Axe Dragger announce Self‑Titled Debut

The Nwothm

1–2 minutes

Axe Dragger’s debut album release marks the arrival of a new force in American heavy metal. The supergroup, featuring original Pantera vocalist Terry Glaze alongside members of Fu Manchu, Dark Funeral and Pentagram, will unveil their self‑titled record on the 6th of March through Ripple Music. The album delivers a fierce blend of classic heavy metal spirit and modern weight, crafted by four musicians whose combined history spans some of the genre’s most influential bands.

AXE DRAGGER began as a long‑distance collaboration between guitarist Bob Balch and drummer Pete Campbell. What started as an exchange of riffs soon grew into a fully realised band once vocalist Terry Glaze and bassist Fredrik Isaksson joined the project. Over the course of a year, the group built their debut album piece by piece, drawing heavily on the soaring energy of early 1980s metal.

Balch explains that the project was fuelled by a renewed passion for the classic metal sound, inspired by teaching students the music of Riot, Judas Priest and Dio. Once Glaze delivered his first vocal track, the band knew they had captured something powerful.

The album channels the melodic force of Iron Maiden, the grit of Armored Saint and the anthemic power of Dio. Balch’s guitar work leans into harmonic minor phrasing reminiscent of Powerslave‑era Maiden, while Glaze delivers a commanding performance that blends classic metal grit with modern clarity.

The record was mixed by Brian Scheuble and mastered by Dave Collins, with vinyl and CD masters by Carl Saff. Artwork was created by Seldon Hunt.