{"id":221,"date":"2026-04-23T21:11:21","date_gmt":"2026-04-23T21:11:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marinerfm.eu\/?p=221"},"modified":"2026-04-24T20:31:52","modified_gmt":"2026-04-24T20:31:52","slug":"iron-kingdom-forging-blood-and-steel-with-new-single-cross-canada-tour","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.marinerfm.eu\/?p=221","title":{"rendered":"Iron Kingdom: Forging “Blood and Steel” with New Single & Cross-Canada Tour"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Canada’s IRON KINGDOM Forge “Blood and Steel” w\/ Second Single From New Album “Shadows and Dust” Out June 2026<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sixth Album “Shadows and Dust” Out June 6th, 2026 via Steel Shark Records<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Headline Hometown Show in Vancouver + Cross Canada Tour! and Armstrong Metal Fest, Loud As Hell Open Air Fest<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

L-R – Leighton Holmes (Bass), Max Friesen (Drums), Chris Osterman (Lead Vocals \/ Lead Guitar), Megan Merrick (Lead Guitar)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Photo Credit \u2013 Cailin Haley<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vancouver, Canada\u2019s traditional heavy metal torchbearers IRON KINGDOM <\/strong>return with the second single from their upcoming sixth studio album “Shadows and Dust,”<\/strong> due out June 6, 2026, marking their first release under their new label partnership with <\/strong>Steel Shark Records<\/strong><\/a> (France)<\/strong>, which will offer an exclusive EU edition<\/strong> limited to just 300 double\u2011CD copies<\/strong>. Disc 1<\/strong> will contain the full “Shadows and Dust”<\/strong> album, while Disc 2<\/strong> will feature a \u201cBest Of\u201d<\/strong> collection highlighting tracks from Iron Kingdom<\/strong>\u2019s previous five releases. In addition, the label will introduce a third vinyl colour (100 copies) available only to EU fans.<\/strong>
\u200b
Following the momentum of their first single and music video \u201cDefenders\u201d,<\/strong> the band now unveils the powerful new track \u201cBlood and Steel\u201d,<\/strong> accompanied by an epic lyric video that dives deep into the album\u2019s themes of endurance, mortality, and the human cost of ambition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bassist Leighton Holmes explains further:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe inspiration for \u2018Blood and Steel\u2019 came from two places. One draws from Steven Erikson\u2019s Malazan Book of the Fallen, and the other from imagining myself as a soldier in Alexander the Great\u2019s army, twelve years into a campaign, thousands of miles from home, questioning how I got there. The endless marching, the battles, the weight of the gear\u2026 It\u2019s a brutal life, and in a small way, it parallels the blood, sweat, and tears of touring in a band.\u201d<\/em>\u200b
\u200b
Musically, \u201cBlood and Steel\u201d<\/strong> stands apart in the IRON KINGDOM<\/strong> catalogue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe wanted the song to feel like a march. It\u2019s very bass\u2011 and drum\u2011driven in the verses, with guitars layered in strategic spots. It\u2019s a different kind of song for us, and I think it\u2019s going to add something special to our live sets,\u201d<\/em> adds vocalist\/guitarist Chris Osterman.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Watch and listen to “Blood and Steel” <\/strong>at https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=qb8BIzHT3_Q<\/a>\u200b<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Add to your Spotify playlist<\/strong> – https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/track\/6SDL7czZLBENHKRRbFvrQl<\/a>\u200b
\u200b
\u200b“Shadows and Dust”<\/strong> is IRON KINGDOM<\/strong>\u2019s most emotionally charged and thematically dark album to date, ten tracks exploring death, hardship, impermanence, and the resilience required to push through life\u2019s most difficult trials. The cover art, inspired by the story behind \u201cBlood and Steel,\u201d<\/strong> depicts an army marching across a desolate landscape, echoing the album\u2019s central themes of struggle and perseverance.
\u200b
\u200b\u201cThis album plays in a dark realm. But that\u2019s exactly what will make it accessible to people going through tough times. The music shows hope for a way out. It\u2019s a journey, one we can\u2019t wait for fans to experience front to back,\u201d<\/em> says Osterman.
\u200b
In additional news, to celebrate the release of “Shadows and Dust,” IRON KINGDOM <\/strong>will headline a special hometown album release show at the Rickshaw Theatre on June 5, 2026. Fans can expect the band\u2019s signature high\u2011energy performance, raw, loud, and unapologetically traditional heavy metal. Info at https:\/\/orangetickets.ca\/detalles_evento.php?id_evento=2127<\/a>\u200b<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The album release show will also serve as the band’s tour kick-off, as the band will hit the road this summer across Canada in support of “Shadows and Dust,”<\/strong> including confirmed festival appearances at Armstrong Metal Fest <\/strong>and Loud As Hell Open Air Festival.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

True North Strong And Heavy Canadian Tour – Iron Kingdom, W.M.D.<\/u><\/strong>\u200b
\u200bhttps:\/\/www.iron-kingdom.com\/tour-dates<\/a>\u200b
June 5 \u2013 Vancouver, BC \u2013 The Rickshaw
July 2 \u2013 Nanaimo, BC \u2013 The Globe
July 3 \u2013 Victoria, BC \u2013 Lucky Bar
July 4 \u2013 Cumberland, BC \u2013 The Waverley
July 5 \u2013 Powell River, BC \u2013 The Carlson Loft
July 17 \u2013 Armstrong, BC \u2013 AMF 2026
July 21 \u2013 Prince George, BC \u2013 Knox Performance Centre
July 23 \u2013 Whitehorse, YT \u2013 Lefty\u2019s Well
July 24 \u2013 Dawson City, YT \u2013 The Pit
July 25 \u2013 Dawson City, YT \u2013 The Pit
July 26 \u2013 Whitehorse, YT \u2013 The 98 Hotel
July 28 \u2013 Yellowknife, NT \u2013 The Underground
July 29 \u2013 Fort Smith, NT \u2013 Dirty O\u2019 Fergie\u2019s
July 30 \u2013 Edmonton, AB \u2013 Starlite
July 31 \u2013 Drumheller, AB \u2013 LAH 2026
Aug 1 \u2013 Winnipeg, MB \u2013 Park Theatre
Aug 2 \u2013 Thunder Bay, ON \u2013 Bloom Bar + Lounge
Aug 3 \u2013 Sudbury, ON \u2013 The Lounge 390
Aug 4 \u2013 London, ON \u2013 Supply & Demand
Aug 5 \u2013 Waterloo, ON – Maxwells
Aug 6 \u2013 Ottawa, ON – Dominion Tavern
Aug 7 \u2013 Toronto, ON – Bovine
Aug 8 \u2013 Montr\u00e9al, QC \u2013 Foufounes \u00c9lectriques
Aug 9 \u2013 Sherbrooke, QC \u2013 Le Murdoch
Aug 11 \u2013 Woodstock, NB \u2013 Monteith Manor
Aug 12 \u2013 Halifax, NS \u2013 Gus\u2019 Pub
Aug 14 \u2013 Corner Brook, NL \u2013 TBD
Aug 15 \u2013 St. John\u2019s, NL \u2013 The Rockhouse
Aug 17 \u2013 Truro, NS \u2013 Marigold Cult. Centre (Lobby)
Aug 18 \u2013 Quebec City, QC \u2013 L\u2019Anti
Aug 19 \u2013 Hamilton, ON \u2013 Doors Pub
Aug 21 \u2013 Saskatoon, SK \u2013 Black Cat Tavern
Aug 22 \u2013 Calgary, AB \u2013 Dicken\u2019s
Aug 23 \u2013 Kelowna, BC \u2013 Jackknife Brewing<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Formed in 2011, IRON KINGDOM<\/strong> have spent over a decade championing the classic heavy metal tradition, drawing influence from legends such as Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Helloween, The Scorpions, and Rush. Known for their electrifying live performances, intricate musicianship, and unwavering dedication to the genre, the band has toured extensively across Canada, the USA, Europe, and Brazil, sharing stages with acts like Night Demon and Blaze Bayley.
\u200b
\u200b“Shadows and Dust”<\/strong> marks the next chapter in their evolution, an album that blends old\u2011school metal spirit with fresh energy and emotional depth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Album Teaser <\/strong>– https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=nmWn8pKOyh0<\/a>\u200b<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Music Video – “Defenders” <\/strong>– https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=t3k7tW5-9Os<\/a>\u200b<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Album pre-order <\/strong>(release date June 6th, 2026) available at the following links:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Official Merch store: https:\/\/www.iron-kingdom.com\/shop<\/a>\u200b
Bandcamp: https:\/\/iron-kingdom.bandcamp.com\/music<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Track Listing:
\u200b<\/strong>1. Defenders
2. Eternal Emperor
3. Dreamless Sea
4. Deadhouse Gates
5. Line Of Fire
6. Blood And Steel
7. Shadow Of Time
8. Dark Demands
9. Starlight
10. Sacred Fire<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more info:
\u200b<\/strong>https:\/\/www.iron-kingdom.com<\/a>\u200b
\u200bhttps:\/\/www.facebook.com\/ironkingdomofficial<\/a>\u200b
\u200bhttps:\/\/www.instagram.com\/iron_kingdom<\/a>\u200b
\u200b<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ten tracks leading to a beautiful journey you will wish to live forever. A masterpiece to own with pleasure. Iron Kingdom has arrived on the stardom stairs, and it\u2019s worth it 100\/100.” – The Metal Mag (Shadows and Dust 2026)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLoads of riffs and melodies some excellent lead breaks and pounding rhythms. This is bonafide, foot on the monitor, fist pumping, horn throwing real metal. I have never heard Iron Kingdom before but on the strength of this I will be obtaining the back catalogue very soon.\u201d \u2013 My Global Mind (The Blood of Creation 2022)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIf you haven\u2019t checked out Iron Kingdom\u2019s earlier releases and you dig pure \u201980s metal, grab a copy of The Blood of Creation then get ready to hunt down their earlier catalog. You will not be disappointed.\u201d \u2013 The Metal Crypt (The Blood of Creation 2022)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am compelled to say that IRON KINGDOM most surely outdone themselves with \u201cThe Blood Of Creation\u201d\u2026 A distinctively distinguished experience in Heavy Metal relishment distils at an epically entrancing adventure, should you desire it\u2026 an injection in infectiously venomous momentum most definitely deserves interest \u2013 do check it out.\u201d \u2013 Metal Temple (The Blood of Creation 2022)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWith The Blood Of Creation, Iron Kingdom have forged a masterpiece that brings tears of joy to the eyes of every traditional metalhead. There is only high-quality material and everyone is encouraged to include this album in their choice of this year\u2019s Top10. \u201d \u2013 Soundmagnet (The Blood of Creation 2022)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTo put a bow on IRON KINGDOM\u2019s The Blood of Creation, it\u2019s dang good, borderline perfect and any fan of hard rock and heavy metal that is slathered with soaring epic vocals, dual guitar rhythm and shredding solo\u2019s layed down on a feather bed of thunderous, galloping and filling chattering drums and bass then go, go, go get you some of this. A monster thank you to Chris for taking the time to chat me up and gift me this glorious CD. Now I need to go and get the back catalog\u2026\u201d \u2013 KNAC (The Blood of Creation 2022)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201ca barnstorming barrage of blistering heavy metal, highly head bang-able and immensely infectious.\u201d \u2013 Metal Gods TV (The Blood of Creation 2022)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201c\u201dThe Blood of Creation\u201d is a satisfying excursion into metal classicism.\u201d \u2013 Wormwood Chronicles (The Blood of Creation 2022)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis is a solid album of heavy metal delivered in the style that is true to the cause and therefore, what the listener gets here with \u2018The Blood of Creation\u2019, is an album which mounts its steeds and charges forward in a cavalry strike as galloping riffage and rhythms never give the listener the chance to let up with tracks such as \u2018Queen of the Crystal Throne\u2019, \u2018In the Grip of Nightmares\u2019 and \u2018Witching Hour\u2019 having some very impressive twin guitar lines. This would impress any fan of Iron Maiden, Riot V and Iced Earth, but also sticks within the remit of trad metal with bands such as Katana, Skelator and Toledo Steel.\u201d \u2013 Metal Digest (The Blood of Creation 2022)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAnyone who likes beautiful and playful melodies, extensive guitar solos, detailed arrangements and double lead guitars will be well served with \u201cThe Blood Of Creation\u201d.\u201d \u2013 PowerMetal.de (The Blood of Creation 2022)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe musicianship is solid, the lead work sharp and Osterman\u2019s high-pitched vocals can certainly hit the heights. His soaring shrill delivery on \u2018Queen of the Crystal Throne\u2019 demonstrates that perfectly. New drummer Max Friesen makes his recording debut for the band and puts in a sterling effort with some robust and powerful performances.\u201d \u2013 Ever-Metal (The Blood of Creation 2022)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u200b<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Canada’s IRON KINGDOM Forge “Blood and Steel” w\/ Second Single From New Album “Shadows and Dust” Out June 2026 Sixth […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":224,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"pagelayer_contact_templates":[],"_pagelayer_content":"","site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-221","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marinerfm.eu\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/221","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marinerfm.eu\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marinerfm.eu\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marinerfm.eu\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marinerfm.eu\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=221"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.marinerfm.eu\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/221\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":225,"href":"https:\/\/www.marinerfm.eu\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/221\/revisions\/225"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marinerfm.eu\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/224"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marinerfm.eu\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=221"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marinerfm.eu\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=221"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marinerfm.eu\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=221"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}