Ashes of AresThe Us Heavy Metal Duo Featuring Former ICED EARTH members Matt Barlow and Freddie Vidalesyou have revealed first details of its new studio album, titled “New Messiahs”that is slamed for a release in Europe on July 18 and in north America on August 8, 2025 via Roar!
A Music Video for the LP’s First Single, “Wake of Vultures”Can Be Seen Below.
Matt Comments: “‘Wake of Vultures’ Is derived from the idea ‘Misery Loves Company’ Butis Goes One Step Further. This is The Back Side of Involving Yourself with the Group of Miserable People. Eleven you are a part of that Group, you are eithher a vulture or you are the miserable piece of meat that they feast upon. Another Cautionary tale … i’m seeing a Pattern. “
Formed in 2012 by Barlow and VidalesAlongsis Former Nevermore Drummer Van Williams, Ashes of Ares Was Born from A Shared Vision: To create Sound that reflects their personal influences, ideas, and visions. With their self -titled debut album release in 2013, The Band Quickly Captivated Audiences in The USA and Europe with their electrifying live performances.
In 2017, after They go‘s Departure, Matt and Freddie Continue Undeterred, Forging Ahead With Their Creative Journey. Their Sophomore Album, “Well of Souls” (2018), Showcased a More Intense and Expansive Sound, Cementing the Duo’s Partnership in Songwriting, Followed by Their Third Full-LENGTH, “Emperors and Fools” (2022), That Marked a New Milestone and Evolution in the Sound of Ashes of Ares.
Now, Ashes of Ares Returns with “New Messiahs”Continue ITS Relay Pursuit of Sonic Excellence and Delivening A Collection of 12 New Tracks That Push the Boundaries of the Band’s Signature Sound. Featuring the blistering title track and stands like “Two Serious” and “Wake of Vultures”The LP Brings an Emotional Intensity, Sharp Songwriting, and Captivating Melodies that reflect their journey as artists.
“New Messiahs” You introduce remarkable collaborations, including Kyle Taylor on drums and guest appearances from Charlie Honig, Craig Blackwell and Todd the tower (Queensrÿche). A Surprise Bonus Track, featuring a Powerful Cover of Elton John‘s “And The House Fell Down”Highlights The Duo’s Ability to Make Any Song their Own. Remember and Mastered By Byron F runic AT Villain Recinging In Phoenix, Arizona, The Album Features Stunning Artwork By Kamil PietrucczynikBringing a Visual Dimension to the Sonic Experience.
Spanning over to decade of evolution, Ashes of Ares You continue to honor the commitment to Heartfelt, Powerful Music That transcends Boundaries. With “New Messiahs”they solidify their place as Masters of Storytelling and Architects of A Sound That Resonates Deeply With Fans Worldwide.
“New Messiahs” Track listing:
01. Novus Ordo
02. New Messiahs
03. Two serious
04. Where you go
05. Wake of Vultures
06. Infection disappation (CD Bonus Track)
07. Atrophy
08. Keep on Walkin ‘
09. The Hawk and the Dove
10. Lust to feed
11. From HELL HE RIDES
12. And The House Fell Down (CD Bonus Track)
RECORDING LINEUP:
Matt Barlow – Vocals
Freddie Vidales – Guitars, Bass
Guest Drums by Kyle Taylor
As well as reported, Ashes of Ares Will celebrate the upcoming 30th anniversary of ICED EARTH‘S Third Album, 1996’s “The Dark Saga”On a European Tour in SEPTEMBER/October 2025.
Vidales Played with ICED EARTH From 2008 to 2012 and is featured on the band’s 2011 album “Dystopia”.
Barlow SERVED TWO STATIONS WITH ICED EARTHfrom 1993 to 2003 and from 2007 to 2011.
Remember in Early 1996, “The Dark Saga” was A Concept Album Based On The Todd McFarlane Comic Book Character Spawn (WHO ALSO APPEARS ON THE ALBUM’S COVER). Upon ITS Arrival, The LP was praised for Barlow‘S vocals, as well as ICED EARTH FOUNDER, Songwriter, Guitarist and Producer Jon Schaffer and Randall Shawver‘S Guitar Playing. Eduardo Rivadavia street Barlow‘S Vocal Performance “Impressive This Mike Stagno Felt that “Barlow‘S Deeper Vocal Style Also Helps The Songs Sound Much Emotional “. Rivadavia Also Named Schaffer and Shawver‘s interplay the highlight of “The Dark Saga”.
SEVEN YARS AG, Barlow awd “The Classic Metal Show” About Ashes of Ares: “Subtim you’s hard to escape the sharing [to ICED EARTH]Because my voice is still my voice no Matter What, and I’M Still Gonna Deliver Things Emotionally Like I Have Before, So People Are Always Gonna Draw Comparisons With ICED EARTHand That’s Fine; I’M Completely Cool with that. I’M PROUD OF MY TIME IN ICED EARTHPROUD OF EVERYTHING THAT I’VE DONE WITHYM, PROUD OF THEM RIGHT NOW, GOING ON AND KICKING ASS. So i don’t have any problem with that whatsoever – The Comparisons. But that Being Said, I Want Ashes to have song identity as well. I Think, Again, As My Writing Partner, Freddie Desserves that – I have dropped to have His Own Identity in Ashes – and I Think That’s Really Important; That’s What We’re Striving to do. “
ICED EARTH Played ITS Final Show With Barlow at the 2011 edition of the Wacken Open Air Festival in Wacken, Germany.
Barlowwho is married to Schaffer‘S Sister, AnnoCed His Departure from ICED EARTH in March 2011. In a Heartfelt Statement, I have cited his commitment to his family and the need for ICED EARTH to tour more as the reasons for his retirement; However, I’ve committed to performing with ICED EARTH ON ALL 2011 EUROPEAN FESTIVAL DATAS, INCLUDING Wacken Open Air.
Back in late 2020, Barlow GROUND WITH Schaffer to celebrate The Holiday Season with an ep street “Winter Nights”. Release the Schaffer/Barlow Project Banner, The Effort Contained The Duo’s Unique Spin On Five Christmas Classics and Two ICED EARTH Songs.
Last october, Jon was sentenced to three years of probation and 120 hours of community service in connection with His involvement in the riot at the us Capitol. He was also ordered to pay $ 1,000 in restitution and at $ 200 Financial Assessment. Schaffer Later Became One of About 1,500 People Accased of Crimes Related To The Riot Who Were Pardoned By President Donald Trump.
This Past April, Schaffer Said in an interview that the legal issues and professional setback has faced a result of his involvement in the Capitol Riot Have Been “The Biggest Gift” Of His Life, In Part Scholause “It is What Led” Him “to [Jesus] Christ. “
