Bruce Dickinson has unveiled the dramatic, action-packed video for The Afterglow Of Ragnarok, the first single to be taken from his upcoming solo album The Mandrake Project.
Last Friday, in front of a packed audience on the opening day of CCXP23, Brazil’s huge Comic-Con event in Sao Paulo, he premiered the spectacular film and revealed further details about the album and forthcoming comic series in partnership with Z2, including releasing 2,000 CCXP-exclusive versions of the comic to the delight of the international comic community.
The Mandrake Project will be released on March 1, via BMG. Across ten inventive, expansive and absorbing tracks, Bruce Dickinson and his long-term co-writer and producer Roy Z, have created one of 2024’s defining rock albums. Sonically heavy and rich in musical textures, it sees Bruce bring to life a musical vision long-in-the-making, and features some of the finest vocal performances of his career.
Recorded largely at LA’s Doom Room with Roy Z doubling up as both guitarist and bassist, the line-up for The Mandrake Project was rounded out by keyboard maestro Mistheria and drummer Dave Moreno, both of whom also featured on Bruce’s last solo studio album, Tyranny Of Souls, in 2005.
Fans of both Bruce Dickinson and Iron Maiden will notice that the album features the curiously-named Eternity Has Failed, which first appeared in a different form entitled If Eternity Should Fail on Iron Maiden’s 2015’s album The Book of Souls, illustrating how long the creative process for The Mandrake Project has been in the works.
Bruce has previously described lead single, Afterglow Of Ragnarok as, “a heavy song and there’s a great big riff driving it…but there’s also a real melody in the chorus that displays the light and shade that the rest of the album brings.” And the track is brought vividly to life in the cinematic video which premiered in Brazil.
Directed by award-winning director Ryan Mackfall, written by Bruce Dickinson and acclaimed British writer Tony Lee (whose lengthy credits include 2000AD, DC and Marvel ranging from Dr Who & Star Trek to Spider-Man & X-Men), the film unveils Dr Necropolis, the main protagonist at the heart of The Mandrake Project. It also sets the scene for the story to come, reflecting the dark narrative contained in the 8-page comic book prequel which features in the 7” gatefold vinyl release of the single.
Ryan Mackfall comments, “Many years before I was a director, I have fond memories of various music videos that spoke to me and one of those was ‘Can I Play With Madness’ by Iron Maiden. For me it defined what a music video is. Little did I know, many years later I’d be on a call with one of the stars of that video, Mr Bruce Dickinson, discussing ideas for a music video. Bruce has felt like a kindred spirit from that moment and it was therefore only right that we attempted to bring the story of ‘Afterglow Of Ragnarok’ to life in a live action form. Naturally the music is a big part of the engine of the music video and this track was a heavy hitter from the first play. But beyond that I firmly believe it’s also the passion of the artist that defines the results - Bruce’s passion is unmatched. I really hope the fans find themselves taking Necropolis’ journey with the mandrake juice time and time again. This is just the start of something very special!”
The Mandrake Project is not just an album, but a dark, adult story of power, abuse and a struggle for identity, set against the backdrop of scientific and occult genius. Created by Bruce Dickinson, the comic series is scripted by Tony Lee and stunningly illustrated by Staz Johnson for Z2 Comics, released as 12 quarterly issues that will be collected into three annual graphic novels. The first episode will be released in comic shops on January 17th, 2024.
Due to heavy demand, Iron Maiden have added a second Melbourne date to The Future Past tour.
The second Melbourne date will take place on September 7 at Rod Laver Arena. Tickets for all dates are on sale now.
The British heavy metal icons will return to Australia for the first time since 2016 when they bring The Future Past tour to Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Auckland next September. Support on all shows will come from metalcore luminaries Killswitch Engage.
The Future Past tour concept sees Iron Maiden include songs from both the band’s most recent studio album Senjutsu as well as 1986’s seminal album Somewhere In Time, alongside other fan favourites. The tour played to over 750,000 fans at more than 30 sold-out shows across Europe in the summer of 2023. Featuring one of the most spectacular stage productions of the band’s career, it received rave reviews in every city and country that Iron Maiden visited.
On the subject of the announcement Iron Maiden's bass player Steve Harris says, “We’ve really enjoyed playing all the shows on THE FUTURE PAST TOUR this year, and the reaction from our fans has been incredible.
Being able to play some of these songs for the very first time has made the tour even more memorable and we can’t wait to continue it next year. We’re all really excited to finally be able to return to Australia as we know our fans have waited so patiently for us over the past few years. It’s going to be great to get back there, especially with this new show. We promise you all, it’ll be worth the wait!”
Manager Rod Smallwood comments, “All our best-laid plans to bring the Legacy Of The Beast Tour to Australia were derailed by the shut-down of the live music industry during covid but we assured everyone at the time that we would come back to Australia and, as our fans know, we always keep to our promises. So, as you would imagine, we’re very much looking forward to bringing this amazing new show to the Southern Hemisphere and giving our loyal Australian fans the best Maiden show we can. You can be assured it’s worth the wait. See you all in 2024!”
Watch a video from the opening night of the European leg of the tour below to get a glimpse of the scale of the production headed our way.
Iron Maiden
The Future Past Australian Tour 2024
Sunday 1 September: Perth, RAC Arena
Wednesday 4 September: Adelaide, Adelaide Entertainment Centre
Friday 6 September: Melbourne, Rod Laver Arena
Saturday 7 September: Melbourne, Rod Laver Arena
Tuesday 10 September: Brisbane, Brisbane Entertainment Centre
Thursday 12 September: Sydney, Qudos Bank Arena
Head to www.ironmaiden.com or www.tegdainty.com for all ticketing and tour information.
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