Vancouver heavy metal stalwarts Iron Kingdom continue their charge toward the release of their sixth studio album “Shadows and Dust” with the arrival of their latest single and video, “Deadhouse Gates”. The track marks the third preview of the forthcoming record, which lands on the 6th of June 2026 through Steel Shark Records.

Bassist Leighton Holmes explains the literary roots behind the song:

“Deadhouse Gates” is based on Malazan Book of the Fallen by Steven Erikson. The Deadhouse is a seemingly abandoned house in Malaz City that serves as a conduit to other planes of existence and is used by two mortals to ascend to godhood as rulers of Shadow. The song tells the story of ancient power waiting for those worthy, or crafty, enough to gain entry, but warns of the dangers presented to the unprepared. Straying from the path means an eternity of torment and imprisonment, but the chance for power is enticing. The dead trees scattered across the yard of the house hide those that are unsuccessful in their roots. It is a cautionary tale of reach exceeding grasp as well as an inspirational story of striving towards greatness.

Frontman Chris Osterman adds:

This one is just a total rock n’ roll song, some great leads and melodies, and just overall, I think very catchy!

A milestone release for Iron Kingdom

“Shadows and Dust” marks the band’s fifteenth anniversary and their first partnership with Steel Shark Records. The label will issue an exclusive EU double‑CD limited to 300 copies, pairing the full album with a curated “Best Of” selection from the group’s previous five releases. A third vinyl colourway, limited to 100 copies, will also be available exclusively to EU fans.

The album arrives on the 6th of June 2026, a date chosen to coincide with the 82nd anniversary of D‑Day.

Recorded entirely in the band’s newly completed home studio, the album explores themes of mortality, hardship, endurance and the search for meaning. Osterman reflects on the emotional weight behind the material:

This album plays in quite a dark realm of topics… but I also think that’s exactly what will make this album accessible to people going through tougher times… The music shows hope for a positive way out, and hopefully offers the listener the will to fight on.

Hometown headline show and extensive Canadian tour

Iron Kingdom will mark the album’s arrival with their largest Vancouver headline performance to date at the Rickshaw Theatre on the 5th of June 2026. Tickets: https://orangetickets.ca/detalles_evento.php?id_evento=2127

To feel in some way that we have worked our way up to headline a venue of that size is very exciting, and we cannot wait to bring our biggest show yet!

Following the release, the band embark on a cross‑Canada run with festival appearances at Armstrong Metal Fest and Loud As Hell Open Air.

True North Strong And Heavy Canadian Tour

Iron Kingdom with W.M.D.

Tour Dates

• the 5th of June – Vancouver, BC – The Rickshaw
• the 2nd of July – Nanaimo, BC – The Globe
• the 3rd of July – Victoria, BC – Lucky Bar
• the 4th of July – Cumberland, BC – The Waverley
• the 5th of July – Powell River, BC – The Carlson Loft
• the 17th of July – Armstrong, BC – AMF 2026
• the 21st of July – Prince George, BC – Knox Performance Centre
• the 23rd of July – Whitehorse, YT – Lefty’s Well
• the 24th of July – Dawson City, YT – The Pit
• the 25th of July – Dawson City, YT – The Pit
• the 26th of July – Whitehorse, YT – The 98 Hotel
• the 28th of July – Yellowknife, NT – The Underground
• the 29th of July – Fort Smith, NT – Dirty O’ Fergie’s
• the 30th of July – Edmonton, AB – Starlite
• the 31st of July – Drumheller, AB – LAH 2026
• the 1st of August – Winnipeg, MB – Park Theatre
• the 2nd of August – Thunder Bay, ON – Bloom Bar + Lounge
• the 3rd of August – Sudbury, ON – The Lounge 390
• the 4th of August – London, ON – Supply & Demand
• the 5th of August – Waterloo, ON – Maxwells
• the 6th of August – Ottawa, ON – Dominion Tavern
• the 7th of August – Toronto, ON – Bovine
• the 8th of August – Montréal, QC – Foufounes Électriques
• the 9th of August – Sherbrooke, QC – Le Murdoch
• the 11th of August – Woodstock, NB – Monteith Manor
• the 12th of August – Halifax, NS – Gus’ Pub
• the 14th of August – Corner Brook, NL – Retro
• the 15th of August – St. John’s, NL – The Rockhouse
• the 17th of August – Truro, NS – Marigold Cult. Centre (Lobby)
• the 18th of August – Quebec City, QC – L’Anti
• the 19th of August – Hamilton, ON – Doors Pub
• the 21st of August – Saskatoon, SK – Black Cat Tavern
• the 22nd of August – Calgary, AB – Dickens
• the 23rd of August – 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

Links

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ironkingdomofficial

Website: https://www.iron-kingdom.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iron_kingdom

Label: https://www.facebook.com/steelsharkrecords/