Iron Kingdom Unveils "Blood And Steel" Lyric Video from Upcoming Album "Shadows And Dust"
Vancouver-based traditional heavy metal band Iron Kingdom has released the lyric video for their fresh single "Blood And Steel," the second track unveiled from their upcoming sixth studio album "Shadows And Dust," scheduled for release on June 6, 2026. The announcement coincides with the band’s 15th anniversary, having formed in June 2011.
The song draws inspiration from two distinct sources, as explained by bassist Leighton Holmes. One influence comes from Steven Erikson’s epic fantasy series Malazan Book of the Fallen, while the other stems from Holmes imagining himself as a soldier in Alexander the Great’s army, twelve years into a grueling campaign far from home. This dual inspiration informs the track’s exploration of endurance, mortality, and the human cost of ambition—themes central to the entire album.
Musically, "Blood And Steel" represents a deliberate shift in Iron Kingdom’s approach. Vocalist and lead guitarist Chris Osterman described the song as wanting "to feel like a march," emphasizing its bass- and drum-driven verses with strategic guitar layering. Osterman noted that the track differs from the band’s previous work and is expected to enhance their live performances.
"Shadows And Dust" marks several firsts for Iron Kingdom. It is the first album recorded entirely in the band’s newly completed home studio. It represents their debut release under a new partnership with Steel Shark Records, a French label. As part of this collaboration, Steel Shark Records will offer an exclusive European edition limited to 300 double-CD copies. Disc 1 contains the full "Shadows And Dust" album, while Disc 2 features a "Best Of" compilation highlighting tracks from Iron Kingdom’s first five releases. The label will similarly release a third vinyl variant in a quantity of 100 copies, available exclusively to European fans.
The album’s cover artwork, created by Alan Lathwell, visually connects to the themes of "Blood And Steel," depicting an army marching across a harsh landscape with some soldiers succumbing to the elements while others persevere. This imagery reflects the lyrical content inspired by both Erikson’s writings and historical military campaigns.
Iron Kingdom characterizes "Shadows And Dust" as their darkest and most ambitious record to date, blending classic heavy metal, power metal, and NWOBHM influences with what Osterman describes as "a little bit more of a rock n’ roll edge." Despite its exploration of difficult themes such as death, hardship, impermanence, and resilience, the band intends the album to serve as a source of hope and solidarity for listeners facing their own challenges.
The lyric video for "Blood And Steel" is available for viewing on YouTube, and fans can add the track to their Spotify playlists via the provided link. With "Shadows And Dust" set for release on June 6, 2026—a date that also marks the 82nd anniversary of D-Day—Iron Kingdom continues to build on their legacy as one of Canada’s enduring traditional heavy metal acts.