Bruce Dickinson Is Back! But Is He Actually Any Good?!

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Bruce Dickinson (singer of Iron Maiden, obviously) has returned with a brand new album for the first time in years. The debut single is this, Afterglow of Ragnarok. What do you think? Does it hit the spot?
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[@budafuka]

Accident of Birth is one of my favorite albums of all time. Glad to see Bruce still has another solo album in him.

[@user-ho4lc7eo3y]

How do you know how old that person is if he were born in 78, then accidentally went to another country when you were 12 and have to live there for a while. He could be like your favorite song, an accident born of a new man :)

[@MrDantres]

and boy is it good, I think you will not be disappointed!

[@johnellwoodtaylor4769]

I would agree accident of birth is a great album. However, I’m going to go on record and say this one is… Underwhelming.

[@Ran-tan-tan]

@@johnellwoodtaylor4769 After AOB anything is underwhelming... This is closer to AOB and CW and sounds decent, all it is missing IMO is Adrian Smith

[@user-zr9zd9zj9u]

The chemical wedding is way better, heavier than maiden...

[@kanneroo]

Bruce and Rob still belting out the epic metal vocals.

[@nikolastojanovic7629]

i agree, Rob and Bruce ,were my Idols.i remeber, as kid out in the cold days back in postwar Yugoslavia, they were my saviors from dark times

[@nikolastojanovic7629]

'Balls to Picasso', 'Accident of Birth' 'The Chemical Wedding' Skunkworks,i mean Great art in music,but this is kinda funny to me ,everything is on purpose ,without "soul"in it.

[@priestfan81]

​@nikolastojanovic7629 ugh "soul"? What has that ever meant in metal or hard rock? The whole point of metal and hard rock was you would get music that had been thoughtfully constructed, laced with clever musical theory and classical elements, not just punk shite 3 chord bash bollocks. Stick soul up your arse, I want music with brains.

[@nikolastojanovic7629]

@@priestfan81 no man ,you dont need music with brains ,you need a brain .

[@SKalapishev]

@@nikolastojanovic7629 I felt the same growing up in Bulgaria 🤘🙌

[@danw4490]

This song is phenomenal. Bruce still has it.

[@RobinLott]

😂"detuned to summon demons" had me chuckle-snorting my coffee and that Marillion bit made me feel all nostalgic. Nice one!

[@dragontears4me989]

cue the tri-tones!

[@JagBetty]

Yeah man me too…….coffee frothed…😎👍

[@regornam]

The Marillion reference stopped me cold. Literally could not remember the last time I heard that song.

[@glynevans9345]

detuned so he can sing still ;)

[@TheSkateboardingShow]

I liked the sound of the song so much that I will be listening to that album as soon as possible. Thank you for sharing that Justin 👌

[@MetalPilgrim]

I love how the titles of Justin's and my videos are often so similar haha A great video, as always, Justin!

[@mikewilson858]

Jesus Bruce found the fountain of youth. Still making bangers after all these years and even when Maiden takes down time he is putting together other projects.

[@MariaFrancesca]

You can't say this is any kind of groundbreaking music in the genre, can you, but... I do quite like it. A bit of nostalgia in the sound, isn't it, for us oldies, and Bruce's voice is still a treat.

[@travisash8180]

I'm not keen on old man music.

[@user-zp4ge3yp2o]

@@travisash8180 That's fair, but one day the music you like will also be regarded as old music.

[@TheRetroManRandySavage]

@@travisash8180 what would you consider to be, old?

[@MariaFrancesca]

This song is kind of dated, I agree, which is why I noted the nostalgic qualities of it more than the actual quality of it. So feeling that it's not ones thing is totally fair. But... yeah, old = bad, in itself... No! Why?

[@kevinpoehlmann5157]

@@travisash8180by d man music do you mean “has an actual melody”?

[@nexusbrill]

You momentarily broke my brain when you played “Kayleigh” …I started singing it, now it’s stuck in my head lol 👍

[@raquelsnt]

Here we are in Christmas till 6th of January! I loved the comparison with Dan's song😆 The begining of the song is cool.

[@botchick]

There are five. Gnarly Beard Spice Viking, Gunpowder-Drinking Spice Viking, Drunk in the Hold Spice Viking, Ghost Spice Viking, and Doesn't Need That Eye Patch Spice Viking. Can't pick a favorite!

[@cherylhurst7093]

Pumpkin Spice Latte Viking?

[@Strawberry_Pez]

Spice up your life Viking?

[@slimhanson5792]

Bruce is the man.

[@TheGuitarCurator]

As a huge fan of Bruce's solo stuff, I'm really looking forward to this album. 'Balls to Picasso', 'Accident of Birth' and 'The Chemical Wedding' were the soundtracks of my teenage years (with some 'Skunkworks' mixed in there too, of course). I'm glad he's working with Roy Z again as well. As much as I like Iron Maiden, the music Bruce has done with Roy is some of my most favourite. Thanks for covering this, and it's great to have you back!

[@Mr54M1]

So this sums up pretty much exactly my own history and view on his music :D

[@te9591]

He has a song called "balls to picasso?" Lol.

[@TheGuitarCurator]

@@te9591 No, it's an album title.

[@te9591]

@@TheGuitarCurator balls to him means that he prolly doesnt luke him, like bollocks.

[@gabrieledwards1066]

Skunkworks has some wonderful songs on it.

[@victorrojas6205]

This is epic. Bruce is making its own "Spinal Tap" version. Love the Marillion's hint. Happy New Year from a Venezuelan in Finland.

[@grantwallace1882]

Happy New Year from France 🇫🇷.

[@michaelmorrow9927]

Have to hand it to him, 65 and can still sing like that. I wouldn't say the video was the greatest, but Bruce has always been a great story teller.

[@RosieHarp]

You are on *fire* 🔥today MrH. I’ve had a horrible day, you cheered me up no end. Especially the launch into Kayleigh 😆 Thank You ⭐️

[@patmayer7222]

Yes,,,I agree,,entertaining no matter when,,..real deal...fun podcast here,,..peace,,whoever you are,,,,pat,,land o' lakes,wi.

[@BB-np4ib]

Rain on the graves was surprisingly fresh and heavy. Old guy still got some pipes on him

[@RosieHarp]

Your voice is sounding marvellous after the Winter break 😀

[@gdr1174]

Bruce is still producing better music than his younger metal counterparts

[@Chadsolderbrotherbrad1111]

True

[@Irockthere4]

Actually guitar god Roy Z produces Bruce and very well I might add

[@SimplyStopMotionActionFigureFu]

Sounds like he's actually trying to sOUND like some Of today's younger artists. Like..AV7x 😊

[@mornejoubert8416]

100%

[@flyingdutchman810]

One of the best music channels on KZbin (it’s my go to anyway).

[@te9591]

He discusses decent topics without being heavy handed.

[@1kosmicgrl]

Bruce is one of my top 5 fav rock singers and front man of all time! Thanks for covering this!!

[@adiohead]

Can't beat a bit of Bruce's solo stuff. Tattooed Millionaire is a fave of mine, along with Tears of the Dragon and Cyclops.

[@grantwallace1882]

The Chemical Wedding is an amazing album. Tears of the Dragon is one of my all time favourite songs 🎉

[@Vikingjay65]

You just can’t summon demons in standard tuning can you? I know I can’t. Great reaction.

[@zoraz4867]

Ello ❤ good to be the vids back!!! (Naps are the best!! No time for me to nap at the mo though. Working all day and all evening for the next couple of months 😭😭😭😭)

[@chainsawtony6857]

Very entertaining video mate. Your on fire this new year!

[@therealonigiri]

When you predicted the "Behold" and it then showed up on the screen 😂😂

[@hinjurock70]

Bruce's last 4 solo albums are better and definitely heavier than anything that Iron Maiden has put out since Powerslave.

[@pjhunton]

Happy New Year! To all Justin Rides viewers and of course to the man 'imself.....Rock on!

[@da-qz6li]

I was thinking the exact same at 4:24 Emperor Palpatine from Star Wars 😂

[@Joybuzzard]

Any of what Dickinson does is better than anything you've ever done. Not knocking your work, you're great and all, with that one song with the all the high notes, but Dickinson's career has been one of consistent excellence whether with Maiden or his various solo projects. So far the new album has some great 'Chemical Wedding' vibes, and I'm a huge fan of concept albums in general.

[@ogelsmogel]

True.

[@NinStardust]

That break did you good Justin! This was hilarious! Have missed silly episodes like this, it shows when you’re happy. 🥰 Loved this episode, especially the stupid voices. 😂🥰 2:35 Why aren’t Justin Hawkins audiobooks a thing? Please make them a thing! Could listen to you narrating books all day long. With or without the stupid voices. 😁 6:25 Jenny, did you insert your line from Age of Darkness here? Because if you did, that’s absolutely brilliant! 😂😂😂💖

[@NinStardust]

8:23 *cough*… Easter is Cancelled album cover…

[@MariaFrancesca]

@@NinStardust Wait... it IS just the album cover art, right... there isn't a very interesting music video out there somewhere that I have missed? 😀

[@MrDantres]

The Mandrake Project is amaziiiiiiiiiiing (yep, guilty of having heard all of it before it's released, but don't worry, I already made the pre-order!)

[@tedski]

Now I need Justin to do a full album of Marillion covers. An EP at least.

[@torchy666]

YES!

[@grantwallace1882]

I want to see if he can review "Care" without crying 😢😅

[@frankm3867]

I’m going to the November 1 show in Philly and can’t wait to hear that first note. Get goosebumps just thinking about it.

[@jeanproctor3663]

Great minds and all that - we both shouted "BEHOLD!" at the same time, Justin! The cat nearly leapt off my knee in fright though, so maybe I need to be a little less exuberant with my beholds in future, eh? But yeah. Bruce Dickinson, a man of many talents.

[@duketheclown3380]

“Behold!” 😂😂😂😂

[@drudegio]

Cannot wait to see you and The Darkness next May in Malta 🤘🏻

[@Allegra11]

You're so entertaining! Happy New Year! 🧡

[@tolsen8212]

I absolutely love it. Bruce and Roy Z are an unstoppable combination. Accident Of Birth and The Chemical Wedding are two of the most important heavy metal albums ever made, so The Mandrake Project is my most anticipated album.

[@richardhunt809]

Bruce is sounding great as ever. Good guy. Nice 👌🏻

[@persephonewednesday1313]

Bruce is the Best.

[@michaeldean7220]

As a huge Maiden and Bruce fan can't wait for the new solo album. Bruce's solo albums have been pretty solid with the two outstanding ones being Accident of Birth and The Chemical Wedding. The live album Scream for Me Brazil is also great and contains possibly some of his greatest vocals. Really looking forward to what Bruce and Roy Z will give us and would also have been nice to have Adrian Smith on board too. As for the single I really don't like the video although maybe it's cheesy pretentiousness or tongue in cheek vibe is lost on me? The song has a solid riff and a nice melodic side so the rest of album should bode well. The only thing I don't like is the growling vocal for the repeat of the title ' Afterglow of Ragnarok'. Justin you really need to check out Maiden guitarist Adrian Smith's album collaboration with Ritchie Kotzen. Adrian has to be one of the most underrated guitarists and it's not widely known how good his lead vocals are. When Maiden had their 'second coming' in 2000 with the Brave New World album much of the credit was about Bruce's return. However, the ensuing success and has had as much to do with Adrian's return as guitarist and composer.

[@stavrosdrakopoulos7551]

Couldn't agree more with you mate!! 🎉

[@jillbravo5252]

“BEHOLD!”, I died 😂

[@jeremykerner2100]

Spice Vikings - A Complete Waste of Thyme 🤘

[@JustinHawkinsRidesAgain]

Nice.

[@johnsterizer]

That wouldn't be a herb though, would it? Be honest.

[@drstephaniemitrano]

Loved the reference to grey hair 😂 it’s actually a chapter of my book 😊 … Age is just a number, grey is just a colour, your energy is very youthful … we can see you have had a restful time and ready to rock 2024 🤘 🎸 🎉

[@petarbarbir7477]

Another,it is I,the Ghost guy with the unusual request... Could you do a video on analyzing Chris Cornell vocal style,based on Audioslave years,per say...I'm sure we are in for a spectactle. He is my favourite rock vocal off all time(not among the living),so I would like to hear opininion from my favourite living rock vocal. Big thanks to you,wishing you all the best for Christmas and New Year from Croatia!

[@skatterbrainz]

I love your narrations! Kind of like Mystery Science Theater 3000 in one person. You could do a whole channel narrating horror movies and documentaries.

[@cindyadzukichang]

He does sound a touch like Dan... I would happily pay a for version with Justin doing a dramatic narration on top of this track.

[@Tim_G_T6]

His voice is strong, but this has gone full pelt into Manowar / Spinal Tap territory! 😂

[@phildaly3561]

It's all a bit "Warriors of Genghis Khan" isn't it. Feels kind of by the numbers as far as his solo stuff goes, but can't deny he sounds good.

[@rknrlgrl6146]

Was never a huge fan of Iron Maiden but Bruce’s voice is still very impressive. Good for him. :)

[@andywarda1481]

I'll save everyone the answer is yes. Jokes aside everyone has a right to their own opinion, but I think he's killing it out there. Afterglow of Ragnarok actually took me by complete surprise and I loved it.

[@sydcable1]

Love this podcast. Never listened to the Darkness but I might start checking it out. This guy' knows his shit

[@tossom]

Do it, they're great fun. Just saw them a 3rd time, saw them first in early 03.

[@lds22466]

I love the concept of an Indian restaurant in a long boat! Spice Vikings! Brilliant! And Ragnarök is basically end of times according to the Viking Mythology.

[@Zeitgeist6]

7:27 🤣 lol that cracked me up. Anyway Ragnarok is sort of the end of the workd in viking mythology. But they see times as cyclical so it's also a start of something new.

[@heatherjane910]

So happy you’re back ❤

[@samse7en11]

Had a right lol at "it's detuned to.. um, summon demons" I was waiting for something like "Open C" 😂

[@handansen777]

Marillion, 'Kayleigh'... YES! You just solved a nagging 38-year mystery for me. I used to dig that tune when it would pop up on MTV back in the day... Been trying to remember who it was/ hunt it down ever since. However, all I had to go on was a vague recollection of the verse, vox melody. THANK YOU!!!!!! Another fun vid in the can too. Thank you.

[@JF-kv1gm]

Sorry, I thought that he was singing "Fraggle Rock" at the end. Justin, you got me giggling again. Happy 2024 to you and your countless followers. Hugs from Italy. X

[@bridgetyoung190]

I love Maiden, and Bruce's older solo albums are *brilliant*....but I'm not completely sold on this song. I hope the rest of the album is stronger. 🤞🏻🤘🏻

[@barbarahatcher5942]

Ha! Loved this reaction Justin. You made me laugh whilst laying in bed alone and sick at one AM. “Oft trod” bloody hilarious. Much love from Virginia. I do learn a lot from you. Silly video but he sounds damn good.

[@guillermodelnoche]

Spice Vikings consists of Zakk Wylde, Ian Anderson, Andre the Giant, Conan O’Brien and Jason Momoa

[@Rocksarum]

All dressed with kilts🤣🤣🤣

[@hungoverdrawn]

I didn't even know Jimmy Bullard had gone into music!

[@jordanstrang8056]

I’ve been a life long Iron Maiden fan but this just doesn’t gel with me, Hopefully my mind will change! So glad to see you back Jussy!

[@rinkydinky-ob9pe]

one of the best front men ever to grace the rock scene

[@stevebird9510]

Yes if you mean Justin. 👍🏻

[@shaunharley-music]

Spice Vikings could be A Viking Metal band that performs covers of Spice Girls songs.

[@juliehartley3652]

🤣

[@valley_robot]

Rapey spice, pillagy spice, horny helmet spice etc

[@MrTimmyGT]

I'm sure you've probably seen it many times but if you like Flamenco check out some of John 5's Flamenco playing, that guy never ceases to amaze me.

[@AGITPROP65]

“The Andalusian cadence… oft-trod….” Where are you gonna hear a critique referencing that from anywhere else in times such as these unless it’s from the magnificent mind of Mr JH! More cutting-through-the-bullshit such as this, please 🖖

[@JuvPrimervago]

Hearing this reminds me its Steve Harris that writes the music for Iron Maiden. Love you Bruce, and after everything you have been through these are great vocals man!

[@crustyskellington4056]

Every member of Maiden (other than Nicko) writes music for the band, so I’m not sure what you mean by that.

[@thekaratekidpartii2169]

I don't know about this Bruce Dickinson song, but I'm definitely going to have Kayleigh stuck in my head for the rest of the week, now. I haven't heard that song for about 20 years.

[@anetakibanaki6350]

You could read the phone book to me for hours and I'm 100% sure it would be fun😂And it's fun seeing you having fun. So, glad you took a break and got the batteries charged.

[@shiftybat7318]

Spice Vikings were expansionist Mongol riders working their way Westward toward what would become Norway, spreading their five spice blend to all and, some say, were the first boy band. Motown, Power Rangers, and even Voltron would later tip their cap to their flavorful legacy.

[@Dave_Wight_The_Rock_Oracle]

Bruce is an all-time A leaguer, so no surprise this is awesome

[@megaduck7965]

I’m with you and Bruce , if I keep my hair and it all goes grey I will embrace the wizard look

[@theghost9479]

Yes he is still amazing I was amazed at the level of energy he still has.

[@charliebluechaos4963]

Oh it kinda sounds like "Suton Hoo" in that on a certain section So much love to you Mr Hawkins ❤️

[@spyretto]

Don't know what Bruce has done to his voice lately but I saw Iron Maiden in 2022 and his voice sounded very "bassy" as in the latest Maiden albums. Fast forward to 2023's Past to Present tour as well as this solo stuff and his voice sounds fantastic again. Is it a modern technology trickery or something else? Looking forward to seeing him live later in 2024.

[@Invictus13666]

Probably just rounding back into shape after the treatment and the off time

[@garymitchell5899]

Everyone's voice changes with age. He's a natural tenor but would never go to bass.

[@goodmusemusic]

Interview with Bruce about this album on this here podcast? Great review!

[@5mastodon]

Happy Christmas Justin. Christmas never ends 🎄🤘🎄🤘🎄🤘

[@stealmenace]

Another great reaction video. Bruce's voice is still sounding great.

[@Wildatheart81ridesagain]

It's a wig... definitely a wig.... I'm bloody crying with laughter... Justin you are on form...

[@lesleypye2591]

Bruce does it again. 🤘🤘🤘

[@Golem29]

As a huge fan of Bruce's solo stuff I think it's a solid song but I hope the rest of the album is an improvement.

[@donnaspears1970]

Happy New Year!❤

[@moonriverinc7896]

Hey Justin you should talk about that giant sphere orb concert venue thing in Vegas. It makes me confused but U2 is there which is super random

[@valogden]

I know Phish is one of the next bands to have a short residency there. Tickets are crazy hard to come by.

[@moonriverinc7896]

@@valogden It feels dystopian lol

[@alessandrogiacomini6853]

Good day to you Justin. Are you planning a tour for the new Album that will be in arenas and stadiums? Please... we want you in San Siro, Milan❤.

[@allanscott4140]

I loved Iron Maiden right up until 'seventh son'....before it descended into this kinda Iron maiden pastiche pap. Glad you mentioned Marillion though - misplaced childhood really is an overlooked classic.

[@latentsea]

It was all over after Powerslave

[@mauriciohardrock6941]

​@@latentsea SIT and SSOASS were good too, man! Not as good as Powerslave, that's for sure, but... that was still the mighty Iron Maiden... don't you think?! 😢

[@garymitchell5899]

Misplaced Childhood is definitely recognised as a classic where have you been

[@allanscott4140]

I have it on my record shelf and I enjoyed it when it was released - I guess I mean that I don't often hear it mentioned nowadays. Maybe I just don't mix with people of the same taste?@@garymitchell5899

[@johnross2924]

Misplaced childhood is one of the best albums ever made 😀

[@philipjennings3490]

Would be intrigued to know what Justin thinks of the new Lemon Twigs song/video released yesterday (My Golden Years). There's a Rickenbacker in the video. Actually, question for Comments Day - Justin, do you have a Rickenbacker? Would you like a Rickenbacker? (I really want one to scratch my Beatles itch. I've heard they're awkward beasts to play but boy they look and sound beautiful. I can picture Justin carrying off a Rickenbacker - in a style sense, not a pilfering sense)

[@stigfloberghagenphotography]

Album goting to be superb 👍

[@Podcastforthewin]

Hey, Justin. I could use somebody to voice over for my online radio station. Someone to say “ you’re listening to 69 9. Rock hard.

[@ArthurGreen-bw3sb]

Transfer of consciousness between bodies has been done many times, but particularly calls to mind the superb "Gate of Ivrel" by C J Cherryh

[@peterm6179]

Sounds like a mix of 80's and 90's rock radio.

[@chrissmith256]

Maybe mention Bruce's son Rob, Justin. He fronted Catherine Wheel in the 90's and now owns one of the most sought after Porsche recreation company's in the world. Little Muscle and Black Metallic were standouts of that band as l recall.

[@EvroMatt]

I've been wanting to see Maiden for a long time. Should check out the Smith/Kotzen record. Its pretty good

[@christianhaynes1954]

Bruce is awesome , love his stuff !!

[@niblet112]

How can you not. Been listening to maiden since 1989.

[@garymitchell5899]

His solo stuff is shlit

[@LilLingLing6789]

Happy new year hun 💃💃💃 is that not a suspended chord melody

[@southysmototonysouthwell1779]

Hi Justin, I have to admit that although I was aware of The Darkness, I really hadn't listened to much of your music until now. You popped up in my KZbin feed and I started watching you about 12 months ago. I really enjoy your content, it's fantastic. Thank you. I have now listened to your music and I enjoy it. The thing I like about it is, it's really good music, while you guys don't take yourselves to seriously, fantastic! Your Moroon 5 video was a Rippa! Can't stand that try hard wannabee flog. Anyway, keep it up, great stuff. I think it's cool that I found your music through this channel, not the other way around! Loved your Shane MacGowan tribute ❤️ Cheers 🍻 From Australia Southy

[@daveslifehacks]

Happy New Year 🎉

[@takat1113]

"the HOUR draws near" fit perfectly right there.

[@williambock1821]

My favorite episode !! I was crying!!😂

[@Straitjacket808]

Fantastic Justin. You should maybe consider Marillion's, Kayleigh sometime?