Bruce Dickinson is gearing up for a massive solo album project in 2026, and fans of the Iron Maiden legend have a lot to look forward to.
After the success of his 2024 album The Mandrake Project, Dickinson is returning to the studio with a fresh batch of ideas, having already demoed 18 tracks in just 15 days. The heavy metal icon is teaming up once again with producer Brendan Duffey, who worked on Mandrake, to create a follow-up that promises to deliver more of the raw, unfiltered creativity that Dickinson is known for.
Speaking at the Musicians Institute’s MI Conversation Series with host Ryan J. Downey in Hollywood this April, Dickinson shared exciting details about his next project. “I’ve just been in the demo studio with everybody for the last three weeks, and we ended up with 18 tracks in 15 days,” he revealed, highlighting how quickly the music is coming together. “It’s going to be a really cool album,” he added, leaving fans eagerly anticipating what’s next.
In addition to the production team’s return, Dickinson also teased the timing of the recording process. With a window of free time in early 2026, he’s set to get down to business and begin recording his next solo effort. He noted that January through April next year is a “free zone” for him, meaning it’s the perfect opportunity to focus on this exciting new chapter.
Fans have long admired Dickinson’s role as the lead singer of Iron Maiden, but he’s also found success in his solo career. His 2024 solo album, The Mandrake Project, marked his first release since 2005’s Tyranny of Souls, and it gave him the creative freedom to explore new musical horizons. Dickinson has often spoken about how much he enjoys the playful, unrestrained nature of working outside of the rigid structure that Iron Maiden’s music demands.
Reflecting on this creative freedom, Dickinson explained how he and Roy Z, his collaborator on The Mandrake Project, approached the album’s creation with a sense of fun and spontaneity. “It’s not that Maiden albums aren’t fun, but we don’t get to play like children,” he said. In contrast to Iron Maiden’s highly organized and meticulous approach to songwriting, his solo work gives him more room to experiment. “Roy and I, we’re like kids in a sandbox,” he quipped, adding that this unrestrained energy made the process “energizing.”
The upcoming solo album also marks a shift in Dickinson’s musical style. On The Mandrake Project, he even took a turn at playing guitar, delivering a solo on the track “Face In The Mirror.” Despite his self-deprecating humor about his guitar skills, “I couldn’t tell you a pentatonic scale from a gin and tonic”, he’s proud of the final result. “If it sounds good, I like it,” Dickinson laughed, showing that his approach to music is all about authenticity and feeling rather than technicality.
As Dickinson moves forward with his solo music career, it’s clear that his creativity continues to thrive. Fans will have to wait until 2026 to hear the full album, but with 18 tracks already demoed, it’s clear that he’s already well on his way to creating another iconic release.
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