Heavy Metal
  Canada

Releasing 6th of June, 2026

Considering the herculean effort the band put into the NWOTHM article a little while back, it’s only fair that I share with you all some insight into the latest album from IRON KINGDOM.

The foursome from Surrey, British Columbia have worn their hearts on their sleeves when it comes to classic metal, and for the sixth offering, titled SHADOWS AND DUST, those sleeves are rolled and ready to put in a hard shift.

This year happens to be the fifteenth anniversary for IRON KINGDOM, and from this, we can hear a band with plenty more in the tank to come.
But, for now, there is this new opus to enjoy, and there is a lot to enjoy, believe me.

From the opening twin riffage from both CHRIS OSTERMAN and MEGAN MERRICK on DEFENDERS, ETERNAL EMPEROR and DREAMLESS SEA, the albums opening triptych, they offer a reminder and refresher of how the New Wave Of Heavy Metal can challenge the current trends.

With power and pure songwriting will, IRON KINGDOM deliver unbridled metal goodness. It is made oh so prevalent with the solid energy provided by the backline synergy of bassist and fellow founder, LEIGHTON HOLMES, and drummer MAX FRIESEN.

Considering this album was recorded from the band’s own home studio, it proves that they have the skills to match the thrills.

When taking into account that the album does not let up at any point, songs like LINE OF FIRE and SHADOW OF TIME share more than just a middle name. Every member seems to be pushing further into their limits and yet still giving the goods.

Power, speed, trad metal trappings are dressed to the nines and have their spotlight time, but the real queen of the prom lies in the pomp and ceremony that IRON KINGDOM have mustered here. This is highlighted on the epic track, STARLIGHT, and even further with the album’s closing piece, SACRED FIRE. A song that allows every member to truly flex their musical muscles and purvey a particular piece of progressive power.

As timeless as the NWOTHM likes to maintain the status quo, the hunger for ever greater things persists as much as it did way back when. With SHADOWS AND DUST, tradition is maintained while the gate is kept unkept. An album of its generation that will entertain all generations, hopefully, for generations to come.

If you’re in Canada and want some metal in your ears, IRON KINGDOM are touring the country this summer (see below)

SHADOWS AND DUST is out on the 6th of June and can be streamed from major services.

Also available on digital and physical formats from the IRON KINGDOM Bandcamp HERE, or by visiting their webstore HERE