Vancouver, Canada’s traditional heavy metal torchbearers IRON KINGDOM proudly announce updated tour dates for their 2026 Canadian run, launching this summer in support of their upcoming sixth studio album, “Shadows and Dust,” out June 6th, which will also be their first release under their new label partnership with Steel Shark Records (France), who will offer an exclusive EU edition limited to just 300 double CD copies. Disc 1 will contain the full “Shadows and Dust” album, while Disc 2 will feature a “Best Of” collection highlighting tracks from Iron Kingdom’s previous five releases. In addition, the label will introduce a third vinyl colour (100 copies) available only to EU fans.
The band has currently released two new singles, the anthemic “Defenders” and their latest, the powerful “Blood and Steel.”
These tracks offer fans the first glimpse into the darker, more emotionally charged world of “Shadows and Dust,” setting the stage for what promises to be one of IRON KINGDOM’s most impactful eras yet.
“Defenders” channels the band’s signature blend of classic heavy metal, drawing influence from acts like Tyran Pace and Primal Fear, with soaring melodies, galloping riffs, and a relentless sense of urgency.
“Blood and Steel” is a commanding track accompanied by an epic lyric video exploring themes of endurance, mortality, and the human cost of ambition.
Bassist Leighton Holmes shares the inspiration behind the song:
“The idea came partly from Steven Erikson’s Malazan Book of the Fallen, and partly from imagining myself as a soldier in Alexander the Great’s 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… It’s a brutal life, and in a small way, it parallels the blood, sweat, and tears of touring in a band.”
Musically, the track stands apart in the IRON KINGDOM catalogue.
“We wanted the song to feel like a march. It’s very bass and drum driven in the verses, with guitars layered in strategic spots. It’s a different kind of song for us, and I think it’s going to add something special to our live sets,” adds vocalist/guitarist Chris Osterman.
The ten tracks on “Shadows and Dust” explore themes of death, hardship, impermanence, and resilience. The cover art, inspired by the story behind “Blood and Steel”, depicts an army marching across a desolate landscape, echoing the album’s central themes of struggle and perseverance.
“This album plays in a dark realm. But that’s exactly what will make it accessible to people going through tough times. The music shows hope for a way out. It’s a journey, one we can’t wait for fans to experience front to back,” adds Osterman.
To celebrate the release of “Shadows and Dust,” IRON KINGDOM will headline a special hometown album release show on
June 5th, 2026, at Rickshaw Theatre (Vancouver, BC). Info – https://orangetickets.ca/detalles_evento.php?id_evento=2127
This performance also marks the kick off of their 2026 Canadian tour, with stops across the country and festival appearances at
Armstrong Metal Fest and Loud As Hell Open Air Festival.