CLOVEN HOOF, the legendary NWOBHM band, is set to release their tenth studio album, 'Never A Prophet In Your Own Land', on September 25, 2026, via High Roller Records. The album's first single, 'Iron Mask', is now available as a lyric video. This highly anticipated release showcases the band's musical evolution and versatility, featuring a diverse range of songs, from mid-tempo tracks to epic compositions and heavy metal anthems. The vocal prowess of Harry 'The Tyrant' Conklin, who has been with the band for the past three and a half years, is a key highlight, with his world-class performance adding a new dimension to CLOVEN HOOF's sound.
In an interview, Lee Payne, the band's bassist, praised Conklin's talent, stating, 'The praise is all Harry's. We are indeed fortunate to have such a brilliant vocalist and frontman in the band.' Payne also noted that the new album is a departure from their previous release, 'Heathen Cross', but draws inspiration from 'A Sultan's Ransom'. The band aimed to create a rich and varied album, showcasing their musical growth and versatility, which Payne describes as 'one step further' in their most satisfying work yet.
The album's track listing reveals a diverse selection of songs, including 'Terror From The Sky', 'Conquistador', 'Never A Prophet', and 'Seven Sacred Wonders'. This album marks a significant milestone for CLOVEN HOOF, a band with a rich history dating back to 1979 when they formed as NIGHTSTALKER. The band's name change to CLOVEN HOOF in 1981, along with the adoption of stage characters, added a unique identity to their music. Over the years, they have released several influential albums, including 'Cloven Hoof', 'Fighting Back', and 'A Sultan's Ransom', before a hiatus in the 1990s.
CLOVEN HOOF's resurgence began in 2006 with the release of 'Eye Of The Sun', followed by 'Resist Or Serve' in 2014 and 'Who Mourns For The Morning Star?' in 2017, all on High Roller Records. The latter album was a breakthrough, allowing the band to tour North America for the first time. Since then, they have released 'Age Of Steel', 'Time Assassins', and 'Heathen Cross', solidifying their status as one of the most influential bands in the NWOBHM genre. With Harry Conklin's exceptional vocals and the band's continued evolution, 'Never A Prophet In Your Own Land' is poised to be another landmark release in their illustrious career.
