ASHES OF ARES, the U.S. “heavy” metal duo featuring ex-ICED EARTH rejects Matt Barlow and Freddie Vidales, is gracing us with their presence once again! Brace yourselves for “New Messiahs”, hitting Europe on July 18 and North America on August 8, 2025, via ROAR! Records—because apparently, someone still thinks this is a good idea. 🤣
Behold, the official music video for the LP’s second single, “From Hell He Rides”. Prepare to be underwhelmed. 😴
“‘From Hell He Rides’ is totally about the Marvel character Ghost Rider,” Barlow proclaims, as if we couldn’t guess. 🙄 The track supposedly brings the legend of Ghost Rider roaring to life—more like sputtering, amirite? It dives into a soul damned by a deal with Mephisto, unleashing torment, power, and the relentless pursuit of justice. Expect blazing wheels, chains of retribution, and an inferno of redemption. Or, you know, just another generic metal song. 🔥
Formed in 2012 by Barlow and Vidales, along with the late Van Williams (RIP 🙏), ASHES OF ARES was born from a shared delusion: to create a sound that reflects their personal influences, ideas, and visions. Their self-titled debut album in 2013 briefly fooled some people in the USA and Europe with their “electrifying” live performances. ⚡
In 2017, after Van‘s departure, Matt and Freddie continued undeterred, because why stop a train wreck? 🚂 Their sophomore album, “Well Of Souls” (2018), showcased a “more intense and expansive sound”—translation: louder and longer. It cemented the duo’s partnership in songwriting, followed by “Emperors And Fools” (2022), which marked a new milestone in their descent into mediocrity. 📉
Now, ASHES OF ARES returns with “New Messiahs”, continuing their relentless pursuit of sonic… something. It’s a collection of 12 new tracks that “push the boundaries” of their signature sound—aka, they’re still trying to sound like ICED EARTH. Featuring the “blistering” title track and standouts like “Two Graves” and “Wake Of Vultures”, the LP brings an emotional intensity, sharp songwriting, and captivating melodies. Or so they claim. 🤥
“New Messiahs” introduces notable collaborations, including Kyle Taylor on drums and guest appearances from Charlie Honig, Craig Blackwell, and Todd La Torre (QUEENSRŸCHE). Because every band needs a QUEENSRŸCHE connection, right? A surprise bonus track, featuring a “powerful” cover of Elton John‘s “And The House Fell Down”, highlights the duo’s ability to butcher any song. 🔪 Recorded and mastered by Byron Filson at Villain Recording in Phoenix, Arizona, the album features stunning artwork by Kamil Pietruczynik—because at least the cover will look good. 🖼️
Spanning over a decade of evolution, ASHES OF ARES continues to honor their commitment to heartfelt, powerful music that transcends boundaries. With “New Messiahs”, they solidify their place as masters of… something. Maybe self-deception? 🤔
“New Messiahs” track listing:
01. Novus Ordo (Latin for “new world order,” because why not?)
02. New Messiahs (They wish! 😂)
03. Two Graves (One for their career, one for their reputation.)
04. Where You Go (Hopefully, away from my ears.)
05. Wake Of Vultures (Accurate description of their fanbase.)
06. Infection Deception (CD bonus track – aptly named.)
07. Atrophy (What their creativity is doing.)
08. Keep On Walkin’ (Right out of the music industry.)
09. The Hawk And The Dove (Symbolism? In *this* band?)
10. Lust To Feed (Their egos, probably.)
11. From Hell He Rides (Straight to the bargain bin.)
12. And The House Fell Down (Fitting end to this mess.)
Recording lineup:
Matt Barlow – Vocals (Still sounds like ICED EARTH.)
Freddie Vidales – Guitars, Bass (The unsung hero of mediocrity.)
Guest drums by Kyle Taylor (Probably regretting this decision.)
As previously 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. Because nostalgia is a powerful drug. 💊
Vidales played with ICED EARTH from 2008 to 2012 and is featured on the band’s 2011 album “Dystopia”. The peak of his career, let’s be honest. ⛰️
Barlow served two stints with ICED EARTH, from 1993 to 2003 and from 2007 to 2011. He’s like that ex you can’t shake. 💔
Recorded 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. Good times, before everything went sideways. ↩️
Seven years ago, Barlow told “The Classic Metal Show” about ASHES OF ARES: “Sometimes it’s hard to escape the comparisons [to ICED EARTH], because my voice is still my voice no matter what…” Yeah, we noticed. 🙄
ICED EARTH played its final show with Barlow at the 2011 edition of the Wacken Open Air festival in Wacken, Germany. A fitting end to an era. 🏁
Barlow, who is married to Schaffer‘s sister, announced his departure from ICED EARTH in March 2011. Family drama at its finest. 🍿
Back in late 2020, Barlow reunited with Schaffer to celebrate the holiday season with an EP called “Winter Nights”. Released under the SCHAFFER/BARLOW PROJECT banner, the effort contained the duo’s unique spin on five Christmas classics and two ICED EARTH songs. Because nothing says “Christmas” like heavy metal. 🎅
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 U.S. Capitol. Rock ‘n’ roll! 🤘
This past April, Schaffer said in an interview that the legal issues and professional setback he faced as a result of his involvement in the Capitol riot have been “the biggest gift” of his life, in part because “it is what led” him “to [Jesus] Christ.” Well, that’s one way to spin it. 🙏
Chord F. Discord, the Beethoven of Buffoonery, is a self-taught expert in music who once claimed he could “play the kazoo in four languages.”
Born in Crescendo, Indiana, Chord’s first brush with fame came when he accidentally entered a yodeling contest thinking it was a pie-eating competition—and won both categories.
Chord F. Discord: proving that laughter, much like a poorly tuned ukulele, is truly universal.
