Vancouver traditional heavy‑metal torchbearers Iron Kingdom have released a brand‑new behind‑the‑scenes mini‑documentary offering fans an inside look at the making of their sixth studio album, “Shadows and Dust,” released June 6, 2026.
The short film captures the band speaking of the recording process and pushing themselves creatively as they crafted what they describe as one of their darkest and most emotionally charged records to date. The documentary highlights the group’s jam‑oriented writing style, their collaborative approach, and the personal inspirations behind the album’s themes of death, impermanence, hardship, and resilience.
“Shadows and Dust” marks a significant evolution for Iron Kingdom. While rooted firmly in the classic heavy‑metal tradition they’ve championed since 2011, the album explores heavier emotional territory.
“The album explores a dark realm of topics, from death, hardship, and the lowest points of human emotion, balanced by music that offers hope and the will to fight on,” says bassist and lyricist Leighton Holmes.
Across its 10 new tracks and 48‑minute runtime, the album blends NWOBHM spirit, melodic storytelling, and the band’s signature twin‑guitar attack. Songs draw inspiration from history, mythology, literature, and personal reflection, ranging from the Battle of Gdansk (“Defenders”) to Malazan‑inspired fantasy (“Deadhouse Gates,” “Blood and Steel”) to philosophical meditations on time, compassion, and purpose.
The mini‑doc showcases how these ideas took shape in the rehearsal room, where riffs, lyrics, and arrangements were built collectively.
“We’re a very jam‑oriented band. We walk in with ideas, feel them out together, and let the songs grow naturally,” says vocalist/guitarist Chris Osterman.
Formed in Vancouver in 2011, Iron Kingdom has built a reputation for reviving the spirit of traditional heavy metal with unwavering authenticity. Inspired by Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Helloween, Riot, and Savatage, the band delivers high‑energy performances, intricate melodies, and a stage presence reminiscent of metal’s golden era.
The current lineup, Chris Osterman (lead vocals/lead guitar), Leighton Holmes (bass), Megan Merrick (lead guitar), and Max Friesen (drums), represents the strongest incarnation of the band to date. Their chemistry is on full display in the documentary, revealing the trust, camaraderie, and shared passion that fuel their sound.
Iron Kingdom’s journey has taken them across Canada, the U.S., Europe, and Brazil, with appearances at festivals such as Keep It True XVII and tours alongside acts like Night Demon and Blaze Bayley. Through lineup changes, near‑fatal touring accidents, and global disruptions, the band has remained committed to carrying the torch of classic heavy metal.
“Shadows and Dust” can be heard in full at the following links:
Album Stream – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYQzVXGtJXY
Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/album/1E5IetyIvOdAt5CKG54gLw
Official Merch store: https://www.iron-kingdom.com/shop
Bandcamp: https://iron-kingdom.bandcamp.com/music
Music Video – Deadhouse Gates – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBE3s4WRlIw
Music Video – Defenders – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3k7tW5-9Os
Lyric Video – Blood and Steel – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qb8BIzHT3_Q
The album’s exclusive EU edition is available from Steel Shark Records (France), offering limited-edition 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.
To celebrate the album, Iron Kingdom is kicking off a summer of touring that includes festival appearances at Armstrong Metal Fest and Loud As Hell Open Air Festival (dates listed below).
True North Strong And Heavy Canadian Tour – Iron Kingdom, W.M.D.
https://www.iron-kingdom.com/tour-dates
July 2 – Nanaimo, BC – The Terminal
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 – Palace Grand Theatre
July 25 – Dawson City, YT – outside at 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
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
Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 