Together with another album on number 2 of the list "Soundcheck March 2024"
Points from the editors: 6/7; 4.5/7; 6/7; 6/7; 6/7; 3.5/7, 6/7; 5.5/7; 4/7; 3/7; 5/7; 4.5/7; 5/7
Average: 5/7
Description:
My translation
There are no half measures with Paul Bruce Dickinson: when the Iron Maiden frontman tackles something, he does it properly.
His first solo album in 19 years (TYRANNY OF SOULS, 2005) is consequently ambitious.
Something to do with concept, Dr. Strange, Dr. Necropolis, purity of the act of creation and Professor Lazarus. Oh yes, and there's also a comic. Sounds a bit confusing, but THE MANDRAKE PROJECT is not only bound together by a once again incomparably good singer, who is well-suited to the narrative approach of this album, but also by a stylistically very free approach. THE MANDRAKE PROIJECT is the most versatile work in the 65-year-old Brit's solo career and impresses in each of the songs in the genres chosen by him and co-composer Roy Z with sophisticated songwriting, musicality and shrewd ideas. The release 'Afterglow Of Ragnarok' (also the opener) shone with Savatage references, 'Many
Doors To Hell' offers the palatable hard rock charm of Deep Purple. The basic theme of 'Rain On The Graves' could also have come from a more recent Metallica album, 'Resurrection Men' salutes Tony Lommi in the middle section, before 'Fingers In The Wound' and 'Face In The Mirror' become airy ballads and 'Eternity Has Failed' is a throwback to Maiden history.
The almost ten-minute gloomy closer 'Sonata (Immortal Beloved)' ends an album with an incredible range and sensational songs that absolutely do justice to the musical myth of the protagonist. Great!
Matthias Weckmann 6/7
Ambition instead of ingratiation: Bruce Dickinson, still one of the busiest and best singers in the world, may write more compact songs solo than Iron Maiden these days; however, he packs so much into them that THE MANDRAKE PROJECT can initially leave you scratching your head.
But with the first catchy tunes as an anchor ("Rain On The Graves", "Fingers in The Wounds'), the unique body of work between heavy, prog metal and rock musical soon reveals itself.
Sebastian Kessler 6/7
Whereas Dickinson's slightly altered voice took some time to develop on the last Maiden album, here it fits the music straight away. It becomes clear just as quickly that, just like the voice, the songwriting of the two creative minds behind the solo outings has matured over time like good wine. With just the right balance of powerful, epic pieces and unusually heavy-sounding metal, Dickinson delivers one of his strongest works to date.
Simon Ludwig (6/7)
Not meaning to offend anyone here.
