Just when you think metal’s about to behave itself… Bruce Dickinson kicks the door clean off the hinges.
The Iron Maiden frontman, aviation wizard, fencing menace and all-round unstoppable force is currently hard at work on his eighth solo album — and he’s doing it in suitably god-tier surroundings: Dave Grohl’s legendary Studio 606 in California.
Yep. That Studio 606. The one that smells permanently of valve amps, sweat, and rock ’n’ roll history. Tidy.
And as if that wasn’t enough to send metal Twitter into meltdown, Bruce has also recruited a member of Brazilian metal legends Sepultura to appear on the album. Because why not add a bit of South American fury to the mix, mun?
🎛️ STUDIO 606: WHERE RIFFS GO TO GET MUSCLE
Recording at Dave Grohl’s gaff isn’t just a flex — it’s a statement. Studio 606 is famous for capturing raw, live, punch-you-in-the-chest energy, the sort of sound that feels less “produced” and more “bare-knuckle”.
This suggests Bruce isn’t aiming for polite, middle-aged rock vibes. This is shaping up to be:
- Big, breathing live-room drums 🥁
- Guitars with teeth and bad intentions 🎸
- Zero interest in sanding off rough edges
- Maximum volume, minimum compromise
In short: proper job metal.
🔥 SEPULTURA INVOLVEMENT? YES PLEASE
The inclusion of a Sepultura member adds a seriously spicy wildcard. That band’s legacy is built on tribal rhythms, groove-heavy brutality, and political fire, so their influence could drag Bruce’s solo sound into darker, heavier territory.
British metal intelligence meets Brazilian metal violence.
That’s not a collaboration — that’s a controlled explosion.
Expect riffs that stomp, rhythms that churn, and moments that make you go “yeah… Maiden definitely didn’t do THIS.”
🛩️ BRUCE DICKINSON: STILL BUSY, STILL UNHINGED
Let’s take a second to appreciate how ridiculous this is.
Most people slow down a bit. Bruce Dickinson instead chooses to:
- Front Iron Maiden like a general leading a charge ⚔️
- Pilot aircraft ✈️
- Fence competitively
- Write books
- Record solo albums at Dave Grohl’s studio
- And casually rope in Sepultura royalty
The man does not understand the concept of chilling out — and the metal world is better for it.
⏰ WHEN CAN WE EXPECT IT?
No release date yet.
No tracklist.
No teaser clips.
Just the delicious knowledge that it’s happening — and that it’s already well underway. When Bruce goes quiet, it usually means something loud is loading.
One thing’s guaranteed:
When this album lands, it’s going to land HARD.
Keep your neck limber, your speakers insured, and your leathers ready.
Bruce Dickinson isn’t done yet… and metal wouldn’t dare ask him to stop 🤘🔥
Michael is the founder, editor, and chief riff wrangler behind The Riff Report, an independent Welsh rock and metal publication built by fans, for fans. With a lifelong passion for loud guitars, unforgettable live shows, and the incredible community that surrounds rock and metal, he created The Riff Report to celebrate everything that makes the scene special—from legendary headline acts and grassroots venues to rising bands that deserve to be heard.
A familiar face at festivals across the UK, Michael spends much of the year covering events including Download Festival, Bloodstock Open Air, Steelhouse Festival, Firevolt, Plumpton Revival, and many more. Whether he’s battling the Welsh weather on a mountainside, surviving a weekend in a muddy campsite, or squeezed against the front barrier with thousands of fellow fans, he’s always searching for the next great story to share.
As editor of The Riff Report, Michael writes festival guides, breaking news, album reviews, gig reviews, interviews, opinion pieces, nostalgia features, and behind-the-scenes stories from across the rock and metal world. His writing combines honest opinions, humour, and a genuine love for live music, bringing readers closer to the bands, festivals, venues, and people that keep the scene alive.
Michael is particularly passionate about supporting independent artists, local venues, charities, and the wider UK rock and metal community. He believes every band deserves a chance to be discovered and every festival has a story worth telling. Through The Riff Report, he aims to shine a spotlight on both the biggest names in rock and the future stars waiting to break through.
When he’s not writing or interviewing artists, you’ll probably find him exploring festival campsites, photographing live shows, chatting with fellow fans over a pint, or planning the next road trip in search of more riffs, bigger crowds, and unforgettable moments.
Above all, Michael believes rock and metal are about more than music—they’re about community, friendship, and creating memories that last a lifetime. That’s exactly what The Riff Report exists to celebrate.
Proudly Welsh. Proudly Loud. Always chasing the next great riff. 🤘
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