NEWS RELEASE
Montreal, QC – May 21, 2026
IRON KINGDOM’s New Video Opens The “Deadhouse Gates” Ahead of Sixth Album “Shadows and Dust” Out June 2026
Sixth Album “Shadows and Dust” Out June 6th, 2026 via Steel Shark Records
Headline Hometown Show in Vancouver + Cross Canada Tour! and Armstrong Metal Fest, Loud As Hell Open Air Fest
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L-R – Max Friesen (Drums), Leighton Holmes (Bass), Chris Osterman (Lead Vocals / Lead Guitar), Megan Merrick (Lead Guitar),
Photo Credit – Cailin Haley
Vancouver, Canada’s purveyors of heavy metal Iron Kingdom, are charging forward with the next chapter of their upcoming sixth studio album, “Shadows and Dust,” and unveiling their third single and music video, “Deadhouse Gates”.
“Deadhouse Gates” follows the album’s first two singles, “Defenders” and “Blood and Steel,” continuing to showcase the band’s blend of classic heavy metal power, epic storytelling, and electrifying musicianship.
Bassist Leighton Holmes offers a deep look into the single’s literary inspiration:
“Deadhouse Gates is based on Malazan Book of the Fallen by Steven Erikson. The Deadhouse is a seemingly abandoned house in Malaz City that serves as a conduit to other planes of existence and is used by two mortals to ascend to godhood as rulers of Shadow. The song tells the story of ancient power waiting for those worthy, or crafty, enough to gain entry, but warns of the dangers presented to the unprepared. Straying from the path means an eternity of torment and imprisonment, but the chance for power is enticing. The dead trees scattered across the yard of the house hide those that are unsuccessful in their roots. It is a cautionary tale of reach exceeding grasp as well as an inspirational story of striving towards greatness.”
Frontman Chris Osterman adds:
“This one is just a total rock n’ roll song, some great leads and melodies, and just overall, I think very catchy!”
Watch and listen to the video for “Deadhouse Gates” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBE3s4WRlIw
Add to your Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/track/5YtmnaBqfbJkUBa4s4N42d
“Shadows and Dust” marks a major milestone for Iron Kingdom: their 15th anniversary and 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 album arrives June 6, 2026, coinciding with the 82nd anniversary of D‑Day, a symbolic date the band intentionally chose.
Recorded entirely in their newly completed home studio, the album explores themes of mortality, hardship, perseverance, and the search for meaning. Osterman describes the emotional weight behind the record:
“This album plays in quite a dark realm of topics… but I also think that’s exactly what will make this album accessible to people going through tougher times… The music shows hope for a positive way out, and hopefully offers the listener the will to fight on.”
Iron Kingdom will celebrate the album with their biggest hometown headliner yet at Vancouver’s iconic Rickshaw Theatre on June 5, 2026. Info – https://orangetickets.ca/detalles_evento.php?id_evento=2127
“To feel in some way that we have worked our way up to headline a venue of that size is very exciting, and we cannot wait to bring our biggest show yet!”
Following the album’s release, Iron Kingdom will hit the road across Western Canada (dates listed below) with confirmed festival appearances at Armstrong Metal Fest and Loud As Hell Open Air Festival.
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True North Strong And Heavy Canadian Tour – Iron Kingdom, W.M.D.
https://www.iron-kingdom.com/tour-dates
June 5 – Vancouver, BC – The Rickshaw
July 2 – Nanaimo, BC – The Globe
July 3 – Victoria, BC – Lucky Bar
July 4 – Cumberland, BC – The Waverley
July 5 – Powell River, BC – The Carlson Loft
July 17 – Armstrong, BC – AMF 2026
July 21 – Prince George, BC – Knox Performance Centre
July 23 – Whitehorse, YT – Lefty’s Well
July 24 – Dawson City, YT – The Pit
July 25 – Dawson City, YT – The Pit
July 26 – Whitehorse, YT – The 98 Hotel
July 28 – Yellowknife, NT – The Underground
July 29 – Fort Smith, NT – Dirty O’ Fergie’s
July 30 – Edmonton, AB – Starlite
July 31 – Drumheller, AB – LAH 2026
Aug 1 – Winnipeg, MB – Park Theatre
Aug 2 – Thunder Bay, ON – Bloom Bar + Lounge
Aug 3 – Sudbury, ON – The Lounge 390
Aug 4 – London, ON – Supply & Demand
Aug 5 – Waterloo, ON – Maxwells
Aug 6 – Ottawa, ON – Dominion Tavern
Aug 7 – Toronto, ON – Bovine
Aug 8 – Montréal, QC – Foufounes Électriques
Aug 9 – Sherbrooke, QC – Le Murdoch
Aug 11 – Woodstock, NB – Monteith Manor
Aug 12 – Halifax, NS – Gus’ Pub
Aug 14 – Corner Brook, NL – Retro
Aug 15 – St. John’s, NL – The Rockhouse
Aug 17 – Truro, NS – Marigold Cult. Centre (Lobby)
Aug 18 – Quebec City, QC – L’Anti
Aug 19 – Hamilton, ON – Doors Pub
Aug 21 – Saskatoon, SK – Black Cat Tavern
Aug 22 – Calgary, AB – Dicken’s
Aug 23 – Kelowna, BC – Jackknife Brewing
Formed in 2011 in Vancouver, Iron Kingdom carries the flame of classic heavy metal inspired by Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Helloween, The Scorpions, and Rush. Known for their high‑energy performances, intricate twin‑guitar work, and unwavering DIY ethos, the band has toured extensively across Canada, the USA, Europe, and Brazil, sharing stages with Night Demon, Blaze Bayley, and more.
Their discography includes “Curse of the Voodoo Queen” (2011), “Gates of Eternity” (2013), “Ride for Glory” (2015), “On the Hunt” (2019), and “The Blood of Creation” (2022). “Shadows and Dust” marks the next chapter in their evolution, an album that blends old‑school metal spirit with fresh energy and emotional depth.
Album pre-order (release date June 6th, 2026) available at the following links:
Official Merch store: https://www.iron-kingdom.com/shop
Bandcamp: https://iron-kingdom.bandcamp.com/music
Music Video – Defenders – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3k7tW5-9Os
Lyric Video – Blood and Steel – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qb8BIzHT3_Q
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Track Listing:
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
For more info:
https://www.iron-kingdom.com
https://www.facebook.com/ironkingdomofficial
https://www.instagram.com/iron_kingdom
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“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’s worth it 100/100.” – The Metal Mag
“the entire album is rock-solid from start to finish. If you call yourself a metal fan, this is a mandatory addition to your playlist.” – Broken Neck Radio
“If you only have one selection to convince someone whether they should invest time/money/effort into Iron Kingdom, play them “Shadow Of Time” as it locks into the classic sound they do so well. Winner!” – Mark Gromen – Bravewords
“Iron Kingdom has really taken their stance with hard rock and heavy metal to a standstill, packed with amazement and shining glory in all of its wonder, but making sure the two genres between the NWOBHM and thrash eras are kept in their mighty epic book of ingredients to keep you coming back for more. What can I say? Shadows and Dust is the album we’ve been waiting for this upcoming summer of 2026.” – Echoes and Dust
“After countless tours, line-up changes and even after a serious accident, IRON KINGDOM seem stronger today than ever. With ‘Shadows And Dust’ they deliver exactly the album that traditionalists have been longing for for years. Powerful, melodic, anthemic and rousing, full of great guitar moments and an honest passion for classic heavy metal. If you love IRON MAIDEN, RIOT, HELLOWEEN or SAVATAGE, you should definitely grab it here. The release in all formats as well as via “Steel Shark Records” with vinyl for collectors also fits in with this.” – Saitenkult
“Iron Kingdom’s sixth full-length continues the band’s upward trajectory in a way that is both concise and still varied. Every track has just enough difference between to make them all stand out from one another, while never feeling like they belong to a different artist. 2022’s “Blood of Creation” was an absolute clinic in modern metal perfection, and it would always be a tough act to follow but Iron Kingdom did so with gusto. Masterfully produced and even better performed, “Shadows and Dust” is one of the years best.” – The NWOTHM
“If you enjoy classic heavy metal and want more of that timeless sound, then ‘Shadows and Dust’ will feel very familiar in a good way… it is honest, energetic, and enjoyable from start to finish.” – AfterNoiz
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