Nine years after forming Ashes of Ares, Matt Barlow (vocals, ex-Iced Earth)and Freddie Vidales (guitar, ex-Iced Earth) return with their third full-length album "Emperors and Fools". This album sees the duo take the darkness and aggression from their previous album "Well of Souls" to a higher echelon. The writing process began almost immediately after "Well of Souls" was released. As usual, it was a true collaborative effort between the two, with ideas originating from one or the other, then evolving and being refined to what is presented on "Emperors and Fools." The album flow is designed to keep the listeners on edge while bringing them from fast, heavy, pounding anthems to somber, melancholic, emotional pieces. The album ends with the eleven-minute long epic "Monster's Lament" which features the long-imagined joining of forces between Matt Barlow and Tim Ripper Owens (Iced Earth, KK's Priest). Great Power Metal with modern, progressive elements and of course outstanding vocals.
Release date:
February 18, 2022
Label:
Install our app to receive notifications when new upcoming releases are added.

Recommended equipment and accessories
-
Technics SL-1500C Turntable
Features a direct-drive motor, a high-precision tonearm, and a premium MM cartridge, delivering exceptional sound quality
-
Ortofon 2M Blue Premounted
Mounted on the SH-4 Black Headshell, this setup delivers exceptional clarity, dynamic range, and accurate sound reproduction.
-
Vevor Ultrasonic Cleaner
Thoroughly clean and restore your vinyl records, removing dust, dirt, and grime from every groove without damaging the surface
-
Vinyl Care - Top Picks
A selection of accesories to keep your turntable equipment & vinyl records in the best shape
-
Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO
Featuring a one-piece carbon fiber tonearm, precision-tuned motor, and a heavy steel platter with TPE damping, it ensures superior stability and sound quality.
Featured Upcoming Vinyl
-
King Witch III (Splatter)
Listenable Records
July 4, 2025 -
Eli Paperboy Reed Sings Walkin' And Talkin' And Other Smash Hits! (20Th Anniversary; Deluxe Edition) [2xLP]
Yep Roc Records
June 6, 2025 -
Diamond Head Live And Electric [2xLP]
Silver Lining Music
July 11, 2025 -
Natalie Bergman My Home Is Not In This World
Third Man Records
July 18, 2025 -
Penny & the Pits Liquid Compactor
Forward Music Group
July 4, 2025 -
Her Head's On Fire College Rock and Clove Cigarettes
Iodine Recordings
July 18, 2025 -
Mike Polizze Around Sound
Paradise Bachelors
July 11, 2025 -
Tim Barnes Noumena
Quakebasket
June 27, 2025 -
Myles Smith Minute A Moment
Rca Victor Europe
July 25, 2025 -
Matmos Metallic Life Review
Thrill Jockey Records
June 20, 2025 -
Black Spiders Cvrses (Black & White)
Dark Riders
June 27, 2025 -
Nadav Schneerson Sheva
Kavana
June 6, 2025 -
The Dirty Nil The Lash
Dine Alone Music Inc
July 25, 2025 -
Tanita Tikaram LIAR Love Isn't A Right
Cooking Vinyl
October 10, 2025