British heavy metal vocalist Blaze Bayley, who fronted IRON MAIDEN more than 20 years ago, will release a new studio album, “War Within Me”, on April 9. All songs were written and produced by Blaze and guitarist Chris Appleton.

“War Within Me” finds Blaze moving forward from the success of his “Infinite Entanglement” trilogy released in consecutive years 2016-2018. The 10 brand new songs draw influences from Blaze‘s experience with IRON MAIDEN (1994-1999), plus his extensive solo career which started with his “Silicon Messiah” album in year 2000.

“War Within Me” is not a concept album but does include a positive thread throughout. In Blaze‘s own words: “This is an album that I want to put on and feel very positive about. Whatever song you choose, there’s some good feeling about it.

“As fans of metal music, we tend to be damaged, strange and different in some way, and this album is (as I say in my live intro to the song ‘Futureal’) about taking your future in your own hand. It’s one of the things that really connects with people at my live shows.”

“War Within Me” was recorded during 2020 with work split between Blaze‘s studio at home in the West Midlands and Christopher Appleton‘s studio in Greater Manchester. The now very consistent lineup, chosen from British metal band ABSOLVA, played on the album — Christopher Appleton (guitar, backing vocals), Martin McNee (drums), Karl Schramm (bass). Blaze and Appleton shared the work mixing and producing, while Ade Emsley (IRON MAIDEN, TANK, BRITISH LION, VOODOO SIX) handled the mastering. The striking and detailed artwork is provided by Akirant Illustration (IRON MAIDEN, “Star Wars”).

“War Within Me” track listing:

01. War Within Me
02. 303
03. Warrior
04. Pull Yourself Up
05. Witches Night
06. 18 Flights
07. The Dream Of Alan Turing
08. The Power Of Nikola Tesla
09. The Unstoppable Stephen Hawking
10. Every Storm Ends