Hardcore titans LIONHEART announce new album and stream single / video
California’s metallic hardcore titans Lionheart are back and hitting harder than ever with their brand-new single 'Bulletproof' - a ferocious statement track that marks the beginning of the next chapter in the band’s unstoppable rise. Groove-heavy, razor-sharp, and fueled by the Oakland outfit’s trademark intensity, 'Bulletproof' captures everything that has made Lionheart one of the most dominant forces in modern hardcore: pure aggression, anthemic gang-shouts, and a swagger that could only come from the West Coast.
Lionheart have also announced the release of their highly anticipated new album Valley of Death II, set for release on January 9th, 2026 via Arising Empire. Serving as the sequel to their crushing 2019 record Valley of Death, the new album promises to be heavier, darker, and even more unrelenting.
Watch the video for 'Bulletproof' here: https://youtu.be/VeP1OmL5fNQ
Pre-order here: https://arisingempire.com/lionheart
Now, after officially re-signing with Arising Empire, Lionheart are charging into their next era with renewed force. With one of 2026’s most anticipated hardcore albums on the horizon, the band is poised to push their legacy even further. Their return to Europe in January 2026 for a massive headline tour - joined by Madball, Gideon, and Slope - will showcase exactly why this new chapter with Arising Empire marks a decisive and powerful step forward.
Catch the band live with support from Madball, Gideon and Slope:
09.01.26 – Germany, Münster – Skaters Palace
10.01.26 – Germany, Leipzig – Haus Auensee
11.01.26 – Germany, Berlin – Astra
12.01.26 – Czech Republic, Prague – Lucerna Music
13.01.26 – Austria, Vienna – SiMM City
14.01.26 – Germany, Nürnberg – Z-Bau
15.01.26 – Germany, Munich – Tonhalle
16.01.26 – Germany, Wiesbaden – Schlachthof
17.01.26 – Switzerland, Solothurn – Kofmehl
18.01.26 – France, Paris – Bataclan
20.01.26 – Netherlands, Tilburg – 013
21.01.26 – Germany, Stuttgart – Im Wizemann
22.01.26 – Germany, Bremen – Modernes
23.01.26 – Germany, Cologne – Carlswerk Victoria
24.01.26 – Belgium, Antwerp – Trix
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.
Lionheart’s rise only accelerated. On their 2024 European headline tour, the band sold nearly 20,000 tickets, with 7 out of 11 shows selling out - a testament to their unstoppable momentum and loyal following.
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.
Lionheart are ready to raise the bar once again and leave nothing standing.
LIONHEART are:
Rob Watson | Vocals
Nick Warner | Guitar
Walle Etzel | Guitar
Richard Mathews | Bass
Jay Scott | Drums
For more information:
https://www.facebook.com/lionheartca/
https://www.instagram.com/lionheartca/
https://twitter.com/lionheartca?lang=de
Track list:
01 Bulletproof
02 Chewing Through The Leash ft Kubl
03 Ice Cold
04 Valley of Death II
05 No Peace
06 Roll Call
07 Salt The Earth
08 Release The Dogs
09 In Love With The Pain
10 Death Grip ft A Day To Remember