Oh boy, are you guys ready for some epic news? 🤯 I just found out that NWOBHM legends CLOVEN HOOF are releasing their tenth full-length studio album, “Never A Prophet In Your Own Land”, on September 25, 2026 via High Roller Records. I mean, I’m not surprised, but still, it’s a big deal, right? I guess we should all just take a moment to appreciate the fact that these guys have been rocking out for over four decades and still manage to produce some amazing music. The lyric video for the LP’s first single, “Iron Mask”, is already out, because, you know, anticipation is key.
So, what can we expect from this new album? Well, according to the band’s bassist, Lee Payne, “Never A Prophet In Your Own Land” is a very varied album, containing mid-tempo songs, faster tunes, epic compositions, and straight heavy metal rockers. Because, you know, who needs consistency when you can have variety, right? And, of course, the vocal performance of CLOVEN HOOF’s singer, Harry “The Tyrant” Conklin (also of JAG PANZER), is, once again, world-class. I mean, it’s not like we expected anything less from the guy.
The Band’s Mindset
Lee Payne comments: “The praise is all Harry’s. We are indeed fortunate to have such a brilliant vocalist and frontman in the band.” Yeah, no kidding, Lee. I mean, it’s not like you guys would be anywhere without Harry’s amazing vocals. But, hey, let’s not forget that the rest of the band is pretty talented too. I guess. Lee also adds that “Never A Prophet In Your Own Land” is not a direct continuation of their previous album, “Heathen Cross”, but rather resembles “A Sultan’s Ransom” more closely. Because, you know, who needs a clear direction when you can just wing it and hope for the best?
Regarding the band’s mindset while making “Never A Prophet In Your Own Land”, Lee says: “We wanted to make this album as rich and varied as we could, to show how far the band has progressed musically.” Wow, what a bold statement. I mean, it’s not like they’re trying to prove anything or anything. And, of course, the whole record-writing process happens organically, because, you know, that’s just how it works when you’re a talented band like CLOVEN HOOF.
Album Details
The album’s track listing is as follows:
01. “Terror From The Sky”
02. “Conquistador”
03. “Never A Prophet”
04. “Gypsy Roller”
05. “The Bigger They Are”
06. “Iron Mask”
07. “Phantom Chaser”
08. “Flying Dutchman”
09. “Prodigal Son”
10. “Seven Sacred Wonders”
Because, you know, 10 songs are not enough, but 11 would be too many. And, hey, who needs a theme when you can just have a bunch of random song titles?
CLOVEN HOOF must rate as one of the most legendary bands of the entire New Wave Of British Heavy Metal movement. I mean, it’s not like they’re just a bunch of old guys playing music or anything. The origins of the group go back to 1979, when they first formed under the name of NIGHTSTALKER. Because, you know, who needs a good band name when you can just change it later? In 1981, however, the band switched to their new moniker: CLOVEN HOOF. Original vocalist David Potter, guitarist Steve Rounds, drummer Kevin Poutney, and mainman Lee Payne on bass adopted the stage characters of “Earth”, “Fire”, “Water”, and “Air”. Because, you know, who needs normal stage names when you can just use elements?
After recording demo versions of songs such as “Return Of The Passover” and “Nightstalker”, CLOVEN HOOF issued their debut vinyl 12-inch EP “The Opening Ritual” on Elemental Music in 1982. Because, you know, who needs a full album when you can just release an EP? In 1984, the self-titled “Cloven Hoof” album was released, followed by “Fighting Back” (1986), “Dominator” (1988), and “A Sultan’s Ransom” (1989). Because, you know, who needs a consistent release schedule when you can just release albums whenever?
After splitting up in the 1990s, CLOVEN HOOF returned with a new lineup and a new record called “Eye Of The Sun” in 2006. Because, you know, who needs a long break when you can just come back whenever? In 2014, “Resist Or Serve” was recorded, followed by “Who Mourns For The Morning Star?” (2017), both on High Roller Records. The latter album was a bit of a game changer for the band, as they were able to tour with it in North America for the first time in their career. Because, you know, who needs to tour consistently when you can just do it every few decades?
Two years ago, Lee stated about Harry: “Harry Conklin is a world-class vocalist. He is super dedicated and highly professional and we knew he would fit in the band seamlessly. Harry is an astounding singer. He is so versatile. He can sing high, low and always with power and passion. He knows how to live and sell a song. Harry is like an actor telling a story. No one interprets my lyrics like Mr. Conklin. I can’t praise him enough.” Wow, what a glowing review. I mean, it’s not like Lee is biased or anything.
CLOVEN HOOF is: Lee Payne – bass guitar, Harry “The Tyrant” Conklin – lead vocals, Luke Hatton – lead guitar, Chris Coss – lead guitar, Chris Dando – keyboards, backing vocals, and Ash Baker – drums, backing vocals. Because, you know, who needs a simple band lineup when you can have a bunch of guys with fancy names?
In conclusion, CLOVEN HOOF’s new album “Never A Prophet In Your Own Land” is coming out on September 25, 2026, and it’s going to be, like, totally epic, man. 🤘 I mean, who needs hype when you can just release an album and hope for the best? So, go ahead and check out the lyric video for “Iron Mask” and get ready to rock out to some amazing music. Or, you know, not. I mean, it’s not like it’s a big deal or anything. 🎸
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.
