IRON MAIDEN ANNOUNCES THUNDEROUS NEW ALBUM “LEGACY REFORGED” FEATURING METALLICA’S KIRK HAMMETT, FLOOR JANSEN, AND TOM MORELLO — A MONUMENTAL RETURN TO METAL’S ROOTS
The gods of heavy metal have spoken. Iron Maiden, the legendary British metal band who helped define the genre across five decades, have announced the release of their long-anticipated 18th studio album titled “Legacy Reforged,” scheduled to drop worldwide on September 13, 2025.
But this is no ordinary album release. “Legacy Reforged” will feature an epic slate of collaborations with some of the most iconic and eclectic names in rock and metal: Kirk Hammett of Metallica, symphonic metal powerhouse Floor Jansen of Nightwish, and guitar revolutionary Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine. It marks Iron Maiden’s most ambitious and collaborative project to date — a sonic celebration of their enduring influence and relevance.
“WE’VE NEVER DONE ANYTHING LIKE THIS”
In a press conference streamed live from London’s Roundhouse, frontman Bruce Dickinson, flanked by fellow bandmates Steve Harris, Adrian Smith, and Nicko McBrain, shared their excitement for what he called “a war cry from the future built on the bones of the past.”
“We’ve never done anything like this before,” Dickinson said. “This album is our way of passing the torch, lighting a few new fires, and setting the record straight — Iron Maiden is still here, louder than hell, and hungrier than ever.”
The album, recorded across studios in London, Los Angeles, and Amsterdam over the past 18 months, will contain 12 tracks, weaving classic Maiden storytelling with modern production techniques and a bold variety of textures. The first single, “Ashes of Avalon” — featuring a blistering guitar solo from Hammett — will be released July 26.
EPIC COLLABORATORS, UNEXPECTED DYNAMICS
In a genre often known for its fierce independence, Iron Maiden’s decision to open their doors to collaborators marks a significant shift.
Kirk Hammett, who has often cited Iron Maiden as a formative influence, called the project “a full-circle moment.”
“Sharing the studio with Maiden was like jamming with the architects of the house we all live in,” said Hammett. “’Ashes of Avalon’ is just the beginning — it’s heavy, mythic, and absolutely brutal.”
Floor Jansen contributes vocals to the operatic track “The Siege of Heaven,” a six-minute opus that blends Maiden’s galloping riffs with symphonic layers and dueling vocals between her and Dickinson. Her presence marks the first time a female vocalist has been officially featured on an Iron Maiden album.
“Bruce and I are storytellers in different shades,” Jansen said. “Coming together was a battle and a ballet — and it was glorious.”
And perhaps the most surprising guest, Tom Morello, lends his politically charged guitar work to “Code of the Bastion,” a searing, riff-heavy commentary on surveillance and war.
“Maiden doesn’t preach — they paint the battlefield and let you walk through it,” Morello explained. “I just added a few landmines.”
A CELEBRATION OF LEGACY AND REBELLION
“Legacy Reforged” doesn’t shy away from Iron Maiden’s deep roots. From the title and artwork — featuring a futuristic version of their iconic mascot Eddie, now part-machine, part-phantom — to the lyrical themes drawn from history, myth, and dystopia, the album aims to blend everything that fans love about Maiden with a sharp edge pointed toward tomorrow.
Steve Harris, the band’s founding bassist and creative anchor, noted, “We wanted to look backward and forward at once. That’s what this record does. It reforges our legacy in a new flame.”
The album will also be available in a special Collector’s Armory Edition, including a 64-page artbook, vinyl pressings, and behind-the-scenes footage from the recording sessions.
WORLD TOUR TO FOLLOW
Iron Maiden has also announced that a global “Legacy Reforged World Tour” will launch in early 2026, with dates across Europe, North and South America, Asia, and Australia. Fans can expect a stage show described by insiders as “the most cinematic production Maiden has ever attempted.”
FANS AND METAL WORLD REACT
The internet exploded within minutes of the announcement. Hashtags like #LegacyReforged, #MaidenReturns, and #AshesOfAvalon quickly climbed global trending lists. Fellow artists including Rob Halford, Corey Taylor, and Sharon Osbourne offered praise online, hailing Maiden’s daring step into new territory while preserving their thunderous core.
With five decades under their bullet belts and no signs of slowing down, Iron Maiden’s latest opus looks set to remind the world why they remain the gold standard of hard rock.
“Legacy Reforged” drops globally on September 13, 2025. Pre-orders and tour presales begin July 1st via IronMaiden.com.
