to be a real grower of an album.
Like you MP, I was left a little cold after the first listen. Some highlights, but not what I expected.
However, repeat listens have revealed the good in The Mandrake Project!
This is a rich album full of so many musical flavours, and a complex narrative packed with philosophy and symbolism.
It deserves so much more than being discarded after one listen. I believe that the listeners who persevere with this record will be deeply rewarded.
As they always say, everyone has it's own taste. Honestly, the album it's pretty good for me, there are albums that I like and I understand that many people find it boring, like Maiden's final frontier, and vice versa, albums that I don't like very much like Slayer's Reign in Blood but I understand why many people love it, to give two examples, however, I can't understand the hate that is being given to this album, do you really think there are so many bad songs in the album? There are 2 that don't convince me, but the rest are generally quite enjoyable like "Many Door to Hell", "Fingers in the wounds" or "Shadow of the gods". I give it a 4/5. I sincerely believe that the things that happens is not that they really don't like it but that the expectations were TOO high (19 years without an album, they have been working on it for many years... etc.) If you answer me, please be respectful, I have simply given my opinion.
i love the respectful comment there 😀 why someone would be unrespectul for just expressing an opinion? metal unites us 👏💪
Agree 100% with all you've said, the expextations were higher that the album quality. Anyways I love it
I feel like this album is a growing album. It gets better every time you listen to it.
I love that you always find a positive in everything 😊
Personally, I'm disappointed in The Mandrake Project. But if Bruce is expressing his art then good for him. It's not like he needs the money or anyone's approval, he is a legend, he can do whatever makes him happy.
There was no hype about Mandrake Project, as Bruce, and Co have deluvered a masterpiece concept album!
#UpTheMetalPilgrims
\m/ \m/
Nowhere near the greatness of The Chemical Wedding.
That would be impossible to top at his age. TCW is a masterpiece.
true, but it s still really good. Chemical Wedding is one of the best albums ever
Chemical Wedding is brilliance, and as great as this new album is that's a tall order. Accident of birth and The Chemical Wedding are 2 of the greatest metal albums in history. I'm glad he didn't try to replicate them. There's elements of them on Mandrake but not so much that it sounds like he's trying to copy them blatantly. Bravo Bruce!
Was anyone expecting that? Adrian Smith isn't even involved.
Yeah you’re right, because that’s its own album. It’s his best for sure, but it doesn’t take away from TMP and how great of an album it is. No need for comparison, yes it has similarities and connections to TCW and AoB… but they’re different albums homie
Its a great album, specially 2nd half. Favourite one is Shadow of the Gods.
i have only heard it once on vinyl cuz i bought it in a store as soon as it arrived, i really enjoyed it. if it's only gonna get better the more i hear it, i'm really excited
Calm down if you're an adult
Great Review. Totally agree the first listen seems nah specially compared to AOB or TCW but at next listens the album is terribly catchy and includes great grower songs
Shadow of the Gods is a pure masterpiece! I can listen to this song over and over again.
Still, the rest of the songs are good or very good. I can't really tell which track is the weakest, but I'm leaning toward Mistress Of Mercy. It sounds so generic, an album filler... but I bet it would be banger during concerts.
I love the album including some songs like Eternity has Failed, Shadows of the Gods etc. I think this album i love it,
just like the albums release in 1997 and 1998
I appreciate that you're prepared to give constructive criticism about the album. I find that many UA-cam reviewers are actually too positive, specifically reaction video people who get more shares from over the top expressions.
I agree that the album was never going to satisfy many fans. The Iron Maiden fanbase is quite snobbish and very quick to criticise because they build up huge expectations. Mind you, had this album been released in, say, 2007 it wouldn't have been as successful. Now that Maiden solo projects are promoted in house by Maiden's website & social media 'The Mandrake Project' has been able to reach more people than Bruce's solo career ever did in the past. It charted at number 3 in the UK (his highest charting solo album) which is pretty damn impressive. It also shows the state of mainstream Metal in the 90s compared to today.
Already listened to it four times, and it definitely is a grower. There's a lot to absorb. I think it's a great album!
Very good review and I couldn't agree more. I have listened to the album 3 times so far and I started liking it but it's definitely not the best Dickinson album. Favourite tracks: Afterglow of Ragnarok, Resurrection Men and Mistress of Mercy. Also, doesn't Many Doors to Hell sound like Ghost with Bruce on the vocals?
IT WAS WORTH IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I agree with you 99%!
I do think the first half is the more accesible stuff, while they second one is the more intricate and experimental stuff.
I gave the record a 9/10 on my personal Review.
I think this album is over the first three Bruce records, but it underneath Accident and Chemical.
Btw, where would you rank this album in a Dickinson Ranking? It tops Tyranny of Souls? Or is it too soon??
Cheers, friend! Love your channel 🤟🏼🇺🇾
Shadow of the Gods is one of the best Bruce songs of all time!! I loved the whole album too!! 💯 Chemical Wedding is still my favorite BUT Shadow of the God's like I said is my favorite Bruce Dickinson song of all time!
as someone who only became a metal head back in 2018 or 2019 as I had a very controlling father who didn't like any heavier music, and have Iron Maiden as their favorite band since listening to Dance of Death, I think this is certainly not the best of Bruce's albums, objectively speaking, but it's my favorite, and the first of his solo career that makes me wanna listen to it on loop, and 3 of it's songs are on my top 8 of all Bruce's solo career songs
I think it’s a very strong effort and I appreciate it greatly. Everyone should, how many more times are the metal masters going to give us wonderful gifts like this?
Shadow of the gods is the beat song from his whole solo career imo
Tears of the dragon you mean
book of thel
I give this album a solid 8/10, easily the best between all the bands releasing new stuff. It's creative, adventurous, full of nuances and it's very exciting to listen to.
Resurrection Man is my favorite so far. It's like The Outlaws with a Black Sabbath jam in the middle. Very different for Bruce. The whole album is great though. I love it.
Great review
I love this album. Bruce does what he wants and doesnt care what we think. I will love him forever even if he did a jazz album or big band.
He cares a lot. He can't sell albums if fans don't want to buy it. He cares also a lot about tickets. Are you fall down on your head??
As A Bruce Dickinson Fan I absolutely loved this album. I expected a different sound on some tracks. Hope he tours the USA
The thing that surprised me the most was Bruces almost growling vocals in the second half of Shadow of the Gods, i dont think i have heard him dying quite like that before
All in all an absolute banger of an album even if it isnt on the😢same level as AoB and TCW
very spot on, honest and the most objective review...
Eternity Has Failed blew me away on the first listen. I have played IESF and EHF back-to-back several times since. 🤘🏼
I'd just finish my first listening beggining to end of the album. Afterglow already liked and Rain on the Graves is just fabulous. Ressurection Men is a nice song and Many Doors to Hell really got me.
The rest of the album is Ok, it is Bruce all the way.
A couple of songs reminds me of Skunkorks, at least it has some of its vibe. Eternity?? I prefer Maiden version but Roy Z solo is really really great.
Within time the album as whole might become better. Not Bruce's best work but it's a good album. Just the fact he's still out there touring and writing new music deserves our attention!!
I had a blast with the album. not his greatest but it's great to have bruce Solo material.
Shadow of the Gods is a really great track.
Yeah badass man uuff so good❤ but real problem is whole album to many people.
@@andreaserblin3205 I can understand that. I do like the album, however it does not stand up to albums like Chemical Wedding and Accident of Birth. The album is not a "Mosh Pit" type of album where it's in your face. It's more of a slow burn where it gives you kind of a journey. 4.45/5
I've only listened to the album once so far and I think it's okay. But I already have the impression that it gets better every time.
I'm very happy with the album. Very fun, very metal, very Bruce 🤘🏻🤘🏻
IMO, it is good, It is catchy. I bought it. Definitely creates and has its own vibe.
I'm a sucker for power ballads so Face In The Mirror is one of my favorite tracks of the album :)
it's one of those albums you really have to WANT to like it in order to be able to. Kind of like everything Maiden's done since BNW. You listen to it repeatedly beating your brain into submission, forcing it to find enough positives. So, a fine record for sure. But not going to bring a single new fan on board, while us faithful do our best to find enough value to validate it's existence.
Heard Bruce hold a note for must have been a minute at Download one year…amazing…
I absolutely agree with you on 'Resurrection Men', a bit bothered by the vocals in the verse. Hopefully this can be fixed in live performance? Anyway, the album is great, and I can't wait to see Bruce solo live, been waiting for it since I was a little kid. :D
My favourite tracks are actually the final three! Love the atmospheric vibes.
I loved this album right from the start, connected with me heavily, and i love most of the tracks, Think only one or two that i'd skip, i prefer this version of Eternity has failed, my favorite was Shadow Of The Gods, i think! Overall i would rate this album 8/10, Very excited, Looking forward to see him live this summer in Sweden! Thanks for another great video, Mr Pilgrim!
I really love this album I'm ngl, and Bruce seems really happy and passionate about it, both in videos and when i met him at one of the UK Album signings which I love to see. Though that maybe a hot take since my favourite album of all time is Skunkworks haha
I felt exactly the same. The first time I listened to it I maybe had too high expectations. But I actually loved the hype they created around this album. And after a second listen it really grew on me. But this was also true for me for Iron Maiden when I first dug deeper into their songs.
I also think that Bruce could have sung Resurrection Man a little lower.
I love all the different parts of this album. About Face in the Mirror: first I found it too a little too repetitive, but it really suits the atmosphere they created with this song.
Overall a really awesome mix of so many differnt styles and all the brilliant variations Bruce can do with his voice ❤
I'm so excited to hopefully meet him this week and tell him. And of course for the live performances of the songs 🤘🏻🔥
After hearing the singles(did take time to digest and i admit i was on the fence) im positive surpriced, liked it a lot and as commented below, music you put on your favorite list isnt what you like or think is a masterpiece the first time you hear it, it takes several listens and it growns on you, thats a sign of quality and the album is there for me
This one ages like a fine wine, it's not that great the first listen but gets better and better
'Many Doors of Hell' also reminds me a bit of 'Devil on a Hog' chorus.
haha you used my quicky "unwrapping" of the comic book in the video :DDD Cheers!
I felt like eternity has failed accually sounds like a direct successor to if eternity should fail, sounds like: you see, all of that and yet eternity HAS failed you. Thinking like that made the song hit me too hard
Brilliant album!
Now I have finally listened to the album for the 1st time and I have to say I like it instantly, but there's no doubt that it's a grower and an album that requires you to dive deep and discover everything over time. I think there is one ballad too many, but in general hell yes. Many Doors to Hell, a bit goofy but alright. I also think that Eternity Has Failed is better than If Eternity Should Fail. Not as good as Accident, Chemical and Tyranny, but diffently a good album and very different in certain aspects from what you would expect and an album that will grow. I work sunday - thursday so friday morning I am diffently gonna start my weekend with a re-listen :)
I love it!Great album!!
I fall in love with face in the mirror at first hearing and i love it :)
The last two tracks are spectacular
Prior to release, I was fearing that Afterglow of Ragnarok and Rain on the graves would be the only strong tracks but boy was I wrong! The album quickly grew on me! Although I enjoy the whole album, Face in the mirror is my least favourite.
Musically, brilliant. Vocal performance is superb. What lets this album down is the production.
Please explain and tell me on what device do you listen to it
I love it!!! It’s a grower though
I really like this album, and I cannot wait to see Bruce live, in fact this year I'll have seen all 3 recording maiden singers solo live, but out of the mandrake project and circle of stone - I prefer circle of stone I think.
But this album was great and to have both albums release so close to each other was brilliant
I must admit only after 2 listens I wasn’t that impressed maybe reading the lyrics may help , but what did impress me was the fact that every track was produced in Dolby Atmos and my Sonos system allows me to enjoy this amazing immersive sound 🤘🏻😎🤘🏻
Thanks, great review! I have only listened to it once so far and certainly will have many more listenings to the album. It is quite a varied pot and a somewhat unorthodox way to structure an album but I do appreciate that aspect. I very much prefer to listen to music albumwise start to finish and I think it has quite good potential to grow over time. Cheers from Sweden!
I’m a huge Maiden and Bruce fan. His favourite solos albums for me are Accident of Birth and and Chemical wedding. I wish Adrian was in the band still.
Only listened to the album twice so far but Shadow of the Gods is definitely a stand out track
Face In The Mirror sounds like a David Brent song
I liked the entire album. One thing I noticed is how much better Bruce’s voice is. He is singing better than in the last 3 albums they released in Iron Maiden.
I wish Iron Maiden would release more “spontaneous” songs instead of those 10 minute long journeys.
I thought some of the songs on this album sounded a bit like if Bruce sang for Rush
Yes. Next question.
I love the record........ I will see bruce live in Paris..... . Up the irons 🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘... shadow of the gods my favourite song at the moment.....is not the best record of Bruce solo ..... but is a very good record...
Never feel guilty about taking time to get into an album! It took me quite a few years to realise that the X Factor is pretty darn good. Aside from the undoubtedly gloomy feel and production, when it came out I was absurdly programmed to dislike since it simply wasn't Bruce.
Let's see how this solo album pans out as only had two complete run throughs so far.
Further to your observations I will be keeping a wary eye on the vocal styles. What I don't want to hear is Bruce straining or almost slightly pitchy. Within the confines of Maiden I think Steve's lyrical gymnastics sometimes don't help Bruce.
I’ve only listened to it once. I enjoyed it, but it didn’t really grab me. Something about it seems like it’s going to grow on me in a big way, but I won’t know for sure until I’ve listened a few more times.
I agree with absolutely everything you said in this video, couldn‘t have said it better😄
I do believe I need time with this record, I have only given it a quick listen as of yet.
i've listened twice now. it's the first dickinson record where there's not one song i dislike. i have to give it a few more listens, but i like how it flows and how he's constantly referencing his past. the mix is fantastic, bruce's vox are top form and the playing is fantastic. it's also not very "metal", which is a-ok with me.
An interesting review, enjoyed it a lot.
Superb album
I had the same feeling after my first listen of this record as I had with Tyranny of souls, which was basically it’s pretty good however, after listening to accident and chemical wedding I thought oh my God this is amazing
Was that Kieran Tierney of Souls then?
@@kqh123 voice to text struck again
@@Solidballofrock hahah. He's one of my favorite players that Tierney
I think this is a good album, great diversity of songs and interesting production. I would like to call out to the Dolby Atmos mix, which has hits and misses on delivering the experience in many aspects. First, it worth a listen. It helps to better capturing Roy Z's intentions with the instruments and the storytelling with the production. Rain on the Graves sound more interesting when you have all those sound effects filling up the room, plus the different placements of Bruce's voice - really cool. On the other hand, Shadow of the Gods ends up a bit ruined. The orchestration gets bigger with the color and movement, but Bruce voice sounds far and is completely buried in the mix. Balance could be an issue to many parts, sometimes from verse to chorus. It makes me think they did not properly tested it before releasing it. Dolby Atmos mixes in rock/metal generally fall short, but here it was about to work fine if it wasn’t these issues. If you want to get an idea of what a good Dolby Atmos mix should sound like, check out the latest abums of Steven Wilson or the Beatles catalog remastered on Apple Music.
Only given it the one spin on UA-cam. Waiting for my copy to arrive. First impression, no real stand outs on it..absolutely loved tyranny of souls which was a lot more immediate for me. Songs on this are grand 5/6 out of 10's but I'll probably be sticking with the back catalogue over TMP.
Masterpiece album
Shadow of the gods sounds like it belongs on chemical wedding after the alchemist. In my opinion it’s by far the best track. I love the album. With the shadow of the gods the moment I heard “and so we lay” I was on the edge of my seat.
ad the freak vibe you mentioned at 14:01: go and listen to the beginning of rob zombie's the man without fear from daredevil soundtrack of all things...
So far I’m enjoying the album. 🤘I could go if he tours to Atlantic Canada 🇨🇦 or close to us. 🤘🇺🇦🇨🇦
The Chemical Wedding is the best album of his solo career. I have spoken ))
The only big criticism of the album I would have is how sometimes Bruce's vocal lines are too high... He reaches the notes but they don't always sound comfortable... Especially in the last song on the "save me"