The renowned heavy metal vocalist Ian Parry proudly announces the new chapter of the acclaimed Consortium Project series, with the release of “Legacy of Empires” scheduled for August 14th, 2026, via Frontiers Music Srl.
To coincide with the announcement, the title track is available today, along with an official video, available below.
Parry commented on the single: “When I first heard Johann Cadot’s powerful riff, I knew immediately we had the title track for ‘Legacy of Empires’ and the foundation for a truly strong album”.
After years of anticipation, Ian Parry proudly returns with “Legacy of Empires”, the powerful new chapter of the acclaimed Consortium Project series. An ambitious and cinematic work of progressive metal, the album represents a triumphant comeback for one of the genre’s most visionary and concept-driven artists.
Parry stated: “‘Legacy of Empires’ not only celebrates my 45th year as a professional singer-songwriter but also allows me to revisit and finally complete the sixth chapter of the Consortium Project saga. The challenge with every Consortium Project album is to match the quality of the previous releases while bringing something new to the music. I believe ‘Legacy of Empires’ achieves exactly that”.
“Being able to reunite musicians who have been part of the Consortium Project journey for decades, alongside outstanding new collaborators, made this album a very special experience”, he added.
Combining epic storytelling, emotional depth and virtuosic musicianship, “Legacy of Empires” explores themes of power, legacy, conflict and the rise and fall of civilizations through a rich and dynamic musical landscape. From majestic symphonic passages to crushing progressive metal riffs and soaring melodic arrangements, the album captures the spirit of classic concept albums while pushing the Consortium Project sound into bold new territory.
The record features an exceptional international lineup, including members of Vanden Plas, Kamelot and former members of Pain of Salvation, whose distinctive musical identities contribute to the album’s expansive and dramatic atmosphere. Their performances elevate the project into a truly immersive experience, balancing technical brilliance with raw emotional intensity.
At the center of it all stands Ian Parry, whose unmistakable voice and artistic vision continue to define the Consortium Project legacy. With “Legacy of Empires”, Parry once again demonstrates his ability to unite world-class musicians under a singular creative direction, delivering an album that is both grandiose in scale and deeply personal in spirit.
“Legacy of Empires” is destined to resonate with fans of sophisticated, melodic and emotionally heavy music. The album marks an exciting new era for Ian Parry’s Consortium Project, reaffirming its place among the most ambitious projects in the progressive metal scene.
Pre-order & pre-save “Legacy of Empires” here.
Tracklist:
1. The Constellation of the Stars
2. Legacy of Empires
3. A Declaration of Independence
4. Gods From the Heavens Above
5. A Kingdom for Heroes
6. Pyramids of Power
7. The Secrets of Creation
8. Awake the Forgotten Souls
9. The Burden of Truth
10. Nature’s Eyes
Line-up:
Ian Parry – Lead, Harmony & Choir Vocals All Songs. MIDI Synth Strings & Organ on Tracks; 1 & 5
Stephan Lill – Rhythm, Solo Guitars on Tracks 1, 3, 4, 5 & 8. Keyboards on Tracks; 3,4 & 8
Johann Cadot – Rhythm, Acoustic Guitars & Keyboards on Tracks 2, 7 & Bonus 11. Backing Vocals on Tracks; 2,3,4,5,7, 8 & Japanese Acoustic Bonus Track 11
Luca Sellitto – Rhythm, Acoustic, Solo Guitar & Strings on Tracks; 6,9 &10. Backing Vocals on Tracks; 2,3,4,5,7 & 8
Allan Sørensen – Drums on All Tracks (Except Track 10)
Andreas Passmark – Bass Guitars on Tracks; 5 & 6
Franky Rummler – Bass Guitars on Tracks; 3,4 & 8
Guest Musicians:
Bass Guitars:
Jan Bijlsma – Performs on Track 8
Kris Gildenlöw – Performs on Track 2
Robert Finan – Performs on Track 10
Carmine Vivo – Performs on Track 9
Drums:
Casey Grillo – Performs on Track 10
Keyboards:
Peter Jan Kleevens – Performs Hammond Organ on Track 6
Stefan Weissmuller – Performs Piano & Strings on Track 10
Guitars:
Patrick Rondat – Performs Solo Guitar on Track 2
Manolo Arias – Performs Solo Guitar on Track 7
Vocals:
Ombeline Duprat – Performs Choir & Harmony Vocals on Tracks; 2, 4, 5, 7 & Japanese Acoustic Bonus Track 11
Brenda Davis – Performs Lead & Harmony Vocals on Track 10
Weblinks:
www.ianparry.com
www.instagram.com/ianparryrocksinger
