Dragony Release Lyric Video for "Shadow and Flame" // Touring With Ensiferum + Freedom Call

After two albums on which Austrian Power Metal band Dragony took on fantastical interpretations of real-life historical events, it has now become time for the band to once again return to their pop-culture influences — and thus the new single "Shadow and Flame" was created over the summer of 2025.

For this song, the band took inspiration from the popular video game Elden Ring Brittney slayesand its DLC Shadow of the Erdtree. In order to properly pay tribute to such a monumental game, Dragony have not only expanded their own permanent lineup with the addition of new second lead singer Maria Nesh, but also received some additional support from the phenomenal Brittney Slayes (UNLEASH THE ARCHERS). Lasse Elkjear from Denmark was once again responsible for the epic orchestrations, and legendary producer Jacob Hansen took care of the sound 

Singer Siegfried Samer says, "As a longtime fan of the games published by Fromsoft, I of course also played Elden Ring passionately — and so it became time to release a third song inspired by the Fromsoft universe after our previous titles 'Kiln of the First Flame' and 'Lords of the Hunt' already took inspiration from Dark Souls and Bloodborne. So we are finishing off the trilogy with 'Shadow and Flame,' and in addition to a full-fledged new band member in the shape of our new second lead singer Maria Nesh, we also received some excellent support from the brilliant Brittney Slayes from UNLEASH THE ARCHERS, who adds another very distinctive touch to the song. 

"The cover artwork was once again created by Stan Decker for us, who already did the artwork for our album Hic Svnt Dracones. The very dark and somber image depicts an interpretation of the 'Scadutree' from the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC of Elden Ring, in combination with a fiery serpent, which symbolizes the character 'Messmer,' who plays a prominent part in the story of the game."

Watch the lyric video below;

Their current album Hic Svnt Dracones was released in 2024 worldwide through Steamhammer as CD digipak, 2LP gatefold version, download and stream here.

Ancient Roman Metal Gods EX DEO Joined by Unleash The Archers Vocalist Brittney Slayes on New Single, "Boudicca (Queen Of The Iceni)"

The Thirteen Years Of Nero out August 27, 2021 via Napalm Records

Pre-Order HERE

Juno Award-nominated symphonic death metal band EX DEO recently announced the release of their upcoming full-length album, The Thirteen Years Of Nero, out August 27, 2021 via Napalm Records! On The Thirteen Years Of Nero, the collective transports the listener back to Ancient Rome with 10 cinematic masterpieces that tell the conceptual story of the reign of Emperor Nero. Accented by sounds of ancient instruments like lyra and harp and detailing the harrowing stories of Nero’s surroundings, close allies and enemies, listeners will connect with intense psychological tones of political turmoil and paranoia.

Today, following the release of their bludgeoning first single "Imperator” and its equally brutal, bloody music video, EX DEO have revealed their standout second single, "Boudicca (Queen Of The Iceni)" featuring the powerful pipes of Unleash The Archers frontwoman Brittney Slayes!

Frontman Maurizio Iacono says about “Boudicca (Queen Of The Iceni)”:

“Queen Boudicca has been a symbol of freedom and rebellion in England since her ultimate sacrifice on the battlefield defending her people and their beliefs. Rome, in full expansion and under the rule of emperor Nero, was on a mission to annex Britain as a Roman province after the death of King Prasutagus (Boudicca's husband). The Roman treaty died, and so did peace.

The song embodies the tense exchange and mind frame of Boudicca against the Roman Empire's invasion and occupation. We are thrilled that Brittney Slayes of Unleash The Archers accepted the invitation to guest and deliver a powerful performance on this song. There's no one that better embodies the fighting spirit of Boudicca in metal than Brittney - the choice was clear. Prepare to be transported to ancient times of war and let the metal flow!"

Guest vocalist Brittney Slayes of Unleash The Archers adds:

"I was beyond excited to get the invite to be a part of this project! I am a huge EX DEO fan, plus I love the history and mythology they always incorporate into their albums, so it was a huge honour. Not to mention getting to 'play' the role of the iconic and powerful Boudicca was the chance of a lifetime! I have always been inspired by the warrior queen of the Iceni and could not wait to lend my voice to her part. Here's hoping everyone enjoys this track as much as I do!"

Watch the brand new music video for “Boudicca (Queen Of The Iceni)” below

EX DEO returns with more massive, brutal soundscapes than ever on The Thirteen Years Of Nero! The Canadian unit is led by founding frontman Maurizio Iacono (Kataklysm) and producer/guitarist Jean-François Dagenais (Kataklysm, Misery Index, Despised Icon), with the stylings of Stephane Barbe (Kataklysm) on lead guitar, Jeramie Kling (Venom Inc.) on drums, Dano Apekian (Ashes of Eden) on bass and Clemens Wijers (Carach Angren, Lindemann) manning the intense orchestral score.

The Thirteen Years Of Nero pierces through the silence with its first auditory spear, “The Fall Of Claudius”, immediately drawing the listener in with a savagely heavy, grooving riff, ground-shaking swells and warning strings and horns. Discordant harmonies collide as a mosh-worthy battle riff chugs and pinches through the center of the song, showcasing the ruthlessness to come. “The Head Of The Snake” and unforgivingly immense “Britannia: The 9th At Camulodonum” balance sinister, spectral-like channels with up-tempo elements, racing like a chariot of symphonic death metal influences that careen the listener back to a sonic dimension of time forgotten. Standout opus “Boudicca (Queen Of The Iceni)” features the deft vocal stylings of Unleash The Archers frontwoman Brittney Slayes, the album’s weightiest thunderous percussion work and a glistening guitar solo, while the embers of pulsing “The Fiddle & The Fire” spark as the track traverses methodically yet steadfastly, like an iron striking a blade. “Son Of The Deified” and “What Artist Dies In Me…” bestow some of the album’s most strikingly dynamic guitar work, as well as ominous instrumentals, orchestral and choral pathways, before closing with the superb epic “The Revolt of Galba”. The track ebbs and flows between grooving, eerie piano-laden riffs and crystal-clear flourishes bestrewn with soaring strings.

With The Thirteen Years Of Nero, EX DEO have released their finest work yet while telling a timeless story of political intrigue, suspicion, evil and tyranny!

Maurizio Iacono says about The Thirteen Years Of Nero:

“When it comes to Ancient Rome, the content is long, rich and extensive, the personalities reflect every society imaginable from just, fair and generous to greed, evil and merciless. The world we live in today was shaped by Rome – it doesn’t take much see it all around you in the simplest things. For this record, it was the proper time to fallow the timeline of one Rome’s most controversial figures, Nero. On this album, we follow him through his thirteen-year journey as emperor of Rome and unveil the true face of one of the world’s most worshiped villains.”

Pre-Order The Thirteen Years Of Nero HERE

The Thirteen Years Of Nero will be available in North America in the following formats:

-4 page CD Digipack

-LP Gatefold Black

-LP Gatefold Marbled Black & White (Napalm mailorder only – limited to 300 worldwide)

-Deluxe Wooden Box Edition: Digipack, Bonus Orchestral CD, Roman Coin, Band Logo Patch and Roman Banner (Napalm mailorder only – limited to 500)

-Digital Album

[Deluxe Wooden Box Edition: Digipack, Bonus Orchestral CD, Roman Coin, Band Logo Patch and Roman Banner (Napalm mailorder only – limited to 500)]

EX DEO is:

Maurizio Iacono - Vocals

Jean-François Dagenais - Guitars

Stephane Barbe - Lead Guitar

Dano Apekian - Bass

Jeramie Kling - Drums

Clements Wijers - Orchestral Score