BRUCE DICKINSON Skunkworks 2LP Vinyl NEW 2017

Space Race
Back from the Edge
Inertia
Faith
Solar Confinement
Dreamstate
I Will Not Accept the Truth
Inside the Machine
Headswitch
Meltdown
Octavia
Innerspace
Strange Death in Paradise

Firmly established as a solo artist, Bruce could easily have settled into a cosy routine of pumping out sparky hard rock albums every couple of years, keeping his still vast fanbase happy. Instead, he took a far more daring route, embracing the cutting edge alt-rock sound of the mid-’90s and conjuring the dark, gritty Skunkworks album in 1996.

Named in tribute to the alias used by US aerospace titan Lockheed’s Advanced Development Programs, the source of many legendary aircraft designs, Skunkworks was originally to be the name of Bruce’s new band, but after concerns that the absence of the singer’s name would limit the new project’s potential, it became the album’s title. Produced by underground rock legend Jack Endino, the record has stood the test of time incredibly well, with Dickinson’s harnessing of less traditional heavy tropes, the vibrant performances of his young cohorts and a generous sprinkling of sci-fi imagery combining to thrilling effect, particularly on album highlights Space Race, Back From the Edge and Inside the Machine.