The album begins with “We Earn You Burn,” featuring a sinister melody reminiscent of a grotesque circus arriving in town. This dark wave atmosphere quickly takes hold of the listener’s soul. MäRK is formed by Helena Berglund, who handles vocals, lyrics, accordion, toy piano, and guitar, alongside Christian Rønn, who plays piano, keys, organ, guitar, and bass. Berglund’s voice is enveloping, guiding the audience through a ritualistic journey.
Following this opening track is “Wasteland,” which presents another deeply mysterious and intense experience. This song offers an industrial and hypnotic journey. Next is “Soul on All Fours,” which again evokes imagery reminiscent of a frightening circus, where grotesque clowns arrive in town, bringing with them an atmosphere of tension and unease. The track encapsulates a sense of dread that engulfs the album.
“Truth on the Loose” offers a hypnotic quality, resembling a magical incantation. The lyrics and arrangements create a sense of swirling mystery. The entire album delves into the abyss, consistent with Nietzsche’s reflection that staring into the abyss results in the abyss staring back. “Echoes” stands out with its nostalgic sound, reminiscent of old projectors, followed by a suffocatingly intense rhythm. The vocal delivery is heavily reverberated, contributing to this nocturnal and intense quality that defines the track.
The eleventh hour – Sound and Atmosphere
Another noteworthy piece is “How Do We Live with This.” This song blends influences from The Prodigy and Nine Inch Nails, yet it maintains a distinct identity. The electronic and industrial sounds pull the listener towards a dark tunnel of madness, evoking feelings of confusion and contemplation.
The album closes with “Sand,” which opens on piano notes that convey a hint of hope amidst the darkness. This lullaby-like track features lyrics that remain cryptic and enchanting. The composition highlights the band’s ability to play with contrasts, illustrating their preference for darkness even within moments of light.
Overall, this is an extraordinary album that evokes feelings akin to wandering the streets of Berlin on a day when one feels lost, unsure of who they are or where they want to go. MäRK successfully crafts an experience that not only stays with the listener but provokes deep thought and reflection.
The infusion of electronic and industrial elements with rich, resonant vocals creates a notable mix of emotions throughout the album. It is a remarkable journey through sound and emotion.
The Iron Maiden tour 2027 that wasn’t supposed to happen now has sixteen dates. The band had planned a year off the road after the Run For Your Lives 50th-anniversary run; instead they’ve announced a surprise North American leg for April and May 2027, opening at the Tacoma Dome on April 14 and closing at Boardwalk Rock in Maryland on May 16, with a Friday-night headline at Sonic Temple in Columbus and Bullet For My Valentine supporting every arena show. Steve Harris: ‘We can’t get everywhere but we can try!’ The catch, if you’re north of the border: Vancouver on April 16 is the only Canadian date.
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Scott Penfold breaks down the latest hard rock and metal news on today’s episode of The Metal Breakdown Daily. Download the free Loaded Radio App on Apple iOS and Google Play and stream the show now.
Iron Maiden Tour 2027: All 16 North American Dates
The leg runs April 14 to May 16, 2027, billed as the Iron Maiden Run For Your Lives North American Tour 2027, with Bullet For My Valentine on all arena dates.
On-sale and presale details weren’t in the announcement; we’ll update this page the moment they land. The routing is the story: the Pacific Northwest and the Southeast, the two regions Harris says the band missed on the first leg, get the bulk of it, with California and the Northeast filled in and two festivals closing it out.
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‘We Can’t Get Everywhere But We Can Try’: Why The Year Off Got Cancelled
Steve Harris said the band had been ‘enjoying this last leg in the USA and Canada so much’ that they decided to take the show to the parts of the continent they’d missed, particularly the North West and South East.
That’s the whole explanation, and from Harris it’s a long one. The first North American leg of Run For Your Lives, the 50th-anniversary tour that has carried the band through 2025 and 2026, included the first stadium headline shows Maiden have ever played in the United States, and manager Rod Smallwood called it ‘terrific,’ with ‘huge sell-out crowds.’ His sign-off: ‘We look forward to seeing you all again next Spring.’
It’s also the second Harris announcement in three days. On Tuesday he booked six nights at the Cart & Horses, the 120-capacity East London pub where Maiden played their first show, for British Lion this December. He’s 70. He will play a pub in December and an amphitheatre in April and consider both a normal week. There isn’t another bass player in metal you could say that about.
Sonic Temple 2027: Maiden Headline Friday Night In Columbus
Iron Maiden headline Sonic Temple on Friday, May 14, 2027; the festival runs May 13–16 at the Historic Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio, with single-day, weekend and VIP passes already on sale.
The rest of the bill so far: A Perfect Circle, Primus, Clutch, Sleeping With Sirens, Crowbar, Escape The Fate and Saosin, with PeelingFlesh, Emmure, Showing Teeth, Imminence and Vana further down, and the festival promising ‘hundreds more acts’ with the full schedule due next week. Reading between the lines, the other three headliners are the news that’s being held back, and Maiden going first means the organisers are leading with their biggest name.
Two days later the leg ends at Boardwalk Rock in Ocean City, Maryland, the second festival on the run. That’s the only Midwest and mid-Atlantic coverage the tour has. If you’re in Chicago, Detroit, Denver or Toronto, Columbus is your show.
The Canada Problem
Vancouver’s Rogers Arena on April 16 is the only Canadian date on the 2027 leg; there is no Toronto, Montreal, Calgary or Edmonton show.
Harris’s ‘we can’t get everywhere’ is honest, and the first leg did cover Canada. But a 16-date North American tour with one Canadian stop, on the Pacific side, leaves the country’s biggest metal market with a drive to Belmont Park, Hartford or Columbus. For Ontario and Quebec fans the realistic options are UBS Arena on May 11 or the Sonic Temple weekend on May 14. Book early; both will go.
The upside is the Bullet For My Valentine pairing on every arena night, which puts a band that grew up on Maiden’s first two records in front of the audience that bought them, and a Maiden set that, on this tour, has been built almost entirely from the catalogue’s first decade. Expect the same.
What To Expect From The Show
The Run For Your Lives production has been a career-spanning set with the emphasis on 1980–1992, and the 2027 leg is billed under the same name.
Everything Bruce Dickinson has said about this tour points to it continuing as is: the 50th-anniversary framing, the big Eddie, ‘Doctor Doctor’ over the PA before the lights go down, and a setlist that treats the first seven albums as the point. The band haven’t said whether the 2027 leg changes the set; if the first leg sold out stadiums with it, there’s no reason to.
What has changed is the plan. A band that announced a break and then cancelled it because the shows were too good to stop is the opposite of a farewell, and worth saying plainly in a year when Megadeth, Judas Priest’s bassist and half the Big Four’s contemporaries are saying goodbye. The great frontmen are the ones who keep coming back. Dickinson is 68. Harris is 70. They’re adding dates.
TL;DR
Iron Maiden have announced a surprise 16-date North American leg for April 14 to May 16, 2027, billed as the Run For Your Lives North American Tour 2027, after planning a year off.
Bullet For My Valentine support every arena show; the run opens at the Tacoma Dome and closes at Boardwalk Rock in Ocean City, Maryland.
Maiden headline Sonic Temple in Columbus on Friday, May 14; the festival runs May 13–16 with A Perfect Circle, Primus and Clutch already announced and ‘hundreds more’ to come next week.
Vancouver on April 16 is the only Canadian date; Chicago, Detroit, Denver and Toronto are not on the routing.
On-sale and presale details weren’t announced; this page will be updated when they are.
FAQ
When is the Iron Maiden tour 2027?
The Iron Maiden Run For Your Lives North American Tour 2027 runs from April 14, 2027 at the Tacoma Dome in Washington to May 16, 2027 at Boardwalk Rock in Ocean City, Maryland: sixteen shows across the Pacific Northwest, California, Arizona, Texas, the Southeast and the Northeast, plus the Sonic Temple festival in Columbus, Ohio on May 14.
Who is supporting Iron Maiden in 2027?
Bullet For My Valentine support Iron Maiden on all arena and amphitheatre dates of the 2027 North American leg. The two festival dates, Sonic Temple on May 14 and Boardwalk Rock on May 16, have their own bills.
Is Iron Maiden playing Sonic Temple 2027?
Yes. Iron Maiden headline Sonic Temple on Friday, May 14, 2027 at the Historic Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. The festival runs May 13–16; other acts announced so far include A Perfect Circle, Primus, Clutch, Sleeping With Sirens, Crowbar, Escape The Fate and Saosin, with the full lineup due the following week.
Is Iron Maiden coming to Canada in 2027?
One show: Rogers Arena in Vancouver on April 16, 2027. No Toronto, Montreal, Calgary or Edmonton dates were announced. The nearest shows for eastern Canadian fans are UBS Arena at Belmont Park, New York on May 11 and Sonic Temple in Columbus on May 14.
When do Iron Maiden 2027 tickets go on sale?
On-sale and presale dates were not included in the October 16, 2026 announcement. Sonic Temple single-day, weekend and VIP passes are already on sale through the festival. This page will be updated when Iron Maiden’s arena on-sale details are confirmed.
Sixteen dates, one in Canada, and a year off that lasted about a week. Tell us which show you’re going to in the comments, and follow Loaded Radio for on-sale dates, presale codes and the rest of the Sonic Temple lineup when it drops.
2023’s return of these Bay Area Thrash icons brought a flutter to many an old Thrashers heart. Founding member Craig Locicero brought long-time members Matt Camacho (bass) and Steve Smyth back into the Forbidden fold, with new singer Norman Skinner and Chris Kontos on drums.
European festivals, including a curtailed set at Bloodstock, saw the first glimpses of the new line-up, now settled with guitarist Jeremy Von Epp replacing Smyth. But it is new music that the fans want, and now, 16 years after Omega Wave, it is finally time to embrace and immerse yourself in the self-titled album.
Forbidden will release their self-titled album on 23 October 2026 via BLKIIBLK.
I will admit I was underwhelmed on first listen. It felt patchy and did not hang together that well. But repeated plays have seen Forbidden creep into my consciousness with much better form.
I will be the first to admit that Skinner’s vocals are not my favourite at times. His high-pitched histrionics on Divided By Zero grate a little, although his gruffer delivery works well for me.
Whilst it is right to pin the Thrash label on Forbidden, there is plenty more than heads-down riffage. Opener Single Point Failure ticks the old school box but move forward to DCLXVI, and you get a more eclectic sound, sludgy albeit with some neat Thrash edges to draw blood from.
The guitar work on this album is impressive, with some tasty dual lead work on DCLXVI echoing early Maiden.
And that might be the thing about Forbidden that makes it an appealing repeat listen. The progressive nature of several tracks, and the multi-layered shades of the nine-minute finale in Flower Of Life all prove that this is a more complex and carefully crafted album than some of their peers may have delivered in recent times.
There are some curve balls to consider. Jisei is full of haunting atmosphere but does not really go anywhere. It is one of the weakest tracks in my opinion, but that is maybe because it takes a left turn and is quite unexpected.
Set between the crunch of Psyclops and the out-and-out mayhem of Mutually Assured Dysfunction, which sits very much in the Flotsam & Jetsam ballpark, it is a strange one alright.
Technically, Forbidden is excellent. Kontos has nothing to prove, but his precision drumming is on point throughout, whilst the combined guitar work of Locicero and Von Epp is razor sharp, yet full of passion, emotion and melody.
The work on tracks such as Mutually Assured Dysfunction and Burning the Lungs Of Earth is ferocious. And the addition of Brann Dailor’s vocals on Sycophantasy makes it one of the standout tracks on the album.
It is clear that the band are rightly proud of the record. Locicero states, “Making Forbidden felt more like an odyssey than a typical recording process. We set out to create a record that reminds people why they fell in love with Thrash and Heavy Metal in the first place, embracing raw energy, melody, and the imperfections that give heavy music its character.
“Every member brought their best, and having Brann Dailor (Mastodon) join us on Sycophantasy was an incredible addition. Forbidden is five lifetimes of experience forged into one piece of metallic art.”
Ending the album is Flower In Life. At nine minutes in length, it has scope to be much more, and it delivers with a progressive twist and turn or two that makes it much more than Thrash Metal, expansive and creativity wrapped around a fiery Thrash heart.
Forbidden is going to be divisive. For me, it is an enticing listen that worked in parts. It is solid for sure, and I really liked the more expansive and experimental parts.
I can see why the band are pleased with it. This is an album for Metal fans, not just Thrash aficionados.
Forbidden will release their self-titled album on 23 October 2026 via BLKIIBLK. Pre-orders are available from ffm.bio/forbidden-forbiddenalbum.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
METAL INJECTION FEATURES THREE METAL DEVASTATION PR CLIENTS IN WEEKLY INJECTION OF NEW RELEASES
Ola Englund, Blind Illusion, and PlusMinusZero Featured as All Three Artists Release New Albums October 16
OCTOBER 16, 2026 | Metal Injection has featured three Metal Devastation PR clients in its latest edition of Weekly Injection of New Releases, spotlighting new albums from Ola Englund, Blind Illusion, and PlusMinusZero, all arriving today.
The featured releases span multiple generations and styles of heavy music, from guitar-driven metal to progressive thrash and melodic hard rock.
Ola Englund – The Neverending Story 2026 The Swedish guitarist known for The Haunted, Feared, and Solar Guitars delivers a 10-track solo album featuring a guest guitar solo from Jeff Loomis on “World Rift.”
[jrEmbed module=”jrYouTube” youtube_id=”xWfbHMxh2lk”]
Blind Illusion – STAGE FLIGHT: Live At The UC Theatre The Bay Area progressive thrash pioneers capture their historic 2025 performance at the UC Theatre in Berkeley on a live album featuring the return of original vocalist David White. The recording delivers the band’s performance without studio overdubs.
STAGE FLIGHT: Live At The UC Theatre by Blind Illusion
PlusMinusZero – Illusions of Life The Finnish hard rock and metal outfit brings decades of musical experience to a 10-track album built around memorable melodies, classic metal influences, and a renewed commitment to heavy music.
Illusion of Life by Plusminuszero
The Metal Injection feature highlights three distinct releases from artists continuing to make their mark on the international metal scene.
Metal Devastation PR is proud to support these artists through promotional campaigns designed to connect their music with established metal publications, expand their reach, and generate meaningful exposure for their releases.
Go check it out here: https://metalinjection.net/upcoming-releases/heavy-new-releases/the-weekly-injection-new-releases-from-insomnium-the-number-twelve-looks-like-you-and-more-out-this-week-10-16
Major Metal Media. Real Coverage. Worldwide Exposure.
ABOUT METAL DEVASTATION PR
Metal Devastation PR is an independent, family-owned metal promotional company established in 2013. Powered by Metal Devastation Radio, the company connects artists with metal media outlets and audiences worldwide through press campaigns, radio promotion, media coverage, and digital exposure.
Contact: zach@metaldevastationradio.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
METAL INJECTION FEATURES THREE METAL DEVASTATION PR CLIENTS IN WEEKLY INJECTION OF NEW RELEASES
Ola Englund, Blind Illusion, and PlusMinusZero Featured as All Three Artists Release New Albums October 16
OCTOBER 16, 2026 | Metal Injection has featured three Metal Devastation PR clients in its latest edition of Weekly Injection of New Releases , spotlighting new albums from Ola Englund, Blind Illusion, and PlusMinusZero , all arriving today.
The featured releases span multiple generations and styles of heavy music, from guitar-driven metal to progressive thrash and melodic hard rock.
Ola Englund – The Neverending Story 2026 The Swedish guitarist known for The Haunted, Feared, and Solar Guitars delivers a 10-track solo album featuring a guest guitar solo from Jeff Loomis on “World Rift.”
Blind Illusion – STAGE FLIGHT: Live At The UC Theatre The Bay Area progressive thrash pioneers capture their historic 2025 performance at the UC Theatre in Berkeley on a live album featuring the return of original vocalist David White. The recording delivers the band’s performance without studio overdubs.
STAGE FLIGHT: Live At The UC Theatre by Blind Illusion
PlusMinusZero – Illusions of Life The Finnish hard rock and metal outfit brings decades of musical experience to a 10-track album built around memorable melodies, classic metal influences, and a renewed commitment to heavy music.
Illusion of Life by Plusminuszero
The Metal Injection feature highlights three distinct releases from artists continuing to make their mark on the international metal scene.
Metal Devastation PR is proud to support these artists through promotional campaigns designed to connect their music with established metal publications, expand their reach, and generate meaningful exposure for their releases.
Go check it out here: https://metalinjection.net/upcoming-releases/heavy-new-releases/the-weekly-injection-new-releases-from-insomnium-the-number-twelve-looks-like-you-and-more-out-this-week-10-16
Major Metal Media. Real Coverage. Worldwide Exposure.
ABOUT METAL DEVASTATION PR
Metal Devastation PR is an independent, family-owned metal promotional company established in 2013. Powered by Metal Devastation Radio, the company connects artists with metal media outlets and audiences worldwide through press campaigns, radio promotion, media coverage, and digital exposure.
Contact: zach@metaldevastationradio.com
The EP begins with its title track, “Come Along Little Brother.” This song evokes a nostalgic feel of American roots, enriched by hints of Irish music. The melody is infectious, inviting listeners to sing along spiritedly. Kuhr’s warm vocals draw one in from the start, setting a tone of camaraderie and shared stories.
Following this is “Road Map,” a track reminiscent of a scene from a Coen Brothers film. The atmospheric quality of the music conjures images of a vast desert landscape. It metaphorically portrays feelings of being lost, capturing a sense of existential wandering. The melancholic undertone paired with a thoughtful arrangement resonates deeply, illustrating a search for direction musically and lyrically.
Next comes “Rattle Can,” where the rhythm envelops listeners in a groove that is hard to escape. The lyrics have a distinct grit, reminiscent of the storytelling seen in the works of Johnny Cash. Kuhr’s delivery adds a sense of urgency and authenticity, making the song stand out.
Come Along Little Brother – Sound and Atmosphere
The EP then transitions into “Amazing Grace,” and here, Kuhr offers a folk-infused rendition of the classic hymn. This version brings a fresh yet respectful reimagining of a beloved song. His voice carries an emotional weight that resonates with the listener, transforming a well-known piece into something deeply moving. The arrangement feels intimate, resonating with simplicity and elegance, and creates a moment of reflection.
Closing out the EP is “Jesus Just Left Chicago.” This track presents a fusion of blues and noir, showcasing a slightly darker, yet rich, sonic atmosphere. The interplay between his voice and harmonica is particularly striking, as it creates a haunting melody that lingers after the song ends. Kuhr’s ability to navigate different musical styles within the same EP reflects his versatility as an artist.
The production quality is significant, with experienced hands behind the mixing boards. Don Beyer’s contribution as producer shines through in each track, providing a polished yet organic sound. The synergy between Kuhr’s vocals and Beyer’s instrumentation brings out the best in the EP, ensuring that each song has its own distinctive character while still feeling like part of a cohesive whole.
Come Along Little Brother – Performance and Production
Throughout the EP, one can feel the essence of the Americana genre, with influences that cross into various traditional territories. Kuhr’s background will find favorable connections to fans of his band Spyderhuff, known for producing remarkable music.
“Come Along Little Brother” delivers a fresh perspective on traditional roots music while highlighting Tom Kuhr’s talents. The progression from the sing-along nature of the title track to the reflective tones of the final song illustrates his musical range.
The Phoenix Hard Rock Juggernaut Returns Heavier, Groovier, and Hungrier Than Ever! Turn it up. Atomic Kings are about to blow the doors off 2026! The Phoenix-born hard rock wrecking crew will unleash their ferocious sophomore album, ‘Too‘, on October 19th, 2026. ‘Too‘ will be available on three formats: CDs, High Quality 180 Gram Vinyl, […]
Iron Maiden scrapped their planned 2027 hiatus and added 16 North American dates for spring after the current tour's massive success. Continue reading…
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