Iron Kingdom – Shadows and Dust

Iron Kingdom
Shadows and Dust
Label: Self-Release (NA) / Steel Shark Records (EU)
Out: 6th June 2026
Playing time: 48:13

Canada is home to a large number of excellent Heavy Metal bands. Here comes the next one: Iron Kingdom, hailing from Surrey (British Columbia), was formed in 2011. Prior to that, the musicians had been performing as Twisted since 2004. The former Twisted members Chris Osterman (guitar, vocals), Leighton Holmes (bass) and Amanda Osterman (drums, vocals) launched the band. Amanda left Iron Kingdom in 2015. However, guitarist Megan Merrick (2019) and drummer Max Friesen (2020) joined the band. Their debut album, ‘Curse Of The Voodoo Queen’, was released in the same year the band was formed. ‘Shadows and Dust’, due out in June, is already their sixth studio album. In the meantime, fans were also treated to the live album ‘Unleashed at the Kraken (Live in Seattle)’ (2014).

Iron Kingdom goes full throttle right from the start of ‘Defenders’. The lyrics tell the story of the attack on the Polish Baltic city of Gdansk and a group of defenders. This scenario is brought to life very effectively through the music. The singer (and guitarist) in particular takes centre stage with his high-pitched Metal voice. But he also impresses with his guitar solo, in interplay with second lead guitarist Megan Merrick. And the tempo remains high, even on ‘Eternal Emperor’. Both guitarists let their fingers fly across the strings. Drummer Max Friesen sets the pace. On “Dreamless Sea”, too, the musicians are initially driven by the drums. But then it becomes a little calmer and more rhythmic. This continues on “Deadhouse Gates”. “Line Of Fire” offers a excursion into high-speed Metal. The drums rumble almost thrash-like, and Megan and Chris constantly try to outdo each other with new speed records. ‘Blood And Steel’ starts with marching sounds and is considerably calmer. Chris Osterman switches between high-pitched screams and deeper vocal passages. But it doesn’t stay that way. ‘Shadow Of Time’ delivers an increase in tempo with driving guitars and drums. And another powerful twin-guitar solo. ‘Dark Demands’ takes us back into high-speed mode. Once again, the entire rhythm section drives the singer on. But Iron Kingdom also master Metal anthems, as they demonstrate with ‘Starlight’. The closing track, ‘Sacred Fire’, is extremely multi-layered and epic. It begins with acoustic guitars and accentuated drumming. Soon after, there is an abrupt shift from ballad-like to anthemic. The tempo also picks up. During the chorus, backing vocals can be heard. And there are repeated subtle changes in rhythm and tempo.

‘Shadows and Dust’ is a Heavy Metal album that is more than worth a listen. Chris Osterman sings mostly in a higher vocal range, interspersing his vocals with the characteristic Metal screams. Together with Megan Merrick, he engages in guitar duels. Drummer Max Friesen and bassist Leighton Holmes provide the powerful, rhythmic Metal underpinning.

Iron Kingdom – Defenders: https://youtu.be/t3k7tW5-9Os?si=sbA7pIgWcZDoUsHo

Lineup:

Chris Osterman – Lead Guitar, Lead Vocals
Max Friesen – Drums
Megan Merrick – Lead Guitar
Leighton Holmes – Bass Guitar

Track list:

• Defenders
• Eternal Emperor
• Dreamless Sea
• Deadhouse Gates
• Line Of Fire
• Blood And Steel
• Shadow Of Time
• Dark Demands
• Starlight
• Sacred Fire