Hard-hitting American metal trio Ashes of Ares specialize in muscular, melodic, and progressive-minded power metal that reflects each bandmember's personal experience and influences. Formed in 2012 around the talents of ex-Nevermore drummer Van Williams, powerhouse ex-Iced Earth vocalist Matt Barlow, and bass player Freddie Vidales, also of Iced Earth, the band issued their eponymous debut long-player on Nuclear Blast in September 2013, followed by a lengthy European tour. Drummer and co-founder Williams left the fold in 2017 to join Ghost Ship Octavius, though he did lend his formidable kit skills to the group's 2018 sophomore outing, Well of Souls. After North American and European festival appearances and tours, Ashes of Ares sat out the pandemic and returned with 2022's Emperors and Fools. ~ James Christopher Monger, Rovi