Austrian power metal stalwarts Dragony have once again emerged onto the scene, delighting fans with a brand-new single, “Shadow and Flame”. Marking a bold shift in creative direction, the track signals the band’s renewed embrace of pop culture influences, following their previous two albums which reimagined historical events through a fantastical lens. With this release, Dragony dives headlong into the worlds of video games and contemporary fantasy, drawing particular inspiration from the critically acclaimed Elden Ring and its DLC, Shadow of the Erdtree. Originally recorded during the summer of 2025, the single is already being hailed as a standout addition to both long-time followers’ playlists and newcomers eager for dynamic, cinematic metal.
To amplify this fresh musical approach, Dragony have expanded their permanent line-up. The exceptional Maria Nesh joins as second lead vocalist, adding a vibrant new dimension to the band’s sound. Complementing her presence is Britney Slayes of UNLEASH THE ARCHERS, whose guest vocals elevate the single to epic heights. Danish composer Lasse Elkjaer returns with his signature cinematic orchestrations, while legendary producer Jacob Hansen ensures that every element of the track—from sonic textures to production quality—remains powerful, precise, and unforgettable.
Frontman Siegfried Samer shared his enthusiasm: “I’ve always been a huge fan of FromSoftware’s games. Elden Ring has inspired us enormously. Our earlier tracks, Kiln of the First Flame and Lords of the Hunt, drew from Dark Souls and Bloodborne, and ‘Shadow and Flame’ completes this thematic trilogy. Maria’s addition has brought a fresh energy, and Britney’s contribution has taken the song to another level entirely.”
The single’s cover artwork, crafted by Stan Dekker, fuses symbolic imagery from the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, including the Scadutree and a serpent engulfed in flames, creating an otherworldly and enigmatic visual narrative that perfectly complements the track’s epic atmosphere.
Fans will also be thrilled to learn that Dragony are set to embark on a major European tour in 2026. The band will perform alongside Ensiferum and Freedom Call, hitting iconic venues such as London’s The Dome and Paris’s La Machine Du Moulin Rouge, as well as headlining festivals including Full Metal Mayrhofen, Epic Fest, and the Warriors Of Steel Festival.
With “Shadow and Flame”, Dragony reaffirm their status as one of Europe’s most inventive and imaginative power metal acts. By seamlessly merging gaming lore with bombastic metal, they craft an exhilarating musical experience that transports listeners straight into a realm of epic fantasy and sonic grandeur.