Metal Contraband News For February 24th, 2026:
This week in Metal Contraband:
Arch Enemy has officially unveiled their new vocalist, dropping the new single “To The Last Breath” with a music video revealing Lauren Hart (formerly of Once Human) as the band’s new frontwoman. Check it out here: https://youtu.be/WujjCSEJcDk?si=aZVmm4nYlbA6Usuc. Founding guitarist Michael Amott says, “Connecting with Lauren has marked an important step in my journey. Working with her was an exceptional experience — her remarkable voice, coupled with her dedication and professionalism, brings a rare level of excellence. I look forward to continuing the collaboration”. The band is heading to China and Japan this spring, with some international festival dates this summer, and they’ve also announced the Back To The Root Of All Evil tour across Europe and the UK. Keep an eye out for more updates at: https://archenemy.net/.
Iron Maiden has a new documentary on the way, with Universal Pictures International (UPI) announcing the official title, key artwork and International theatrical plans for Iron Maiden: Burning Ambition. Directed by Malcolm Venville and produced by Dominic Freeman, the film will be released in the UK on May 7th. For more info, head to: https://www.ironmaidenfilm.com/.
Death Angel has just announced a U.S. Tour this spring, performing Act III in its entirety, alongside guests Vio-Lence and Incite. Mark Osegueda says, “Truth be told, when we realized that Act III was approaching the 35 year anniversary of it’s release date we toyed with the idea of doing a tour of playing it in it’s entirety hoping that it would appeal to some of our die hard fans and we decided to test the waters with a quick three week run in select markets in the States to see if the appreciation and fond memories of that era and time resonated with Death Angel fans today. Well, that tour was so fulfilling for us in the band because nightly we could see and even more-so hear it at every show. That you guys appreciated it beyond our wildest expectations! So, due to very humbling and overwhelming, dare we say demand!, we are so proud to announce the second leg of the Death Angel ACT III U.S. Tour. We will be playing ACT III in its entirety. Plus, more select songs from our catalog! We very much look forward to celebrating ACT III with all of you! And we’d like to thank you all for the overwhelming response and demand for more! We’ll see you out there! To do it once again! You guys have been the reason since day one! And Thank you for always reminding us of that!” The tour runs May 1st through June 21st – for the full list of dates, head to: https://www.deathangel.us/.
At The Gates is following up on 2021’s The Nightmare of Being by paying a special tribute to frontman Tomas Lindberg, who tragically passed away in September 2025. The Ghost of a Future Dead is set for April 24th via Century Media Records. The band says, “We are proud to finally share some news about our eighth studio album, The Ghost of a Future Dead. The album will be released on April 24, 2026 – more than two years after it was completed in the studio. As you all know, Tomas Lindberg passed away last year due to complications from his cancer treatment. Over the past few years, we worked closely with Tomas, discussing and refining every detail to ensure nothing was left to chance. In accordance with Tomas’ wishes – including the album title, sound mix, track order, artwork, and overall presentation – ‘The Ghost of a Future Dead’ remains true to form. It combines the ferocious energy and hard-hitting powerful melodies that is the essence of At The Gates. This album is Tomas’ legacy”. You can see the music video for “The Fever Mask”, assembled as a tribute video by longtime collaborator Patric Ullaeus, here: https://youtu.be/EEpFYm-S8qk?si=syrfg_MN8eF1GhHa. Follow the band via: http://www.atthegates.se/.
Chart Editor: Munsey Ricci from Skateboard Marketing Ltd.
Editorial By Chelsea Nelson-Fernandez & Munsey Ricci
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