Iron Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson releases new solo album

It took Iron Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson 19 years to follow up with a new solo album, after "Tyranny Of Souls" was released in 2005.

"The Mandrake Project," which came out on March 1, marks his first solo project since he was diagnosed with larynx cancer, divorced his wife after 29 years together and married again - ample material for 10 new tracks.

The new album includes songs like "Afterglow Of Rangarok" - a dark and slow metal track - and "Rain On The Graves" full of unsual synthesizer sounds and a theatric voice that speaks more than it sings.

While the two songs, which had been available ahead of album release, differ completely from the heavy metal band's anthems, Dickinson's voice still conveys a certain Iron Maiden flair.

According to the band's lead vocalist, his seventh studio album revolves around two obsessed scientists who try to capture the souls of the dead and bring people back to life. For his solo comeback, Dickinson has once again collaborated with his former, long-time musical partner Roy Z who wrote the songs with him, played guitar and bass and produced the album.

While the American won't join Dickinson on his upcoming 4-month tour, set to kick off in Brazil in April, the Iron Maiden singer has announced two new guitarists have been added to the touring line up, which also includes drummer Dave Moreno, keyboards player Mistheria and bass player Tanya O'Callaghan.

Besides the new album, Dickinson has also released a comic book series titled "The Mandrake Project" that is only indirectly linked to the music.

Dickinson told Classic Rock magazine that he had drafted a story about four motorcyclists in the apocalypse. Screenwriter Kurt Sutter the suggested to make a comic out of it. The first issue of the "The Mandrake Project" the comic version is already available online and in shops.