Lionheart – Valley of Death II
Arising Empire Records
9,0/10,0
Brief:
True strength is earned only through struggle—and California-based metallic hardcore act Lionheart are no strangers to struggle. Since their formation in 2007, the Oakland quintet have turned aggression and immolating intensity into the foundation of their groove-heavy, hard-hitting sound. Each record, each year, has marked another step forward: louder, sharper, stronger.
Lionheart first erupted with The Will to Survive (2007), followed by Built on Struggle (2010) and Undisputed (2012), earning their place in hardcore with relentless touring and uncompromising delivery. 2014’s Welcome to the West Coast hit #1 on iTunes and Google Play metal charts, setting off a celebrated trilogy. With Love Don’t Live Here (2016) and Welcome to the West Coast II (2017), the band expanded their sound—balancing primal rage with introspection and groove—before returning in 2019 with Valley of Death, a darker, unrelenting statement.
In 2022, Lionheart signed with Arising Empire and released Welcome to the West Coast III, produced by Jamey Jasta (Hatebreed) and mixed by Will Putney (Fit for an Autopsy, END, Counterparts). The record became their most ambitious yet: personal, punishing, and unapologetically Californian. That same year, their “Welcome to the West Coast III” European Tour drew over 15,000 fans, with multiple sold-out shows underlining the band’s growing global presence.
Now, as they head into the next chapter, Lionheart have re-signed and extended their cooperation with Arising Empire for their upcoming full-length. The brand-new album Valley Of Death II, set for release in 2026, will mark a new high point in the band’s career—heavier, darker, and more relentless than ever before. The record also holds a bold feature with Texas heavyweights Kublai Khan, pushing the intensity to new extremes.
[Edited Press Release]
Tracklist:
- Bulletproof
- Chewing Through The Leash ft. Matt Honeycutt from Kublai Khan TX
- Ice Cold
- Valley of Death II
- No Peace
- Roll Call
- Salt The Earth
- Release The Dogs
- In Love with the Pain
- Death Grip ft. Kevin Skaff from A Day To Remember
Main Focus Tracks:
- Bulletproof
- Chewing Through The Leash ft. Matt Honeycutt from Kublai Khan TX
- Valley of Death II
- No Peace
Other Recommended Tracks:
- Ice Cold
- Roll Call
- Salt The Earth
- In Love with the Pain
Line-Up:
Rob Watson – vocals
Nick Warner – guitar
Walle Etzel – guitar
Richard Mathews – bass
Jay Scott – drums
Comments:
Valley of Death II is the album that expresses the maturity of Lionheart: technical, violent, and essential. It is a killer album!
Contacts:
Video:
Selected Discography:
The Will to Survive (2007)
Built on Struggle (2010)
Undisputed (2012)
Welcome to the West Coast (2014)
Love Don’t Live Here (2016)
Valley of Death (2019)
Welcome to the West Coast III (2022)
Valley of Death II (2026)
Photo credit: no credit