Uploaded November 2025 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
The album Sworn to Avenge, the fifth studio album by the American band Shadowkiller, represents not only a milestone in the group's discography, but also a definitive conclusion to a conceptual saga that has captivated fans of epic heavy metal over the past few years. Released on November 28, 2025 by the renowned independent label Stormspell Records, the album arrives after five years of personal turmoil and tragic losses for the band members—a dark period that infuses even more emotional depth into their compositions. Originating from Northern California, Shadowkiller, led by the multifaceted Joe Liszt (guitars, bass, keyboards and vocals), with Gary Neff on drums, have established themselves as an unstoppable force in the American epic power metal scene, evoking the glories of the NWOBHM and classic 80s metal, with influences from Iron Maiden and Manowar.
Sworn to Avenge concludes the narrative begun in previous albums, taking listeners back on a journey through a dark and mystical forest. Here, the hero faces a final confrontation against an ancient and merciless evil, in a battle of biblical proportions that blends elements of medieval fantasy, warrior honor, and vengeful fury. The album title — "Oath of Vengeance" — reflects the central theme: a solemn pact of retaliation against the darkness that has consumed worlds and souls. Dedicated to Cindy, Rob, and Dan (members of the band who passed away in recent years), the album carries a personal weight that transforms its epic grandeur into something visceral and cathartic, as if each riff and chorus were a cry of mourning and triumph.
With eight tracks that flow like chapters of an epic, the album balances furious speed with moments of breathtaking melody, underpinned by subtle orchestral arrangements and guitar solos that echo like flaming blades. The production, recorded, mixed, and mastered by Liszt between 2020 and 2025 in some hidden studio in California, preserves the raw and organic sound of traditional metal, without concessions to excessive modernity.
The sound of Shadowkiller is pure epic metal: twin guitars as sharp as swords, thunderous drums that propel war marches, and Liszt's vocals ranging from demonic growls to heroic screams, all wrapped in a production that prioritizes live energy. The cover, designed by Jannick Bouchard, perfectly captures the spirit—a shadowy figure emerging from the shadows of a cursed forest, sword in hand, under a sky of blood.
In a world saturated with subgenres, Sworn to Avenge is a balm for metal purists: authentic, ambitious, and imbued with soul. It's the perfect album for those seeking narratives that transcend mere entertainment, transforming headbanging into a personal odyssey. Available on CD, vinyl, and streaming (pre-orders are already underway on Bandcamp and Qobuz), it not only honors the band's past but paves a glorious future. If you're a fan of bands like Ancient Empire (Liszt's side project), Manilla Road, or even classic Maiden, this is the album that will reignite your inner flame. Swear vengeance—and let the metal guide you.
MEMBERS
Gary Neff - Drums (2010-present)
Joe Liszt Vocals, Guitars, Bass (2010-present)
TRACKLIST
1. The Haunting | 00:00
2. Souviens Toi | 07:10
3. Rise of the Hunter | 13:01
4. Into the Night | 18:22
5. Shadows of the Sun | 23:37
6. The Heart of the Warrior | 28:27
7. Sands in the Hourglass | 33:03
8. Bellum Sacrum | 38:45
SOCIAL MEDIA
Bandcamp: shadowkiller.bandcamp.com
Facebook: facebook.com/shadowkillerband
Spotify: open.spotify.com/artist/7Dy3W2EoczDAdDxOmyMsPd
YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCYyA9VRTguR_xIvY_WcUnDg
COPYRIGHT
All music written and produced by Shadowkiller. All rights reserved to Stormspell Records.
Streaming is cool, but buying the physical album is what really keeps the band alive.
#newalbum #newrelease #fullalbum #promotion #metal
🔇Please let me know by commenting the video if you're seen in the video or own the copyright and don't like my promotion! Ofcourse I'll pull down the video if you ask! It's all done for the love of your music!
The album Sworn to Avenge, the fifth studio album by the American band Shadowkiller, represents not only a milestone in the group's discography, but also a definitive conclusion to a conceptual saga that has captivated fans of epic heavy metal over the past few years. Released on November 28, 2025 by the renowned independent label Stormspell Records, the album arrives after five years of personal turmoil and tragic losses for the band members—a dark period that infuses even more emotional depth into their compositions. Originating from Northern California, Shadowkiller, led by the multifaceted Joe Liszt (guitars, bass, keyboards and vocals), with Gary Neff on drums, have established themselves as an unstoppable force in the American epic power metal scene, evoking the glories of the NWOBHM and classic 80s metal, with influences from Iron Maiden and Manowar.
Sworn to Avenge concludes the narrative begun in previous albums, taking listeners back on a journey through a dark and mystical forest. Here, the hero faces a final confrontation against an ancient and merciless evil, in a battle of biblical proportions that blends elements of medieval fantasy, warrior honor, and vengeful fury. The album title — "Oath of Vengeance" — reflects the central theme: a solemn pact of retaliation against the darkness that has consumed worlds and souls. Dedicated to Cindy, Rob, and Dan (members of the band who passed away in recent years), the album carries a personal weight that transforms its epic grandeur into something visceral and cathartic, as if each riff and chorus were a cry of mourning and triumph.
With eight tracks that flow like chapters of an epic, the album balances furious speed with moments of breathtaking melody, underpinned by subtle orchestral arrangements and guitar solos that echo like flaming blades. The production, recorded, mixed, and mastered by Liszt between 2020 and 2025 in some hidden studio in California, preserves the raw and organic sound of traditional metal, without concessions to excessive modernity.
The sound of Shadowkiller is pure epic metal: twin guitars as sharp as swords, thunderous drums that propel war marches, and Liszt's vocals ranging from demonic growls to heroic screams, all wrapped in a production that prioritizes live energy. The cover, designed by Jannick Bouchard, perfectly captures the spirit—a shadowy figure emerging from the shadows of a cursed forest, sword in hand, under a sky of blood.
In a world saturated with subgenres, Sworn to Avenge is a balm for metal purists: authentic, ambitious, and imbued with soul. It's the perfect album for those seeking narratives that transcend mere entertainment, transforming headbanging into a personal odyssey. Available on CD, vinyl, and streaming (pre-orders are already underway on Bandcamp and Qobuz), it not only honors the band's past but paves a glorious future. If you're a fan of bands like Ancient Empire (Liszt's side project), Manilla Road, or even classic Maiden, this is the album that will reignite your inner flame. Swear vengeance—and let the metal guide you.
MEMBERS
Gary Neff - Drums (2010-present)
Joe Liszt Vocals, Guitars, Bass (2010-present)
TRACKLIST
1. The Haunting | 00:00
2. Souviens Toi | 07:10
3. Rise of the Hunter | 13:01
4. Into the Night | 18:22
5. Shadows of the Sun | 23:37
6. The Heart of the Warrior | 28:27
7. Sands in the Hourglass | 33:03
8. Bellum Sacrum | 38:45
SOCIAL MEDIA
Bandcamp: shadowkiller.bandcamp.com
Facebook: facebook.com/shadowkillerband
Spotify: open.spotify.com/artist/7Dy3W2EoczDAdDxOmyMsPd
YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCYyA9VRTguR_xIvY_WcUnDg
COPYRIGHT
All music written and produced by Shadowkiller. All rights reserved to Stormspell Records.
Streaming is cool, but buying the physical album is what really keeps the band alive.
#newalbum #newrelease #fullalbum #promotion #metal
🔇Please let me know by commenting the video if you're seen in the video or own the copyright and don't like my promotion! Ofcourse I'll pull down the video if you ask! It's all done for the love of your music!
