At the bustling San Diego Comic-Con last month, a pivotal event for pop culture enthusiasts and industry professionals alike, IRON MAIDEN vocalist Bruce Dickinson offered a comprehensive look into his multifaceted creative endeavor, "The Mandrake Project." This ambitious, cross-media project encompasses a visceral heavy metal solo album and an expansive 12-issue adult comic book series, a collaboration with the renowned Z2 Comics. The narrative threads woven through both the music and the graphic novel delve into profound themes of science, the esoteric, and the very essence of the human soul, marking a significant artistic evolution for the iconic frontman.
Dickinson, a figure synonymous with the power and theatricality of heavy metal, elaborated on the genesis of "The Mandrake Project" during an interview with VSX, as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET. The concept’s gestation period is remarkably long, stretching back nearly two decades. "It started out 14, 15, 16, nearly 17 years ago," Dickinson revealed. "I was writing material for a solo album. I was thinking about a comic as a way of promoting it, effectively. ‘Cause, to me, it struck me that a lot of people that like the kind of music that I do probably dig comics as well."
The initial vision was considerably more modest: a single comic issue intended as a promotional tool. However, over the intervening years, this concept blossomed exponentially. "So I thought I’d come up with a very simple story, and it would just be one comic," Dickinson explained. "And so I wrote the characters into some of the songs. 14 years later, ‘The Mandrake Project’ comes out, but in the intervening period, it had turned from one comic to two to 12. We have this structure of three four-part episodes. So book one was last year, book two is now done, and book three will be the conclusion of the story." This intricate narrative structure, spanning 36 individual issues, underscores the depth of the fictional world Dickinson has meticulously crafted.
The interrelation between the music and the comic is a key aspect of "The Mandrake Project." While the comic stands as a fully realized narrative entity, Dickinson acknowledged that the music’s connection to it is not always direct. "So that’s how the music got involved," he stated. "I’ve got a new record coming out next year, new solo album. It’s kind of standalone. There’s one song that has a bit of something to do with ‘Mandrake.’ Now, the album is heavy as shit. I’m not digging into ‘Mandrake.’ I think ‘Mandrake’ has a life now on a comic book level, so it can just go on the basis of story and everything else. I don’t need to associate music with it unless it’s a really good idea." This strategic separation allows both the comic and the album to possess their own distinct identities while still benefiting from their conceptual kinship.
A Philosophy of Creative Progression
When questioned about his approach to crafting new solo material in the context of his extensive discography, Dickinson articulated a philosophy centered on constant evolution and nuanced exploration. "I try to not repeat," he stated, clarifying that this is not a rejection of past work but rather a drive for artistic growth. "Not because it’s bad. You want to move on and put different nuance on things." He employed a vivid analogy to illustrate this point: "It’s like, I would say, if you have an amazing girlfriend and you start thinking, ‘Yeah, I’m getting a little bit bored,’ or something else like that, just turn the lights down and turn it a different way, and you see a side that you think, ‘Oh, my God, she’s absolutely incredible.’ Just the red light there or the green or whatever, and you see, you see the same person in a different day, in a different light." This perspective highlights his commitment to re-examining and reinterpreting his creative output, ensuring each new project offers a fresh sonic and thematic landscape.
Dickinson further elaborated on the delicate balance between stylistic consistency and creative freedom. "Music is something which you try not to stick too much of a format, but you are still within a particular… I’m within a particular style, for sure. But I try and vary it as much as I can." This commitment to his signature sound while simultaneously pushing its boundaries is a hallmark of his enduring appeal.
The Road to the New Solo Album: "The Mandrake Project" and Beyond
The eagerly anticipated new solo album from Bruce Dickinson is tentatively slated for an early 2027 release via BMG, a significant label in the music industry. The recording process for this latest collection of songs has been extensive and meticulously executed. A substantial portion of the album was laid down in January and February of this year at the renowned Studio 606 in Northridge, California. This studio, famously owned by Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl, has played host to a myriad of iconic recordings.
The production duties for this new album are being handled by Brendan Duffey, a seasoned audio engineer and producer. Duffey’s previous collaboration with Dickinson involved the reimagining of the singer’s second solo album, "Balls To Picasso." This project, re-recorded, remixed, and newly mastered, was released in July 2025 under the title "More Balls To Picasso," demonstrating a continued working relationship and mutual creative understanding.
Following the initial recording sessions, the album is currently undergoing the critical mixing process, overseen by Duffey at his high-end mixing and mastering studio, Brendan Duffey Audio, located in Jupiter, Florida. This attention to sonic detail is crucial for an artist known for his powerful vocal delivery and intricate musical arrangements.
Familial Collaboration and Anticipated Releases
Adding a personal and significant dimension to the upcoming solo album, Dickinson recently disclosed a collaboration with his eldest son, Austin Dickinson. Speaking to Steve Harkins of TalkShopLive, Bruce confirmed that Austin, a musician in his own right and formerly the frontman for metal bands RISE TO REMAIN and AS LIONS, will feature on the LP. This familial collaboration is likely to add a unique dynamic to the album’s sound.
Dickinson also provided insight into the rollout strategy for the new material. "Tracks from the LP ‘will be out this year, a little bit, so people can hear a little bit of it," he announced. "At some point this month, I’m shooting four or maybe five videos for it." This suggests a proactive approach to generating buzz and giving fans a preview of the new music well in advance of the official release. He further expressed confidence in the project’s reception, stating, "I’m pretty busy in ’27. And I think everybody’s gonna be very happy with what I’m busy with — in every sense of the word."
A Return to Live, Organic Recording
In a notable revelation earlier this year, in April, Dickinson shared that he had recorded a staggering 16 songs for his new solo album within a concentrated three-week period. This prolific output underscores his creative drive. Speaking to Rolling Stone magazine, he emphasized the organic nature of the recording sessions: "[We did it] all 100 percent live. It’s like the anti-A.I. generation." This commitment to a live, in-studio performance approach signifies a dedication to capturing raw energy and authentic musicality, a stance that resonates with a segment of the music-listening public wary of over-produced or digitally manipulated sounds.
The touring band that has been supporting Dickinson live has also been integral to the recording of his new solo album. This ensemble includes keyboardist Mistheria, drummer Dave Moreno, bassist Tanya O’Callaghan, and guitarists Chris Declercq and Philip Näslund. Their collective experience and chemistry are undoubtedly contributing to the album’s cohesive sound.
Further adding to the collaborative tapestry of the new LP, Andreas Kisser, guitarist for the legendary Brazilian metal band SEPULTURA, shared photos of himself with Dickinson at Studio 606, confirming his involvement by playing percussion on the album. Kisser’s participation brings another esteemed figure from the global metal scene into Dickinson’s solo orbit.
"The Mandrake Project" Recording and Touring Lineup
In contrast to the live, organic approach for his upcoming solo album, the recording of "The Mandrake Project" itself largely took place at Los Angeles’s Doom Room. This was a collaborative effort with Dickinson’s long-term co-writer and producer, Roy "Z" Ramirez. Roy Z not only contributed his production expertise but also handled guitar and bass duties on the album. The recording lineup for "The Mandrake Project" was further solidified by the inclusion of Mistheria and Moreno, both of whom had previously contributed to Dickinson’s 2005 solo studio album, "Tyranny Of Souls."
The touring ensemble for "The Mandrake Project Live 2025" North American tour mirrored Dickinson’s 2024 backing band, featuring Moreno, Mistheria, and O’Callaghan on bass. They were joined by Swedish guitarist, songwriter, and multi-platinum-credited producer Philip Näslund and Swiss session and touring guitarist Chris Declercq, who had previously contributed to Dickinson’s single "Rain On The Graves." Notably, Roy Z was not part of the touring lineup for "The Mandrake Project," indicating a division of roles between studio collaboration and live performance.
A Legacy of Reinvention and Return
Bruce Dickinson’s career is marked by significant periods of both departure and triumphant return. His recording debut with IRON MAIDEN occurred in 1982 with the seminal album "The Number Of The Beast." After a decade at the helm, he departed the band in 1993 to pursue his solo endeavors, a move that saw Blaze Bayley assume vocal duties. Dickinson’s solo career during this period included two albums with former MAIDEN guitarist Adrian Smith, showcasing his continued commitment to exploring different musical avenues. His impactful return to IRON MAIDEN in 1999, alongside Adrian Smith, heralded a new era of creative resurgence for the iconic heavy metal act, cementing his status as one of the genre’s most enduring and influential frontmen. This rich history of artistic exploration and reinvention provides a compelling backdrop to his current solo projects.
The San Diego Comic-Con appearance served as a crucial platform for Dickinson to illuminate the expansive vision of "The Mandrake Project" and to offer tantalizing glimpses into his future solo musical direction. With a new album on the horizon, a complex multimedia narrative unfolding, and a commitment to both innovation and the raw power of live performance, Bruce Dickinson continues to demonstrate an unwavering dedication to his craft and a remarkable capacity for artistic evolution. The convergence of heavy metal, compelling storytelling, and visual art in "The Mandrake Project" signifies a bold new chapter in his illustrious career, promising to engage and captivate fans across multiple creative disciplines.
Photo credit: John McMurtrie
