Christian Robertson

This album seeks and achieves on the grand stage that it seeks to paint. The sound is different to albums like Chemical Wedding, but that's ok - it's meant to be. Artists move on and this heavier sound differentiate him from yesterday and perfectly suits the material and feel of the Mandrake Project. I would encourage several listens before you judge this album. What seems similarly paced throughout on first listen becomes more nuanced with repeated listening, adding depth and richness. Guitar solos are a little thin on the ground, but that's no big issue. Those that are there work well. And as for the main man, well Bruce is Bruce. His vocals continue to astound me, as much as they did when I first saw him at the Hammersmith Odeon in London with Iron Maiden in 1989. Overall, I think this album is great. The standout track is hard to pick. My choice now is Rain on the Graves, but that might change with further listening. Enjoy the album for what it is: a great new offering for a truly great artist.