BRUCE DICKINSON The Mandrake Project : new album review!

[@helgaratbone1691]

Great album! Face in the Mirror is filler. Everything else is classic Bruce! I like his old aging voice. It fits the haunted cryptic feel of the album. Bruce has outdone himself on these last four solo albums! Well done old man!!

[@stephanea5364]

I warmed up to Face in the Mirror and I like it now

[@jefferysteen1041]

I love this album!It's my go to album when I go on a road trip!Bruce has done it again!

[@darcysixstringsninelives3493]

I just had a 4 hour trip this past Monday & you can bet your ass Bruce & Priest was with me lol. Thanks for watching 🤘 Cheers Jeff

[@pawlie7694]

Nice review, Darcy! I’m enjoying the album and Bruce’s voice sounds really strong to me. 🍻

[@signpainterchris]

It's been in my cd player 6 days now...probably listened to it 15 times or so. Love this new version of Eternity has Failed, probably my favorite track......Thanks Darcy glad you posted this video!

[@darcysixstringsninelives3493]

Got it on in my truck as we speak 🤘 Cheers brother

[@speedking4951]

Great review Darcy. My copy should arrive in the next couple of weeks. Ah the wait! I am not checking any samples while waiting. In the meantime, i am really enjoying the new Blaze Bayley. Great work by Blaze 🤘. Cheers brother.

[@thomashubner697]

It is a good sign that not all people love the album. Grower. I like that you don't make reviews on the first day. Give it time people. Personally after 12 spins I love every single song. Other than you I can't get enough of the last 3 songs. The breakdown in Resurrection man is breathtaking. And as a hardrocker I of course love Door to hell. Bought tickets for the concert in Munich in a circus tent. Have a nice day Darcy.

[@SmokeRingHalo]

Every song? Even Face in the Mirror?

[@stephanea5364]

Face in the Mirror grows on you, I hum it all the time and can't get rid of it@@SmokeRingHalo

[@thomashubner697]

​@@SmokeRingHaloYes, I love Face in the mirror. But that is no surprise because i love mellow stuff from worldclass singers. Lady Jane from Queensryche is another one. Happy for Bruce that the album is number 3 inthe Uk and number 1 in germany and sweden.

[@tainted_lord87]

Solid review of the new Bruce Dickinson album, Darcy! I've seen some mixed reviews about The Mandrake Project. But, it definitely sounds like it's a grower.

[@stephanea5364]

Definitely a grower, wasn't sure but after 10 listens, I'm hokked and see the depth of the songs

[@troywilkinson160]

Growers do not make great albums. Growers do not make epic albums. If it’s a grower album that means that it’s mediocre at best.

[@stephanea5364]

Total nonsense@@troywilkinson160

[@Docker666]

Afterglow of Ragnarok top track for me so far,but I've only played it a couple of times,,, keep the videos coming Darcy..🤘🤘

[@cristianosorio2517]

Hi Darcy!!! Cool review and yes as you said, i'm also glad to see new Bruce stuff..... and glad to hear it's different from any Maiden music, that's the way it should be, i enjoyed the second single more than the first one and i have heard another song, also cool and the sound reminds me of Tyranny of Soul. cheers and be well

[@MetalNeverDieswithMarkA]

Darcy. How are you? Did you listen to the new Blaze Bayley album? There’s some songs I like and don’t I guess. Cheers my friend

[@darcysixstringsninelives3493]

I have heard it once, need to listen to it again on my headphones, with no distractions! Yes I’m good, lots of exercise the past five days shovelling, we got a shitload of snow! Hope you’re good 🤘 Cheers brother

[@MetalNeverDieswithMarkA]

@@darcysixstringsninelives3493 I’m good brother. Starting to have some decent weather here in Kitchener Ontario

[@bvdaussiemetalhead9338]

Never been in a hurry to check out any Bruce Solo stuff and that hasn’t really changed. I’m happy to just check it out streaming in the car while working one day but I’ll probably not be buying a physical copy. Glad you mostly enjoyed it🤘

[@darcysixstringsninelives3493]

Streaming? WTF is that 😂 Have a great weekend brother 🤘

[@GRockVC]

Good to hear your thoughts Darcy. It's a very interesting album with a lot going on musically I find. Yeah resurrection man is one of the strongest songs, I also like face in the mirror and shadow of the gods. The only fault I have with it is a part during rain on the graves during one of his isolated vocal parts where he appears to be struggling to get all the words out in one go and takes in a big gulp of air which I can't unhear and makes te song loose it's flow. Overall a very good album!

[@iancouch9688]

Thanks so much for your input..I love finding out other metal fans opinionson albums..cheers darcy..I really appreciate your comments.😊

[@georgegsroomofrock9868]

Very accurate review Darcy! It definitely has high points abd some ok songs. I don't mind the last song I think it closes out the album nicely even if it's a bit too long. Great review!!

[@ShawnBoyko]

I grabbed a copy of the vinyl from Wal Mart, which came with an autographed photo inside. I never thought I'd get Bruce's autograph, so that's pretty awesome. I enjoy the album all the way through, except maybe side D. That one long slow song across the entire side... yeah I could skip that one. The last song on side C is a good enough ending to the album.

[@Mr.Davidian]

You echoed my thoughts exactly on this Darcy. I certainly don't dislike the album but I feel it is the definition of a "grower" album. So, hopefully, it will click at some point. Anyway...bring on the new Priest and Exhorder!!! Cheers!!!

[@darcysixstringsninelives3493]

Oh man is Invincible Shield awesome 🛡️ Have a great weekend Mr.D 🤘

[@Mr.Davidian]

@darcysixstringsninelives3493 my delivery was late so I'm literally popping it in right now!!! Cheers!!!

[@iancouch9688]

Hi darcy..ian from New Zealand..it's 730am Friday 8th March...I'm about to start my work day..and yes brother...then it's off to buy my copy of New priest album..need to check out new Dickinson..we don't get that till the 15th..stay heavy brother.😊

[@darcysixstringsninelives3493]

I wish it was Friday here too! Enjoy your day & more importantly enjoy the new Priest 🤘 Stay Heavy Duty ~ Darcy

[@iancouch9688]

Love your channel mate😊

[@darcysixstringsninelives3493]

Thank you I appreciate that 😊

[@CorabicrueJ]

Way better than the last two Iron Maiden imo, I quite enjoyed this album, to each their own, his vocals still sound great to my ears, take it easy

[@sixzerothreeonesevensixnine]

Well to me this album is getting better and better with each listen. Its got a lot of alternative sounds in there which is a nice change from Iron Maiden. The Afterglow song put me off purely because of the name so i didn't try it out before hearing the album in full. Its absolutely great. I don't know what it means and concept albums are wasted on me but it's a good song. Many Doors to Hell is just a straight rocker with a similar riff to Scorpions when it starts. Thr chorus really turned my head. Fot me its the brst song on the album. Rain on the Graves is ok but its not as good as the first 2. Resurrection Man verses are a mix of Tarantino style and Billy Talent do i love it. The Sabbath breakdown came as a surprise and it is a good riff but i almost think its out of place and then I lose a bit of i terrst in the song. Fingers in the Wounds is to mr the most Maiden sounding. I like the Oyster line. Eternity has Failed probably edges the Maiden version purely because ive taken more notice of thid version. Mistress of Mercy is drop D grunge guitars, im not keen on it. Face in the Mirror verses is full on Terrorvision style so again i love that one. The chorus reminds me of Blaze Bailey and its more obvious while they went with him looking back. The last 2 songs are too long and don't hold my interest as of yet. Cant remember them. Hatecthe album cover though. 🤘😎

[@darcysixstringsninelives3493]

Awesome comment, build in review lol. I’m glad you’re enjoying it more than you thought you would. Album cover of year … NOT!! 😂

[@andjusticeforearl4742]

I share a very similar opinion of the album so far. Not his best and not his worst. It definitely has some high points. Oddly enough, my favorite track on the album is the reworked Eternity Has Failed. Great review buddy, looking forward to the new Priest album today 🤘

[@markusfernandez4464]

Excelent album

[@lambrosthedarkknight9020]

I really enjoyed this album . The most part. I respect that Bruce tries to explore his music vision. The album isn't his best ( Chemical Wedding in my opinion is -unbeatable ).It's a good album. Afterglow of Ragnarock, Resurrection Man and" Eternity ..." new version are great. Although Gus G ( Greek such as me 😊 ) plays the solo of that version, i put both equal . I liked you said the cover looks like a "Canadian penny " 😊

[@metalmogul]

Always enjoy hearing your thoughts on the new releases. I'm on a slow burn with regard to new releases at the moment, I will definitely be picking this up but I'm in no hurry. I'm glad it's different enough from Maiden and by all accounts it's going to be a grower and I'm absolutely fine with that. Tyranny Of Souls I think is my favourite from him.

[@darcysixstringsninelives3493]

I waited 19 years for it, what’s 20 for you 😂 I have no doubt in my mind that you will enjoy it. If I could recall correctly you’re only missing one Bruce solo album?

[@independenceltd.]

I give the album 4/5 stars. I find that ppl who think the album is okay tend to not like the second half of the album, whereas I think the album gets stronger as it goes along (not counting "Face in the Mirror," of course, which I think is the weakest track). It's not going to supplant "Accident of Birth," but after a couple more spins who knows where it might end up in my ranking. As for this yr...it's not better than the new Saxon or the new Traveler. I'm not sure it's even better than the new Mega Colossus or The Obsessed. We'll find out tomorrow if it's better than the new Priest. Keep up the good work!

[@JoshKeech]

Nice review Darcy! I only heard one of the singles and thought it was alright. I've seen more positive reviews on it than anything, so I'll definitely have to check it out! Thanks man 😊🤘🏻

[@darcysixstringsninelives3493]

You are welcome! Have a great weekend Josh 🤘 Cheers from Planet6Strings

[@JoshKeech]

@darcysixstringsninelives3493 Cheers man, ahh thanks I appreciate that! You too mate! Thanks Darcy 😊🤘🏻

[@cbr9914]

i think this record is a breath of fresh air. it's actually not that heavy at all. bruce is in TOP form, and the production is absolutely gorgeous, as is all the playing. i like the more chordal approach in the writing, rather than bruce just shouting over assorted riffs. i can see why people may not like it....bruce is pretty over the top in the vocal department-you love it or hate it. i find the record references a lot of his musical past.....i hear melodies from gates of tomorrow in a song, sonata's main verse theme is very reminiscent of believil, mistress of mercy (my fav track on the album so far) is basically the riff to freak, etc. as a cohesive whole, i think this record really stands up. on a funny note, i ordered and prepaid for the basic black vinyl from my local shop. the distributors fucked up and sent a box of the walmart blue vinyls with the stencil and the autographed pic of bruce (not just a print of an autograph...it's 100% bruce's writing in gold sharpie on a pic). walmart doesn't stock vinyl in canada (we miss out on all those exclusive releases here), so i guess bonus for me.

[@davidcrampton9166]

Spot on Darcy, it's very good (and diverse) for the first three quarters and then just fades away. But, BUT it still beats seven shades out of Senjutsu!

[@dales646]

As per usual I picked this up and haven’t listened to it yet. 😁 I do know that I need to fill in a few gaps in my Bruce solo albums collection. I have liked all of the other releases that I have bought,so I would think that this one will be no different. 🍻

[@metaldownunder666]

I have heard the album a number of times now and it’s not for me. It has a very alternative vibe to my ears which turns me off right away. Dig your thoughts mate and glad you like it for the most part.😀🤘

[@under-one-flag]

Hope it's better than the last few Maiden albums !

[@DareRocks1980]

Good album,. Afterglow Of Ragnarok, Eternity Has Failed and Mistress Of Mercy my favourites. Dracy keep rocking 🤘

[@darcysixstringsninelives3493]

This reworked version of Eternity Has Failed is awesome! I thought maybe I’d just wanna skip it when I’m playing the album, but that’s not the case at all! Thanks as always 🤘 Stay Heavy ~ Darcy

[@DareRocks1980]

@@darcysixstringsninelives3493 Yes it is, more heavier, it is amazing but Iron Miaden version is good too.

[@colallison6152]

Bruce Dickinson is the real boss 😃

[@ettio]

Totally have a different opinion about the lost two songs. Shadows of the gods in my opinion is by far the best song of this record. And the lost song has some Pink Floyd vibes, especially the last part.

[@albertampel4175]

The LP will be here tomorrow along with another new one from a British legend :-) I made an exception and listened to the Dickinson album online. I like the moody stuff as I´m a big 70s Prog / Hardrock fan. Tomorrow´s going to be a busy listening night, hahaha... The last Saxon came in today and with the Dickinson and the new Priest... three hours of nonstop enjoyment! I´m wondering how I can keep my girlfriend quiet for so long... just kidding!

[@independenceltd.]

duct tape?

[@toasttoasted3492]

My favorite album Iron Maiden...Somewhere In Time

[@darcysixstringsninelives3493]

One of my favourites too! Thanks for watching 🤘 Cheers from Canada

[@Jackylone-]

Love it!!

[@darcysixstringsninelives3493]

Glad you like it! Thanks for watching 🤘

[@MegaDave8520]

The main riff on "Mistress of Mercy" is almost identical to "Freak" from Accident of Birth

[@darcysixstringsninelives3493]

You’re right, good catch 🤘

[@SmokeRingHalo]

Best song on the album too. Well at least the catchiest hook.

[@747jono]

Yeahhhh Judas Priest package just arrived ❤🤘🤘🤘🤘💯💯💯💯💯💯💯

[@darcysixstringsninelives3493]

Hell yeah 🤘 Enjoy!!

[@andrewmachado6988]

I’ve enjoyed this album. The main thing that bothers me is some of the songs have long intros that draw out for too long. Resurrection Man sounds like it belongs in a western movie Eternity Has Failed sounds like it belongs in a kung fu movie. Other than that it’s a decent album, it’s more listenable than the last few Maiden albums. JUDAS F’N PRIEST TOMORROW!!!

[@darcysixstringsninelives3493]

You’re right a couple of songs definitely have a movie soundtrack kind of fee! Can’t wait until tomorrow 🤘 Cheers Andrew

[@janjohansen9361]

I like the album a lot, but it's not as strong as Accident of Birth, The Chemical Wedding and Tyranny of Souls. Many Doors To Hell and Face in the Mirror dosen't do a lot for me. I haven't decided yet about Resurrection Men all though it has it's moments 😊

[@cassettemayhem-dan3086]

Hey brother, I wanted to check out this album before purchasing and it’s safe to say that I will not be buying this album, few good songs but not enough for me to purchase, hope all is well

[@darcysixstringsninelives3493]

Hey how the hell are you 🤘 Don’t worry you have Priest to look forward to then!

[@iancouch9688]

Hay darcy..well iv had new priest album a couple of days..I think it's very very good..take a touch of turbo ..ram it down..and mix with firepower and add a dash of painkiller..some songs are a wee more grown on you side..9 outa 10..how about you? Would u do a wee review on it..cheers..hope you are all good.😊

[@darcysixstringsninelives3493]

I’ll be doing a full review this coming week, but for now I will leave you with this 🛡️ I LOVE IT! Cheers my friend 🤘 Stay Heavy Duty

[@DM-rc4yu]

I like most individual songs. But this record overall seems all over the place. I guess it's not a surprise considering how old some of the material is but you can definitely tell. It's a good album but nowhere near the classics for me. Tyranny of Souls was so much more cohesive. Comparing it to CW or AoB would be unfair.

[@charlesmorrell2338]

Darcy, I will be honest with you. Maiden has been my favorite band since the early 80’s. Bruce is arguably the greatest metal vocalist of all time. I have seen them many times in concert. That being said, this album is ok and Maiden hasn’t put out a great album in 35 years.

[@jasonbala7858]

I only like half the album. The Blaxe album blows this away. It may grow on me.

[@darcysixstringsninelives3493]

I still need to get the new Blaze Bayley.

[@jasonbala7858]

You definitely need it

[@stephanea5364]

Blaze album is generic and not an ounce of innovation

[@747jono]

Priest the full works package arriving tomorrow by noon.

[@darcysixstringsninelives3493]

Same here! Did you order the lunchbox and pajamas 😂 Just kidding of course … can’t wait 🤘 Stay Heavy Duty ~ Darcy

[@747jono]

@darcysixstringsninelives3493 There's even a see through spiral vinyl lol. On KZbin there's a video of Q&A they did in London last Saturday, my mate went, very good,he managed to get Ian to sign one of his cds only signature missing, but he said no copies of new album for sale. Check it out.

[@747jono]

Dickinson album gets mixed reviews on many websites, which is normal just like Maiden divided fans. Those who love everything no matter what, wish it was like old Maiden, they go to the concerts then say why didn't they play bla bla. Band cant win either way. I like Maiden seen twice and got about half catalogue. More a Priest man 🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘

[@darcysixstringsninelives3493]

You had me at Priest man ha ha … CAN NOT wait until tomorrow! Thanks as always 🤘 Stay Heavy Duty ~ Darcy

[@jasonbala7858]

Tattooed Millionaire is his best solo album.

[@darcysixstringsninelives3493]

I still love that album, because it is different. Songs like Zulu Lulu & No Lies are awesome!

[@DokkenSabbath]

Glad I'm not the only one who thinks that!

[@stephanea5364]

More like worse

[@stephanea5364]

Ok you're the guy saying Blaze Bayley record blows Mandrake Project away and now you say TM is Bruce best record LOL You can't make this up

[@SmokeRingHalo]

Better than Senjutsu but NOT better than Book of Souls. Chemical Wedding & Accident of Birth are far superior solo albums, but Mandrake Project is on par with the rest.

[@_NoizzMaker_]

I have to say - i do not like drumming at this album. Drummer sounds so lazy, sloppy, tired and slow. No energy...everything else is OK, mainly a Bruce amazing vocals. Far better than few previous IM albums IMHO.

[@steveratcliffe2181]

New Subscriber so i am going through your vids. I was hoping for more from this album. I just wanted a couple of faster songs. Something not found on the last Maiden album. Its not a bad album but its not great either. Glad i didnt buy it.

[@darcysixstringsninelives3493]

I was really excited about this album, now a few weeks later I hardly play it! Are you familiar with the German metal band Rage? I just got their new album Afterlifelines, it’s really good! Thanks for digging through the Planet6Strings archives lol. Glad to have you aboard 🤘 Take care ~ Darcy

[@steveratcliffe2181]

@@darcysixstringsninelives3493 I have heard them a long time ago. I am hearing good things about the new album. Now have you heard Lutharo, from Hamilton? Their new album Chasing Euphoria came out last month. It's one of my faves of the year thus far. Melodeath , harsh/ clean female vocals. The musicianship is top notch and is very classic metal. Vocal melodies are such earworms. They are currently touring the states with Raven and Vicious Rumors.

[@darcysixstringsninelives3493]

@@steveratcliffe2181 I’ve heard of them. I will check out their newest album, thanks for the recommendation.

[@Patellsworth1]

New Judas priest blows that out of the water \,,/

[@darcysixstringsninelives3493]

No argument for me lol. I’m absolutely loving Invincible Shield! Thanks for watching 🛡️ Stay Heavy Duty ~ Darcy

[@davepugh8368]

Not a fan of this I'm afraid. Oddly I quite like Rain on the Graves. But it all sounds generic Bruce. Which is a shame. But I'm glad people are enjoying it, Maybe it's just Maiden fatigue after so many lack lustre albums. I agree Accident of Birth was awesome .

[@stephanea5364]

Says it's generic but guess you love FillerPower or Blaze Bayley LOL

[@ebertace8311]

Good video, as always, i didn't really like this album, so boring and not that interesting. I'd like to recommend to you an Italian Power Metal band called Trick Or Treat, a great underrated band, I hope you can check them out, cheers!!!

[@darcysixstringsninelives3493]

I sure will check them out, thanks for the recommendation & thanks for watching 🤘 Take care ~ Darcy

[@martymartin2894]

A disappointment for me I expected more like the heavy guitars and good songs like the style of tyranny of souls.

[@darcysixstringsninelives3493]

It’s definitely a departure from Tyranny Of Souls, maybe it will grow on you over time. We can’t like it all can we lol. Thanks for taking the time to hang out with me 🤘 Cheers Marty

[@martymartin2894]

@@darcysixstringsninelives3493 no bother Darcy all the best 👍👍

[@davidburns6284]

This album put me to sleep, just like all the Iron Maiden albums from the past 30 years.

[@747jono]

Good idea not to do day 1 reviews you need time to digest. Got to say hate people who fkg review b4 release date. We pay for our cds and albums not just download mp3 💯💯💯💯🤘🤘🤘

[@darcysixstringsninelives3493]

That’s right you won’t catch me with a little photo stuck up behind my fat head 😂

[@747jono]

@darcysixstringsninelives3493 Priest website sold out of vinyl cassette picture disc. Complete bundle sold out as well. Can't beat physical product, I wouldn't even know how to download anything Lol Stay Metal my friend

[@chadcassidy1580]

This is very hard for me to say, but being honest, I don't like it.

[@darcysixstringsninelives3493]

Nothing wrong with being honest, I knew this album wouldn’t be for everyone! Are you sick of winter yet 😂 Cheers Chad