Heavy metal duo Ashes Of Ares, featuring former Iced Earth members Matt Barlow (vocals) and Freddie Vidales (guitars, bass), has officially announced their upcoming fourth studio album, titled New Messiahs. The record is slated for release in Europe on July 18, 2025, and in North America on August 8, 2025, via ROAR! Rock Of Angels Records. To mark the announcement, the band has also premiered a music video for the LP’s powerful first single, “Wake Of Vultures.”
Vocalist Matt Barlow shed light on the thematic inspiration behind the new single: “‘Wake Of Vultures’ is derived from the idea ‘misery loves company’ but this goes one step further. This is the back side of involving yourself with the group of miserable people. Once you are a part of that group, you are either a vulture or you are the miserable piece of meat that they feast upon. Another cautionary tale… I’m seeing a pattern.”
New Messiahs promises to continue the band’s “relentless pursuit of sonic excellence,” delivering a collection of 12 new tracks that aim to push the boundaries of their signature sound. The album is said to be packed with emotional intensity, sharp songwriting, and captivating melodies, featuring the blistering title track and other standouts like “Two Graves” alongside the lead single.
The album also boasts notable collaborations, with Kyle Taylor handling drum duties. Guest appearances include contributions from Charlie Honig, Craig Blackwell, and Todd La Torre of Queensrÿche. A surprise bonus track on the CD version features Ashes Of Ares‘ powerful cover of Elton John‘s “And The House Fell Down,” showcasing the duo’s versatility. The album was recorded and mastered by Byron Filson at Villain Recording in Phoenix, Arizona, and features striking artwork by Kamil Pietruczynik.
Ashes Of Ares was formed in 2012 by Barlow and Vidales, initially with former Nevermore drummer Van Williams. Their self-titled debut album arrived in 2013, quickly establishing their sound. After Van Williams‘ departure in 2017, Barlow and Vidales continued as a duo, releasing Well Of Souls in 2018 and Emperors And Fools in 2022, each marking an evolution in their musical journey.
The track listing for New Messiahs is as follows:
- “Novus Ordo”
- “New Messiahs”
- “Two Graves”
- “Where You Go”
- “Wake Of Vultures”
- “Infection Deception” (CD bonus track)
- “Atrophy”
- “Keep On Walkin'”
- “The Hawk And The Dove”
- “Lust To Feed”
- “From Hell He Rides”
- “And The House Fell Down” (CD bonus track)
The recording lineup for the album features Matt Barlow on vocals, Freddie Vidales on guitars and bass, with guest drums by Kyle Taylor.
Ashes Of Ares will also be celebrating a different part of their members’ legacy later this year. They are scheduled to embark on a European tour in September/October 2025 to mark the upcoming 30th anniversary of Iced Earth‘s classic 1996 album, The Dark Saga. With New Messiahs, Ashes Of Ares continues to forge their own path, delivering heartfelt and powerful music.
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