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To try to explain the greatness of Bruce
Dickinson, in the metal world, would be useless because there
are no words to explain what he has accomplished. And with his new
solo album “Tyranny of Souls,” now out for people to purchase,
you can find all the answer you need in the music. The new disc is
right up there with the best of his solo efforts. It’s what
you should expect from Bruce-Bruce. This disc is the first new solo
full-length since the 1998’s “Chemical Wedding,”
and it’s good from start to finish…basically excellent
is an understatement. Joined by renowned guitarist Roy Z, who does
all the guitars, they have created an album with an immense amount
of feeling. “Navigate the Seas of the Sun” is a great
ballad, there is so much feeling, and it illustrates this point perfectly.
When it comes to great leads and solos, once again the album is filled
with them. “Abduction,” “Soul Intruder,” and
“Power of the Sun” are examples that glorify these claims.
Not to mention, the man that is the epitome of a real metal singer,
showcases aspects of his vocal abilities. Classic metal riffs, fist
pumping beats, and powerful vocals, of course. Bruce Dickinson and
Maiden fans, be prepared to be amazed! When the disc is done it will
leave you hungering for more. Rating: 94 Reviewed By: Jeffrey D. Adkins |
| Second Review: | Well as a huge Iron Maiden fan I was really anticipating
the release of this album & to be honest I was a little disappointed
with this one. All though there are some really heavy tracks on the
album overall I thought it could have been done better. Certain tracks
blew me away the raw power of Bruce’s
vocals & the drums especially kicked ass, but other tracks just
left me wanting to turn off the album. If you are an Iron Maiden fan
I think you would be somewhat disappointed with a few of the tracks
on the album but you will still want to have this CD as part of your
collection. The production on this album was very well done, the artwork
is also very cool, yes it’s not Eddie but probably the best
artwork I have seen yet from any of Bruce’s solo work, but some
of the tracks were lacking in my opinion. Anyways here is my track
by track of “Tyranny of Souls”. “Mars Within”
- I don’t believe any album’s first track should be an
introduction, for the most part I find myself starting this cd along
with many others that believe an introduction is important at track
number two. In my opinion, just a waist of perfectly good track space.
“Abduction” - Wow what a fucking great track. This is
a great opening song, it’s also got to be my faveorite song
on the album. They could have easily had left mars within off this
album & opened up with this track, the guitar work in this track
is fantastic; the thunderous drum sound was something I really enjoyed
hearing. This track has the Iron Maiden/Judas Priest traditional metal
style written all over it. “Soul Intruders” - As soon
as I heard the introduction to this track two bands came to mind;
Slayer & Anthrax. This is another one of those tracks that you
will have no problem head banging along with while you extend one
arm punching the air! Bruce’s vocals are fantastic on this track
also. “Kill Devil Hill” - This one was not a fave but
you will still find yourself playing air guitar along to it. By the
end of this song you will find yourself looking for the remote to
hit skip. I know I did. “Navigate The Seas of the Sun”
- Totally bored me, I have to be honest I really wasn’t expecting
to hear a track on this album that was going to be a majority of acoustically
driven guitar chords. This track reminded me quite a lot of the Red
Hot Chilli Peppers’ “Californication”. I think many
of the traditional long time Maiden fans will hate this track. All
though I have to admit I have heard worst! “River On No Return”
- As soon as the intro starts your leg will begin tapping & your
head will start those nodding motions. This is another one of those
great tracks with a harmonic chorus that puts you right into a Maiden
mindscape. I would love to hear Ronnie James Dio do a cover of this
track! “Power of the Sun” - This song could have easily
appeared on any of the last three iron maiden studio albums. This
is a killer track that will leave you with a sore neck for days. Just
the way it should be! “Devil On A Hog” - To be honest
the name of this song put me off. The simple & very effective
intro turned that all around for me. This is one of those tracks that
you won’t be able to help but sing along with. Lyrics are great
as are the harmonies although I did expect more in parts of the track.
For some weird reason I thought of Lordi’s “Blood Red
Sandman” when I first listened to this song. Not really sure
why as they are quite different tracks. But still a week on I am hearing
Lordi! This track has a dynamic guitar solo that fits in really well
if you love your guitar playing this track won’t be a problem
for you! “Believel” - Seems to me that Bruce’s approach
to this song was to start out as some kind of narrator for a horror
novel. Too be honest the first minute or so of this track really falls
short of the mark for me. Once the drums kick in the song takes on
a whole new path, original, new & fast! This track is starting
to grow on me. “A Tyranny Of Souls” - First thing I thought
of when I heard this song was a track from Kiss’ ‘Carnival
of Souls’ called ‘Rain’. The introduction to tyranny
is so similar I expect to read that Kiss is suing in the news any
day now! (we all know if there is money to be made Gene will be there)!
This track is a great way to end the album. A strong song with power-driven
guitar riffs. This is a track that you will surely remember! I really
did expect a little more from this album but overall it’s far
from an album that I would smash or forget I owned, still enough killer
tracks on here to play it, even if it means skipping a few of them. Rating: 65 Reviewed By: Cameron Edney |
