British rock legend Bruce Dickinson has unveiled his latest musical creation, the electrifying single ‘Rain On The Graves,’ along with a visually stunning accompanying video. The track is the second release from his eagerly anticipated solo album, ‘The Mandrake Project,’ set to hit the shelves on March 1 through BMG.

The song, inspired by a rainy excursion to William Wordsworth’s grave in the picturesque Lake District, encapsulates Dickinson’s signature style. With a towering guitar riff, dramatic keyboards, and Dickinson’s commanding vocals, ‘Rain On The Graves’ delves into themes of mortality and the timeless allure of artistic sacrifice. The frontman reflects on the origins of the song, stating, “I had the chorus lyric since I visited Grasmere for a wedding back in 2012, and it wasn’t difficult years later to create the rest of the song with so much rich imagery in my head!”

The accompanying video, shot against the wintery backdrop of Cornwall and directed by Ryan Mackfall, features Dickinson in a riveting performance as a preacher negotiating with the Devil, with his ‘House Band from Hell’ in tow.

Following the success of the acclaimed track ‘Afterglow Of Ragnarok’, ‘Rain On The Graves’ serves as another testament to the inventive and expansive nature of ‘The Mandrake Project’. The album, co-created with producer Roy Z, promises to be one of the defining rock releases of 2024.

However ‘The Mandrake Project’ is more than just an album; it’s a multimedia experience. Accompanying the music is a dark, adult-themed comic series of the same name, penned by Dickinson himself and scripted by Tony Lee, illustrated by Staz Johnson, and featuring covers by industry heavyweight Bill Sienkiewicz. Set against the backdrop of scientific and occult genius, the series explores themes of power, abuse, and identity. The first episode made its debut on January 17, with the special Collector’s Edition selling out within 48 hours.

Bruce Dickinson and his band will bring ‘The Mandrake Project’ to life on a headline tour this spring and summer. An extra show in Wolverhampton at The Halls on May 16 has just been added, with presale details available here.

‘The Mandrake Project’ will mark Bruce Dickinson’s seventh solo album, hitting the global music scene on March 1 through BMG. Fans can secure their copy by pre-ordering here. Stay tuned for more updates on the progression of ‘The Mandrake Project’ as the narrative intricacies unfold within this multifaceted musical project.

Catch Bruce Dickinson and band live on the following dates:

16/05/24 – The Halls – Wolverhampton

18/05 – Barrowland Ballroom – Glasgow

19/05 – O2 Academy – Manchester

21/05 – Arena – Swansea

23/05 – Rock City – Nottingham

24/05 – O2 Forum Kentish Town – London