Band Bruce Dickinson Title Tyranny Of Souls Type LP/EP Company Sanctuary Records YOR 2005 Style Traditional Popular Reviews ![]() When you first play this CD you will notice how little this resembles an Iron Maiden record and I liked that fact the most. After all, we Metal fans have more than enough Iron Maiden music where we can hear Bruce in that context. It is nice to be able to enjoy his solo music separately from that. Given the fact that a fair amount of it is killer material, it makes listening to the CD a better experience. Among the number of notable tracks my favorites included “Soul Intruders” which is the heaviest track and holds the most Maiden like chorus. There are also numbers that cross into different Hard Rock styles as well and this is apparent on “Devil On A Hog”. This tune could have been released from one of the big 70’s hard rockers like Rainbow. There is also a ballad like number with “Navigate The Seas Of The Sun”. An enjoyable piece but as others have commented repeats the title far too much for my liking. “Tyranny Of Souls” itself was also a favorite. Overall good song-writing, not a repeat of Iron Maiden riffing and a very solid production on every track. The liner notes reference that the CD was recorded entirely with Pro-Tools. A method many are choosing these days. All lyrics and interesting art are featured in the booklet included. Comprising the band for the recording is of course Bruce Dickinson (vocals), Roy Z. (all guitars), David Moreno (drums), Ray Burke/Juan Perez (bass) and Maestro Mistheeria (keyboards). I highly recommend this CD as it was one of those records that you find difficult to turn off. It’s not always easy to support a popular group members solo efforts but I found myself hoping that we could see some live gigs to hear this music performed live. Fans should also know that Dickinson has released re-mastered and expanded editions of his back catalog with bonus tracks, demo recordings and extended liner notes. Put this on your list with the remastered “Chemical Wedding”. ![]() Leaving all rhetoric aside, Bruce has here done what Iron Maiden haven't managed to do in about a decade: namely sounding fresh and proposing something different both lyrically and especially musically. In fact, Iron Maiden's records have continuously been giving that "I've heard that before" feeling which is a pity since they remain great musicians and their songs have nothing particularly 'wrong' in themselves. But it's Bruce Dickinson were talking about here, and we've got a very good reason to do so. "Tyranny..." is definitely one of the heaviest records Bruce has ever done and also the darkest (check out 'Believil'). It's also quite diverse, containing heavy riffs as well as great solos. 'Abduction' and 'Devil On A Hog' are 2 prime examples. Roy Z has done a top job both in the production as well as guitar departments. The few 'quieter' moments, such as 'Navigate The Seas Of The Sun' or the album's instrumental intro, actually help give the album a sinister feel. As regards Bruce, well I was taken aback at how much he's improved, while still being instantly recognisable. Lyrically, "Tyranny Of Souls" was inspired by a William Blake poem, Blake being one of the greats in English literature. One might draw parallels with other infernal visions in literature, such as Milton's "Paradise Lost" or Dante's "La Divina Commedia". Yep, the fiery bowels of Hell have been a continuous source of inspiration for Metal! This is also reflected in the artwork of "Tyranny...", a fascinating depiction of Hell by Hans Hemling. Reviewing a CD by a metal icon, one has to be aware not to be influenced by the artist's status. Considering this, although I won't define "Tyranny..." as a masterpiece, its definitely a great album. Bruce and Maiden fans will be delighted. ![]() ALL REVIEWS FOR: BRUCE DICKINSON
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