• Bruce Dickinson - The Mandrake Project (2024)

    Bruce Dickinson's seventh studio record The Mandrake Project has been in the works for two decades and comes a whopping nineteen years after his last solo output Tyranny of Souls. This is due to his involvement in heavy metal flagship Iron Maiden and numerous other activities such as brewing beer, flying planes and getting married. The Mandrake Project continues the gloomy heavy metal style of the three immediate predecessors and mostly recalls Bruce Dickinson's greatest solo effort The Chemical Wedding that is already two and a half decades old at this point. The final result qualifies as very good heavy metal album but calling it excellent or perfect would go a little bit too far. I would put it on the same level of quality as immediate predecessor Tyranny of Souls.

    This album starts on a particularly high note with ''Afterglow of Ragnarok''. This song starts with gothic soundscapes based upon low bass guitar sounds and heavy drums before an absolutely energizing guitar riff kicks in. Additional keyboard soon offers a cinematic dimension to this conceptual opener. Bruce Dickinson's vocals in the verses are low, they get a little bit higher in the pre-chorus and the chorus itself is incredibly catchy, engaging and motivating. As if all these wonderful elements weren't enough, the opener even surprises with a few atmospheric growls and a mysterious keyboard coda to end the first single on the highest note. Let's not forget that an absolutely amazing music video was created for this song and that it was released as a single with an outstanding cover artwork and a rare bonus track that should particularly intrigue Iron Maiden fans. The production of the song suits its atmosphere perfectly and is the cherry atop the cake. There is no doubt that this opener announces Bruce Dickinson's return on the highest possible note.

    The legendary singer is able to equal the outstanding quality of this opener on a few occasions. Let's take second single ''Rain on the Graves'' for instance. This song opens with gloomy heavy metal riffs supported by a powerful rhythm section and dramatic keyboard sounds. The vocals sound gloomy, low and menacing in the verses. The chorus then surprises with perfectly controlled high-pitched vocals you just won't get out of your head. Even just writing about this catchy, dramatic and epic chorus sends shivers down my spine. This excellent second single was also supported with an atmospheric music video introducing us to the members of this band who have been recording this remarkable album.

    Another song that deserves much attention is ''Eternity Has Failed''. As you might have guessed by reading its title, the song is a revamped version of ''If Eternity Should Fail'' from Iron Maiden's The Book of Souls. In retrospective, heavy metal fans must thank Iron Maiden's band leader Steve Harris for recognizing the quality of this track, modifying a few elements here and there and adapting it as an album and concert opener. Bruce Dickinson's version has taken another nine years to see the light of day and has gone through some significant changes. The use of Latin American tribal folk elements makes this new version particularly atmospheric. The overall pace of the song is slower which fits with the gloomy overall tone of the record and gives this song an epic doom metal vibe. The vocals sound more natural and less strained which fits perfectly in this context. The song's conclusion is short and to the point as it doesn't overstay its welcome and clocks in at roughly a minute and a half less than Iron Maiden's version. Many fans claim to prefer Bruce Dickinson's version over Iron Maiden's version but I would actually call it a draw since both songs stand out for different reasons and deserve to be explored on their own.

    A last song that I would like to describe in greater depth is ''Shadow of the Gods'' which is best described as gloomy heavy metal song with relentless energy and sinister atmosphere. This song stands out in particular because it references Bruce Dickinson's record The Chemical Wedding. Several melodies and even lyrics recall the title track from that album to be precise. If you are a fan of said record like I am, this creative return to the record should certainly put a bright smile upon your face. This new song deserves to be revisited time and again to discover further references. Strictly instrumentally and vocally speaking, this track isn't as strong as the three aforementioned tunes but its fitting nostalgia and clever references make it stand out in the singer's discography.

    There are a few reasons why Bruce Dickinson's The Mandrake Project isn't material for record of the year, of the month or even of the week. First and foremost, similar heavy metal groups such as Grand Courage and Judas Priest have recently been putting out even more consistent material. Believe me when I say that this year is already an excellent one for traditional heavy metal fans.

    Furthermore, this record includes a few fillers such as bland futuristic rocker ''Mistress of Mercy'' that drags on for too long, tame ballad ''Face in the Mirror'' that can't compete with several tunes of yore and overall disappointing closer ''Sonata (Immortal Beloved)'' that is certainly ambitious but must overall be considered a failed experiment due to its excessive length as it never quite gets to the point.

    Despite such noteworthy flaws, it's simply a blessing to hear Bruce Dickinson's first new material in nineteen long years on The Mandrake Project. If you appreciate atmospheric, conceptual and intellectual heavy metal, you are certainly going to be adoring this record.

    Final Rating: 83%

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  • Dear readers,

    Today, I simply feel like celebrating one of the most unique actors, directors and scriptwriters in the world: Tommy Wiseau. In order to celebrate his unique career, I want to share a funny recent commercial with him. As a bonus, I would like to present you a mash-up of Tommy Wiseau's breakthrough movie The Room and the legendary Star Wars franchise. Have fun with these videos and don't forget to put a beautiful smile upon your face.

    1Password Commercial:

    The Room Meets Star Wars:

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  • Dear readers,

    I would like to share with you the joy of having followed the 2024 AFC U-20 Women's Asian Cup in Uzbekistan this month. You might now wonder why I have been watching almost every game of this competition while cleaning my apartment, cooking, correcting evaluations, doing the dishes, doing the laundry, making the bed and reading my mail.

    First and foremost, this competition has been positively surprising with high-quality football including stellar goaltending, disciplined defending, creative midfields and explosive attacks. 

    The different matches have offered everything one could desire as a football fan from hard-fought draws over tight defeats and victories to several stunning results including up to thirteen goals per match.

    Up next, this tournament is showcasing the starlets of tomorrow who have shown much courage, energy and will to impress, learn and succeed.

    This competition has also been introducing me to national teams that don't necessarily participate in the biggest international tournaments such as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Uzbekistan and Taiwan.

    Another reason is to get to know the country of Uzbekistan that is rarely hosting such international events and the capital city of Tashkent has impressed me with its unique mixture of Islamic architecture, remnants of the Soviet era and beautiful mountainous landscapes.

    If compared to men's soccer, I have noted three very positive elements that have impressed me greatly. First and foremost, the respect shown between players from different nations with contrasting ideologies has been heart-warming throughout the tournament. Secondly, the players and coaching staff have shown much respect to the referees instead of constantly criticizing them. Lastly, the games have been played very fairly without any harsh fouls, fake injuries or rude insults. Many people could learn a thing or two about sportswomanship and take this remarkable inspiration to apply it in their very own lives.

    I have decided to link the highlights of all sixteen games played throughout the tournament. These videos can't be viewed directly on my website but you can click on the links and enjoy them on YouTube. I certainly hope that you appreciate these videos as much as I do.

    I'm already looking forward to watching the next edition of this tournament as well as similar competitions in the future. Perhaps you would care to join and discover something exciting, inspiring and new as well.

    Group A: Republic of Korea versus Australia

    Group A: Uzbekistan versus Taiwan

    Group A: Taiwan versus Republic of Korea

    Group A: Australia versus Uzbekistan

    Group A: Uzbekistan versus Republic of Korea

    Group A: Australia versus Taiwan

    Group B: Democratic People's Republic of Korea versus People's Republic of China

    Group B: Japan versus Vietnam

    Group B: Vietnam versus Democratic People's Republic of Korea

    Group B: People's Republic of China versus Japan

    Group B: Japan versus Democratic People's Republic of Korea

    Group B: People's Republic of China versus Vietnam

    First Semi-Final: Australia versus Japan

     

    Second Semi-Final: Democratic People's Republic of Korea versus Republic of Korea

     

    Third Place Match: Australia versus Republic of Korea

     

    Final: Japan versus Democratic People's Republic of Korea

     

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