GhostofCain
Ancient Mariner
But they have not created a new Day of the Dead label since 2022.
But they have not created a new Day of the Dead label since 2022.
CA Bryers
Ancient Mariner
I started being kind of "eh, it's okay" about it, and now I really wish it was a B-side that was replaced with something stronger to end the album. Not sure who I should be madder at--Leana for urging Bruce to put it on the album or Bruce for listening to her.
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Kalata
Out of the Silent Planet
I still like Sonata, the whole idea is to emphasize the theatrical vocals, but it could have more playing with sounds (keys) for its length, although this is something that the album lacks. Because of this, the tempo, the length and type of chorus is not for some fans. For me, it carries the emotion and idea.
I think it's impactful, fine and works as a closer, but Shadow Of The Gods would have probably been stronger. I feel that Bruce didn't want to put it as a bonus song or in the album at first because it has the vibe of Eternal and yet is something different and atypical for him, but this album is for sure the best fit for this song. At the same time, it would have been the perfect B-side.
I really want to know what happened to the other song Steve wanted for TBOS album from Bruce's demos. And which song could potentially replace on the album (if it's not already on it?) - Sonata, Eternity or Wounds.
I think it's impactful, fine and works as a closer, but Shadow Of The Gods would have probably been stronger. I feel that Bruce didn't want to put it as a bonus song or in the album at first because it has the vibe of Eternal and yet is something different and atypical for him, but this album is for sure the best fit for this song. At the same time, it would have been the perfect B-side.
I really want to know what happened to the other song Steve wanted for TBOS album from Bruce's demos. And which song could potentially replace on the album (if it's not already on it?) - Sonata, Eternity or Wounds.
Azas
Anti Transistor
Interaction below is taken from Roy's facebook. They've clearly had some sort of falling out with Bruce. My guess, it's something to do with one guitar player (Roy) and then later it's suddenly two guitar players without Roy. I think Bruce didn't wanted to risk and chose to go on tour without possible problems with Roy, esp. if he would be one and only guitar player.
CA Bryers
Ancient Mariner
That's a hard point to argue--if it's going on an album, Mandrake is the only place it fits, since it's a mish-mash of new and old stuff. Then again, I think he said in pre-Mandrake release interviews that there's more unreleased/unfinished stuff that might end up on the next album...not that Sonata would likely fare any better on that future album.
In the end, it is where it is, for better or worse. Hey, he could've redone "Cadillac Gas Mask" and made that the closer, so let's count our blessings.
CA Bryers
Ancient Mariner
Yeah, that does seem pretty bad and--if it is indeed recent--it indicates that little has been patched up, or Roy is still off the wagon (or both). Kinda weird Leana's on there stirring the pot, though.
Ruflux
Ancient Mariner
That stuck out to me, too. Unfortunately it seems like a case of someone who really shouldn't get involved doing so regardless on account of personal relationship with the other side being implicated in the post - not that I think Roy's exactly in a state of mind to be making definitive statements regardless. Roy's free to post as he pleases and Leana's free to comment on it, but really they both probably ought not to, and Bruce probably needs to call Rod and figure out whatever the fuck this mess is before it actually blows up.
The comics have become really inexpensive: 40 % off, $ 6.31
CA Bryers
Ancient Mariner
100%. If we're to assume Roy's in a bad state due to whatever substance issue it may be, Leana would be the grown-up here (in a perfect world scenario, of course), and not get involved in whatever spat this is between Bruce and Roy. Then again, she could be the emotional and overprotective type and feels the need to speak up for her husband, in which case acting like a grown-up typically goes out the window.
I do agree it's past time for Rod to get involved if he's at all invested in Bruce's solo career, because Roy is absolutely the backbone of Bruce's success as a solo artist. Not to take anything away from the Skunkworks boys, but his collaboration with Roy is I think what got people really enamored with his solo work.
Yes, they had a falling out. I have always said that. If we don't assume that, none of what happened makes sense.
But I don't think it was originally about the number of guitarists. It sounded more like Bruce first even thought about replacing Roy Z with just one guitarist, and only then was convinced that two guitarists would be better.
Also, it's usually more personal than that when partners (the wife) get involved publicly.
Azas
Anti Transistor
I wholeheartedly agree here. AOB, TCW - are masterpieces. TOS - very good, TMP - not so much. Roy is a very big part of Bruce's solo music and style. It would be a shame to lose this collaboration, although TMP indicates that not all is great in their kingdom.
CA Bryers
Ancient Mariner
TMP I look at as a big anomaly rather than a symptom of things not being well in the kingdom. It's production goes back to the late '90s, and as a result it's a Frankenstein's Monster of an album rather than an album in the traditional sense like Bruce used to do. Had they devoted the time to it (a few intensive months of writing/recording, rather than a week of recording here revolving around the schedule of the All-Powerful and All-Encompassing Maiden, Covid, etc.), we'd likely be talking about the album much differently.
I do wonder the fate of the remasters since, like the comic book, those also have dropped off the map as far as anybody talking about them goes. I know Balls to Picasso was definitely Roy's to handle and that the Atmos version of Skunkworks was at least in a final stage of production (to the point Chris Dale has heard it), but everything else seems up in the air. I imagine once Bruce resumes the Mandrake tour and starts promoting it again, we'll get an update. Hell, maybe he's waiting until his Maiden obligations on Future Past are taken care of before he reaches out to Roy to figure things out. Who knows.
TaaviMaiden
Educated Fool
I agree regarding the earlier albums, but on the last album Roy's work was more of a weakness for me. So maybe now really is the time for a new collaboration.
Or maybe that was the reason why things are escalating now. Roy might be done with remasters now which would fit in terms of the timeframe and Bruce doesn't want a product from Roy anymore and wants out of the contract. Therefore he will going to hell!
Black Bart
Ancient Mariner
Exactly.
DorotheaMe
Nomad
The film, where Bruce will play a little role, is in pre-production now.
productionlist.com
Bjorn Of The Dead - Production List | Film & Television Industry Alliance
A horror comedy unfolds as Bjorn and his ABBA tribute band, Abbatoir, get caught in an apocalypse while attending a Battle Of The Bands competition at The Niney Dimey nightclub. Trapped with other tribute acts, they must join forces to survive the chaos, protect humanity, and ensure the future...
productionlist.com
DorotheaMe
Nomad
Isn' that too late? It is one thing to fight behind closed doors. Then you can figure out a solution.
But if someone insults you so publicly, with something so snarky "The truth hurts" that is really difficult to completely put aside, even as professional in a professional environment.
I would always finish an assignment normally according to the contract with this person, but after that: Never again!
CA Bryers
Ancient Mariner
It could be time for a shift. Roy's great, but I'm not sure he's irreplaceable. I do wonder if some of this bitterness coming from Roy is being pushed to the back-burner for so long, and then having to piece together an album in such an unconventional way. "Grab songs from 20 years ago, do a few new ones, hey, I'm available to record for a week, then I have to bugger off again," it's hardly the ideal a good producer like Roy would want to do an album and not feel like the whole thing is being done as an afterthought. If that did bother him, it's kind of no wonder we didn't get Roy's best effort on Mandrake.
Once again, though...just speculation. If Bruce does go with someone else, it's a little late in the day to expect we're gonna get anything that's going to top Accident of Birth or Chemical Wedding. I doubt even an in-his-prime-Roy could top them nowadays. Not saying we should lower our expectations next time around, just...be realistic. Bruce will likely be 67-68 by the time he starts recording the next one, if he does at all. He sounds great right now, better than he has for a few years, I'd say, but anything can change.