When you think about the genre of metal, you usually don't think about guys who can actually sing all that well. There are some exceptions to that stereotype, and Bruce Dickinson is one of them. The man nicknamed the "human air-raid siren" possesses a voice that no one cany deny is something special.

During the 90's, Bruce had become bored with his job fronting Iron Maiden, and ventured out with a solo career. After a run of decent, but not earth shattering albums, Bruce reunited with Iron Maiden in 2000. the result was "Brave New World", which was a happy return to form for Iron Maiden after a period of stagnation. The album brought them back into the forefront of the metal scene, and they've remained there ever since.

It had been seven years since Dickinson released a solo record, and the time was right for a return. Iron Maiden was between records, and Bruce had some time off from the road. As all workaholics do, he used that time to do even more work, putting together "Tyranny of Souls". The album is a return to collaboration with guitarist/producer Roy Z, and for the first time in several albums, a move away from Maiden-style fantasy metal.

The album begins with an introduction instrumental that attempts to set a mood, but only wastes time before the proper introduction of the album, "Abduction". The song kicks into gear with a seemingly metalcore riff, albeit played in a normal tuning. Bruce's voice kicks into gear, and it's evident immediately that he hasn't lost a thing since he first started with Maiden. As with all songs that he does, a sweeping chorus is the feature here, and it delivers.

"Soul Intruders" follows, and continues the theme of this record; hard rock in place of fantasy metal. "Sould Intruders" kicks off with a chugging riff, turning into a simple muted verse before exploding into a huge chorus that Steve Harris wishes he could steal for the next Maiden record. Bruce is two-for-two.

"Kill Devil Hill" is next up, and opens with a galloping riff and Bruce's strong vocal. Asd usual, the verse melodies are forgetable, but that's allowable with another hyper-melodic chorus which sticks in your head and doesn't leave. The song delves into a piano lull in place of a rock solo and doesn't build bak into another chorus, in an odd decision. the song could have benefitted from another round of melody.

"Navigate the Seas of the Sun" is the cliched metal ballad, and it's a departure for Dickinson. The song's verses are generally acoustic, and not accompanied by the full on wail Dickinson usually employes. While the melodies are nice in the verses, Bruce's middle range voice is not good enough to carry the song. Unfortunately, the chorus kicks fails to kick into his usual vocal, and grows stagnant. The lyrics are the most ridiculous I've heard yet from Bruce "if god is throwing dice, and Einstein doesn't mind", and the vocals are weak, but the melody is enough to make the song passable.

"River of no Return" settles immediately into a mid tempo groove, and doesn't waver. Quiet verses, again featuring Bruce's weak vocal range, lull by until another sweeping chorus kicks into gear. This one is less melodic than previous songs, but uses background vocals to great effect. Also, this song feautres a wonderful and lyrical guitar solo from Roy Z, in the one moment his guitar playing stands out.

"Power of the Sun" is a full on melodic rocker, working at a faster pace that the other songs on the album. Grand in scope, but slightly smaller in execution, the song carries on with lovely melody, but little substance.

"Devil on a Hog" is another mid tempo rocker that finds a groove and settles into it. The vocal is a bit substandard, but not egregious. The chorus again is huge, but the background vocals are far too low in the mix to project the chorus into grand form as it should be.

"Believil" is the single weakest song on this album. A plodding, dark, and atmospheric song, this one never clicks. The verses meander without direction, and when the song kicks into gear, it's with little effect. "I believe, you and me, I believe, evil". Those are weak lyrics to build a hook around, and Bruce can't manage it.

"A Tyrrany of Souls" closes the album in grand fashion. Much like "Tears of a Dragon", from his album "Balls to Picasso", the best song is saved for last. A slow first verse slowly builds into a thundering chorus, highlighted by the finest wail Bruce has put to tape since rejoining Maiden. It's frightening to hear how good his voice sounds at his age, and with as many concerts that he has performed. The slow tempo continues through the second verse, followed by the thundering chorus, and then a particularly viscious bridge with a thundering galloping riff. Bruce spits venom during this bridge, and brings a new color to the album that was missing. After a stop start solo featuring Zakk Wylde-like pinch harmonics (a new trick for a Dickinson album), the chorus sweeps back in to close the album and send the listener away happy.

The bottom line with this album is twofold; Bruce is back in fine form, but only when he follows certain guidelines. When situated in high energy songs, Dickinson shines. His wail is unaffected by age, and still is envied by power metal singers of all ages. But, if Bruce tries to stretch himself a bit and sing more mellow material, his voice is no longer able to handle the task. Since that sort of stuff is kept to a minimum here, the album works very well. I would call it his best solo album, and it's better than both albums with Maiden since his return. If that's not enough of a recomendation, I don't know what to say.

Rating: 85/100