IRON KINGDOM Update Cross Canada Tour Dates In Support of New Album "Shadows and Dust" New Videos "Blood and Steel" and "Defenders"

L-R - Max Friesen (Drums), Megan Merrick (Lead Guitar), Chris Osterman (Lead Vocals / Lead Guitar), Leighton Holmes (Bass)   Photo Credit – Cailin Haley

 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.”​

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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.

Watch and listen to the music video for "Defenders" at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3k7tW5-9Os​

 

​“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.​​​

Watch and listen to “Blood and Steel” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qb8BIzHT3_Q

Add to your Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/track/6SDL7czZLBENHKRRbFvrQl​

 

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.

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​“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.

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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​

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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.

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, IRON KINGDOM have spent over a decade championing the classic heavy metal tradition, drawing influence from legends such as Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Helloween, The Scorpions, and Rush. Known for their electrifying live performances, intricate musicianship, and unwavering dedication to the genre, the band has toured extensively across Canada, the USA, Europe, and Brazil, sharing stages with acts like Night Demon and Blaze Bayley.

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​"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

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​