Interview with Matt Barlow for The Metal Gods Meltdown—conducted by Seb Di Gatto—dives deep into the heart of New Messiahs, the upcoming Ashes of Ares album dropping July 18, 2025. It’s a rich conversation that spans:
🎤 The creative fire behind the new album, including standout tracks like “Two Graves” and “Wake of Vultures”
🚨 Matt’s dual life as a musician and police officer, offering a rare glimpse into how he balances intensity on stage with service off it
🤖 His take on AI, weighing its potential and pitfalls in music and beyond
🎸 Tour plans and behind-the-scenes stories, giving fans a taste of what’s to come
The interview also touches on the band’s evolution—from their 2013 debut to the emotionally charged Emperors and Fools—and how New Messiahs pushes their sound even further.
Formed in 2012 by former Iced Earth members Matt Barlow and Freddie Vidales, alongside former Nevermore drummer Van
Williams, Ashes of Ares was born from a shared vision: to create a sound that reflects their personal influences, ideas, and
visions. With their self-titled debut album released in 2013, the band quickly captivated audiences in the USA and Europe with
their electrifying live performances.
In 2017, following the departure of Van Williams, Matt and Freddie continued undeterred, forging ahead with their creative
journey. Their sophomore album, Well of Souls (2018), showcased a more intense and expansive sound, cementing the
duo’s partnership in songwriting. Contributions from their former bandmate and friend Van Williams on drums, and the
atmospheric intro crafted by Jonah Weingarten, added depth to the album. Tracks like “Consuming the Mana” and the trilogy
of “Let All Despair,” “In the Darkness,” and “Spirit of Man” revealed the band's mastery in blending storytelling with a dynamic
range of metal influences.
The release of their third full-length album, Emperors and Fools (2022), marked another evolution in their sound. Building on
the darkness and aggression of Well of Souls, the album offered a rollercoaster of emotions—from blistering, heavy anthems
to deeply melancholic pieces. The closing track, “Monster’s Lament,” was an 11-minute epic that realized a long-awaited
collaboration between Matt Barlow and Tim "Ripper" Owens, delighting fans of both legendary vocalists.
Now, Ashes of Ares returns with their fourth studio album, New Messiahs, set for release on July 18, 2025. Continuing their
relentless pursuit of sonic excellence, Matt and Freddie deliver a collection of 12 tracks that push the boundaries of their
signature sound. Featuring the blistering title track and standouts like “Two Graves” and “Wake of Vultures,” the album brings
an emotional intensity, sharp songwriting, and captivating melodies that reflect their journey as artists.
New Messiahs introduces notable collaborations, including Kyle Taylor on drums and guest appearances from Charlie Honig,
Craig Blackwell, and Todd La Torre. A surprise bonus track—featuring a powerful cover of Elton John’s “And the House Fell
Down”—highlights the duo’s ability to make any song their own. Recorded and mastered by Byron Filson at Villain Recording
in Phoenix, Arizona, the album features stunning artwork by Kamil Pietruczynik, bringing a visual dimension to the sonic
experience.
Release | Europe: July 18, 2025 | North America: July 18, 2025
Label: ROAR | Sub-Genre: Heavy/Power Metal | Producer: Matt Barlow, Freddie Vidales | Cover Artwork: Kamil
Pietruczynik | Photographer: Elias Aravidis | Artist Origin: USA
Ashes Of Ares
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