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Overall, it’s a pretty good album. The drums sound a bit tired and uninspired at times, though. “Rain on the Graves” feels very much in the vein of Accident of Birth or The Chemical Wedding-I really like that one. “Many Doors to Hell” is nice too, although Bruce’s vocals are pushing the edge of his comfortable range there. I don’t really care for “Afterglow of Ragnarok.”

“Resurrection Men” is interesting—not boring at all, quite inventive. “Eternity Has Failed” feels a little out of place; imo, it should have been released earlier. Still, his version is good too (that “Aaaaah-aaaah-aaaah…” part sticks). “Shadow of the Gods” is exactly the kind of direction I like from him. Same goes for “Sonata (Immortal Beloved),” and even “Face in the Mirror.” “Mistress of Mercy” sounds like a leftover from Accident of Birth, and it’s definitely better than “Welcome to the Pit,” ha ha.

So overall, Bruce stays true to his established solo style on The Mandrake Project, even if it doesn’t feel like a full-on statement record. The production might have benefited from a bit more punch. Now it’ll be interesting to see what he does next with the new lineup and without Roy Z-whether his core style remains the same or shifts into different territory.
The cover artwork for The Mandrake Project could have been so much better..
 
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