ASHES OF ARES, the new band featuring Matt Barlow (ex-ICED EARTH), Van Williams (ex-NEVERMORE) and Freddie Vidales (ex-Iced Earth), have released their first studio update for the band's upcoming debut album, which is going to be released later this year via Nuclear Blast.

Commented vocalist Matt Barlow: "Brothers and Sisters! We are happy to report that the record has been mastered and sent to Nuclear Blast! We hope to have the album presented to all of you by the end of summer.There should be some really cool stuff available to you between now and then, and we are really excited that the Nuclear Blast team is working so hard for us...and more importantly, you! Thank you for your patience and continued support in anticipation for the debut album from Ashes Of Ares!"

According to a press release, Ashes Of Ares is a band which represents the culmination of experiences, trials and tribulations of founding members Matt Barlow, Van Williams and Freddie Vidales. Within months of their departures from the iconic metal bands ICED EARTH and NEVERMORE, the trio came together with a renewed drive to create a sound which is a true collaboration of their personal influences, ideas and visions. Armed with the knowledge acquired through years of the writing, touring and recording cycle, and with the support of an army of loyal fans across the globe, Ashes Of Ares is poised to carve out a new legacy and stand alongside those who have helped pave the way.

The band comments the unholy alliance like this: “We are proud to announce that we have signed with Nuclear Blast records! We're really looking forward to working with them in bringing our music to the world. It's great to be added to the ranks of the already impressive roster of bands that Nuclear Blast represents. We will be entering the studio at the beginning of April under the masterful watch of producer Jim Morris of “Morrisound Recording”. We and Nuclear Blast are aiming for a release date late in the summer of 2013. This will be followed by a European tour with POWERWOLF. It's a new beginning for Ashes Of Ares, and we couldn't ask for a better label than Nuclear Blast to go into battle with. Attack!”

Nuclear Blast A&R; Jaap Wagemaker adds: “After we received their first demo we were totally blown away by the power of their music! We are all huge fans of classic NEVERMORE and classic ICED EARTH and we knew that just like us their fans are waiting eagerly to hear this! Their new band is named after the Greek god of war and together we will go forward into to battle conquering the hearts of metal fans worldwide! At the moment the band is hard at work forging their debut album which will see the light in the late summer this year. If you can’t wait that long, make sure not to miss them at the legendary “Rock Hard Festival” this year. Ashes Of Ares: welcome to the Nuclear family!”

Trailer Pt 1:

Trailer Pt 2:

For more details visit Ashesofares.com.