BRUCE DICKINSON 'Tyranny Of Souls'
Mayan / Sanctuary MYNCD035(2005)
The Maiden main man likes to keep busy. In between Iron Maiden projects he’s
flying planes, presenting shows on heavy metal (of the flying variety) and
rock radio shows, and still manages to produce a damn fine solo album.
Wisely choosing material not always suitable for Maiden, it’s close enough
to both suit his voice and avoid alienating fans. Although updated in sound
and production, and pretty heavy too, it avoids the nu-metal direction and
uses one guitar, a penchant Bruce has had since his (pre Maiden) Samson
days.
Opener “Mars Within” sets an atmosphere and builds, followed by the almost
trad thrash of “Abduction”.
Bruce has aged well since the air-raid siren peak of Powerslave, but that
was 20 years ago. There’s noticeably a lot less of the Ian Gillan, but the
upper mid range is still strong, solid and, like the bulk of the album, very
powerful.
Producer / guitarist Roy Z and Bruce work in close harmony. Even the
acoustic “Navigate The Seas Of The Sun” sounds good, it’s a fine tune, but
I’m not sure how compatible acoustic songs and Bruce’s voice are.
“Power Of The Sun” is a classic number and 21st Century Bruce at his best,
but the technical effects in the intro we can do without.
The closing title track is another great track, A range of influences and
tempos.
As an album, not completely turkey free but certainly no howlers. Some great
tracks and Bruce is very much on form. Thoroughly enjoyable modern British
metal at its best.
****
Review by Joe Geesin
Related>> Album review (reissues)
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