Iron Maiden's iconic frontman, Bruce Dickinson, has unleashed his first solo single in nearly two decades, treating fans to a dose of galloping, doom-laden heavy metal. Titled "Afterglow Of Ragnarok," the track is accompanied by a visually captivating video directed by Ryan Mackfall. Who could have predicted that Bruce Dickinson would venture into a Candlemass-esque musical realm in 2023?
This solo endeavor is a precursor to Dickinson's upcoming album, "The Mandrake Project," scheduled for release in 2024. Fans eager to own a piece of this musical journey can acquire the single on 7" vinyl, which comes with an exclusive eight-page comic prequel. The prequel is tied to a graphic novel series of the same name, conceived by Dickinson and written by Tony Lee, with illustrations by Staz Johnson. As an added treat, the 7" vinyl includes Dickinson's original solo demo version of the song "If Eternity Should Fail," initially featured on Iron Maiden's 2015 album, "The Book of Souls."
"The Mandrake Project" is more than just an album; it's a dark, adult narrative that delves into themes of power, abuse, and the struggle for identity, set against a backdrop of scientific and occult genius, as described by Dickinson himself.
Despite his commitments, Dickinson shows no signs of slowing down. In addition to previously announced 2024 live performances in Brazil and Mexico, the legendary musician has added a series of European shows to his schedule. As if that weren't enough, Dickinson has also secured a role in the upcoming horror film, "Bjorn Of The Dead." Clearly, the Iron Maiden frontman continues to push boundaries and explore new artistic avenues.
