Ashes of Ares: US Power Metal Resurgence
Ashes of Ares is an American power metal supergroup formed by veterans of the genre. The band is known for delivering a potent blend of classic heavy metal riffing and progressive elements, anchored by powerful vocals.
Early career
The band was formed in 2012 by vocalist Matt Barlow, formerly of Iced Earth, and guitarist Freddie Vidales, also an Iced Earth alumnus. They were joined by drummer Van Williams, known for his work with progressive metal act Nevermore, solidifying a lineup with deep roots in the American metal scene.
Breakthrough
Ashes of Ares released their self-titled debut album in 2013 through Nuclear Blast Records, a major label in the heavy music world. The album was met with positive reception from the metal community, establishing the project as a serious force in modern power metal.
Key tracks
This Is My Hell - The opening track from their debut album immediately showcased the band's heavy, mid-tempo power and Barlow's commanding vocal presence.
The One-Eyed King - A track demonstrating the band's ability to craft longer, more epic and progressively-tinged compositions.
Dead Man's Plight - This song highlighted the group's knack for blending melodic guitar work with a relentless, driving rhythm section.
The Alien - A key track from their second album that features a more aggressive and modern thrash-influenced sound.
Sun Dragon - An example of the band's expansive storytelling and dynamic range within the power metal framework.
The band followed up with their second album, Well of Souls, in 2019. This release continued to explore the signature Ashes of Ares sound, blending traditional US power metal with the members' collective experience in more progressive and thrash-oriented territories.
Fans of Ashes of Ares who appreciate classic American power metal with a modern edge also enjoy the work of Iced Earth, which shares a direct lineage through Matt Barlow. The progressive complexity can be found in Nevermore, the former band of drummer Van Williams. For a similar blend of melody and heaviness, listeners explore Sanctuary and the epic scope of Visigoth.
The music of Ashes of Ares fits perfectly on specialty metal radio programming and online streams dedicated to power and progressive metal. Their albums receive regular airplay on stations that focus on the heavier, more technically adept side of the rock spectrum.
Listeners can discover the powerful discography of Ashes of Ares through the dedicated metal radio stations available on onairium.com, where their brand of classic-inspired yet modern metal is frequently featured.
