Bruce Dickinson, the iconic frontman, and the creative force behind rock legends Iron Maiden, releases the second single, ‘Rain On The Graves,’ from his much-anticipated solo album ‘The Mandrake Project’ set to drop on March 1st via BMG. The track is now available on all streaming platforms, offering fans a taste of the sonic journey awaiting them.
Inspired by a rainy visit to the grave of Romantic poet William Wordsworth in the Lake District, ‘Rain On The Graves’ weaves a tale exploring mortality and the artistic pact with the Devil—a theme that echoes back to the legendary bluesman Robert Johnson’s era in the 1930s.
“I had the chorus lyric since I visited Grasmere for a wedding back in 2012,” explains Bruce, “and it wasn’t difficult years later to create the rest of the song with so much rich imagery in my head!” The song, a classic Dickinson/Roy Z collaboration, showcases a catchy yet heavy composition, combining melody with poetic verses.
The accompanying video, directed by Ryan Mackfall and shot in wintery Cornwall, features Bruce in an acting role—a preacher making his own deal with the Devil, accompanied by his ‘House Band from Hell.’
Following the highly acclaimed track ‘Afterglow Of Ragnarok,’ ‘Rain On The Graves’ underscores the inventive, expansive, and absorbing nature of The Mandrake Project. The album, co-written and produced by Bruce Dickinson and Roy Z, promises to be one of the defining rock releases of 2024.
Beyond the music, The Mandrake Project extends into a graphic novel series of the same name, exploring a dark narrative of power, abuse, and identity against the backdrop of scientific and occult genius. Created by Bruce Dickinson, scripted by Tony Lee (Dr Who), and illustrated by Staz Johnson (2000AD) with covers by Bill Sienkiewicz, the graphic novels will be released as 12 quarterly issues, culminating in three annual graphic novels starting at the end of 2024.
The Mandrake Project Tour, featuring Bruce Dickinson and his phenomenal band, is set to bring the musical experience to life this spring and summer. An additional show in Wolverhampton at The Halls on May 16th has been announced, with presale details available on [www.themandrakeproject.com]
Support for the UK, Paris, and Tilburg shows comes from the up-and-coming rockers Black Smoke Trigger.
