Ashes of Ares

Ashes of Ares is an American power metal band featuring ex-Iced Earth members Matt Barlow on vocals and Freddie Vidales on guitar. It previously included drummer Van Williams (formerly of the band Nevermore).

Ashes of Ares
Ashes of Ares in 2013
Background information
Origin	United States
Genres	Power metal
Years active	2012–present
Labels	Nuclear Blast, ROAR! Rock of Angels Records
Members	Matt Barlow (vocals) Freddie Vidales (guitar)
Past members	Van Williams (drums)

History

In June 2012, Barlow announced on his Facebook page the creation of a new band with former Iced Earth bassist Freddie Vidales and Nevermore drummer Van Williams. Later that year the band signed with Nuclear Blast Records and entered Morrisound studio and recorded their debut self-titled album. The album was released on September 6, 2013.^[1]
The band went on tour around Europe with Powerwolf and Battle Beast in September/October 2013.^[2][3]

On February 13, 2017, the band announced drummer Williams had left the band he co-founded.^[4] The decision was described as "both mutual and amicable." Williams moved on to play with the band Ghost Ship Octavius. In October 2018 the band has released its second album.^[5][6]

Discography

• Ashes of Ares (2013)
• Well of Souls (2018)
• Throne of Iniquity (EP) (2020)
• Emperors and Fools (2022)
• New Messiahs (2025)