Nuclear Blast Records has announce the signing of Ashes Of Ares, the new band featuring Matt Barlow (ex-Iced Earth), Van Williams (ex-Nevermore) and Freddie Vidales (ex-Iced Earth).

Ashes Of Ares is a band which represents the culmination of experiences, trials and tribulations of its founding members. 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 representative 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!�

Ashes Of Ares is:

Matthew Barlow - Vocals
Freddie Vidales - Guitar/Bass
Van Williams - Drums

In an October 2012 interview with Rocket Queen Promotion, Barlow stated about Ashes Of Ares' musical direction: "Well, most folks know what to expect from me, from my work with Iced Earth and Pyramaze. So you take some of that and mix it with Van's brand of cadence and Freddie's riffage… blam-o….it's Ashes Of Ares!!! It's just straight-up heavy metal!"
Regarding the band's future plans, Barlow said: "The reason we are all doing this is for the love of music. We are metal guys and this is what we do. Ashes Of Ares live shows will be limited, but there will be live shows for fans, friends, and family to come to and enjoy with us. We really just want to create music that we enjoy and have that translate to our listeners."