German melodic metal veterans MOB RULES present their brand-new single "Balance Of Power", offering another powerful taste of their forthcoming studio album Stories From The Verdant Vale. The album is set for release on August 21 via ROAR – A Division Of Reigning Phoenix Music.

Stories From The Verdant Vale sees MOB RULES return to the narrative world introduced with their latest album Rise Of The Ruler (2025), which was widely praised and marked a major milestone in the band’s career. The material originates from songs written during the final stages of those sessions, now presented as a special standalone release.

A true neck-breaker that makes no compromises, "Balance Of Power" impresses with its sheer force and relentless energy. As the band reveals, the track was refined down to the very last second: "Even during the final recording sessions at Bazement Studio, details were added and nuances refined to extract the maximum level of intensity."

The new single is now available on all major streaming platforms:
https://mobrules.rpm.link/balancePR

The songs on Stories From The Verdant Vale reveal a slightly more direct and compact approach compared to Rise Of The Ruler, while staying true to the band’s signature blend of melodic power metal, atmosphere and storytelling. Expanding the original concept from a different perspective, the material forms a natural extension of Rise Of The Ruler, while each track also stands strong on its own.

As vocalist Klaus Dirks recently said:
“During the final stages of completing the album, we discussed possible bonus material for the earbook edition with the label. We were reluctant to use demo versions or similar material. This motivated us to write a few new songs. We were well aware of what we were getting ourselves into, but we also wanted to challenge ourselves a little.”

Originally conceived in part as exclusive material, Stories From The Verdant Valewill now receive a proper release on vinyl and digital platforms due to high demand. The record was mixed by Markus Teske, with artwork created by Stan W. Decker.

Pre-Order / Pre-Save Stories From The Verdant Vale here:
https://mobrules.rpm.link/storiesPR

About MOB RULES

Formed in Northern Germany in the early 1990s, MOB RULES have established themselves as a constant force in melodic power metal. Known for their concept-driven albums, strong melodies and atmospheric depth, the band has built a loyal international following over the decades.

With ten studio albums to date, including the critically acclaimed Rise Of The Ruler, MOB RULES have continuously refined their sound while staying true to their roots. Their blend of classic heavy metal influences and modern production has secured them a lasting place within the genre.

MOB RULES is:
Klaus Dirks - Vocals
Sven Lüdke - Guitar
Florian Dyszbalis - Guitar
Markus Brinkmann - Bass
Jan Christian Halfbrodt - Keys
Sebastian Schmidt - Drums

Connect with MOB RULES:
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/mobrulesband
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/mobrulesband

2-CD And 2-LP Versions Of First Black Sabbath Albums With
Ronnie James Dio On Vocals Feature Newly Remastered Audio
Along With Rare And Unreleased Music

Live Versions Of “Heaven And Hell” And “The Mob Rules”
Available Today As Digital Singles

Singer Ronnie James Dio joined Black Sabbath in 1979 which resulted in two back-to-back classic albums: Heaven And Hell and Mob Rules. On those memorable albums, Dio’s soaring tenor and gothic songwriting were the perfect foil for the band’s bone-crushing mix of razor-sharp riffs, intense grooves, and dark imagery.

Rhino salutes the long shadow cast by this short-lived lineup with newly remastered versions of both albums expanded with rare and unreleased music. HEAVEN AND HELL: DELUXE EDITION and MOB RULES: DELUXE EDITION will be released separately on March 5. Each album will be available on 2-CDs ($19.98), or a 2-LPs ($31.98). Due to space constraints, both vinyl editions include a selection of bonus material from the CDs. The music will also be available via digital download and streaming services the same day. A rare live version of “Heaven And Hell” and a previously unreleased live version of “The Mob Rules” are both available today as digital singles. Click HERE to listen now.

Dio joined Black Sabbath for the first time in 1979 and quickly found kindred spirits in guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler, and drummer Bill Ward. When Heaven And Hell was released in April 1980, the album was met with effusive reviews for the band’s return to form on metal masterpieces like “Neon Knights” and the title track. The album reached #9 in the U.K. and #28 in the U.S., where it was also certified platinum.

HEAVEN AND HELL: DELUXE EDITION adds several bonus tracks that have never been released in North America, including versions of “Children Of The Sea” and “Die Young” recorded live in 1980 in Hartford, CT. The set concludes with live rarities like “E5150” and “Neon Knights” that originally appeared in 2007 on the Rhino Handmade’s limited edition collection, Black Sabbath: Live At Hammersmith Odeon.

To follow-up Heaven And Hell, the group returned to the studio in 1981 to begin recording Mob Rules, with drummer Vinny Appice joining the band for the first time. Released in October 1981 and certified gold, the album was another Sabbath classic, including standouts like “The Sign Of The Southern Cross,” “Turn Up The Night” and the title track.

MOB RULES: DELUXE EDITION boasts an expansive selection of rare and unreleased recordings. Along with additional tracks from Live At Hammersmith Odeon, the collection also includes a newly mixed version of “The Mob Rules.” The cherry on top is an entire concert recorded in 1982 in Portland, OR. Highlights include stellar performances of “Neon Knights” “Heaven And Hell” and “Voodoo.”

The Dio-fronted lineup disbanded in 1982 but reunited a decade later to record Dehumanizer and tour before going on hiatus again. The group came together again in 2006 to record three new songs for Rhino’s era-spanning collection, Black Sabbath: The Dio Years. The collaboration led to a highly anticipated world tour in 2007 where the group was billed as Heaven And Hell. Their final album of new material, 2009’s The Devil You Know, again demonstrated the musical bond between the band members was unparalleled.

MOB RULES Drop New Single “Balance Of Power” From Upcoming Album Stories From The Verdant Vale

BLACK SABBATH HEAVEN AND HELL AND MOB RULES DELUXE EDITIONS AVAILABLE MARCH 5