PRESS RELEASE: Metal Hall of Fame inductee Blaze Bayley (Iron Maiden singer 1994-1999) releases the second single/video from his forthcoming new album ‘Circle of Stone’.
The single ‘Rage’ tells the story from Welsh folklore of Gelert the faithful hound & his unfortunate demise at the hands of his beloved owner Prince Llewelyn. The animation for the video was developed by Hot Frog Animations & is a suitably dramatic, anguished portrayal of the tale. The song features violinist Anne Bakker who also worked with Blaze on the Infinite Entanglement trilogy (2016-2018).
‘Rage’ is available to pre-save/stream/download now at the usual digital platforms via this link Blaze Bayley – Circle of Stone (orcd.co), whilst the album is also available to buy on Vinyl LP & CD via www.blazebayley.net
In Blaze’s own words the ‘Circle of Stone’ album is a work of 2 halves…
“Side one comprises six unconnected songs that describe human frailty, resilience, courage, and gratitude. Can you look to yourself for answers? Can you fight against all the odds to take your future in your own hand, or do you accept the fate that other people tell you is what you deserve? Believe in yourself. You can survive the knocks, defeats and disappointments of your life and come back stronger. That is the hope we hold in our first six songs.”
Blaze continues… “Side two contains six connected songs that tell the story of our forgotten tribe; a search for the truth in the heart of the circle of tall stones. Seeking the mystical portal, whilst the ancestors call to you in dreams, you have denied them. They demand vengeance and reckoning but you are a selfish, materialistic coward, and you have avoided the true path of your future. You must find a way to become selfless and courageous to lead our tribe back to the homeland of our ancestors.This is the journey described by the six songs of side two.“
The recording of the new album was completed in March 2023 just two days before Blaze suffered a heart attack, needing life-saving bypass surgery. The album was held in abeyance whilst Blaze recovered. As well as his regular team from British melodic metal band Absolva (Chris Appleton on lead guitar, Luke Appleton on power guitar, Martin McNee on drums, Karl Schramm on bass), Blaze called upon a fascinating mix of collaborators…
Niklas Stalvind (from Swedish metal band Wolf) – guest vocals on ‘Circle of Stone’, ‘Call of the Ancestors’ & ‘A Day of Reckoning’
Talented singer Tammy-Rae Bois, from South Wales (UK), who duets with Blaze on ‘Until We Meet Again’
Gifted Dutch violinist Anne Bakker who plays on ‘Rage’ & ‘Until We Meet Again’
Last but not least Vicky Kennerley, from the West Midlands (UK), adds the spectacular & unmistakable bag pipes featured on ‘Call of the Ancestors’
Chris Appleton mixed the record, & co-produced with Blaze. Ade Emsley mastered. Akirant Illustration provided the fantastic lay-out & design.
Blaze & the band are touring Europewide, weaving between Circle of Stone tour dates & 30th Anniversary shows – celebrating 30 years since he joined Iron Maiden.
For more info please refer to www.blazebayley.net
