Metal legends Thor and Chris Poland join forces for ‘Death or Glory’ ahead of new album
Heavy metal icon Thor and former Megadeth guitarist Chris Poland have released a collaborative cover of the Holocaust classic “Death or Glory,” the lead single from Nuclear Messiah’s forthcoming concept album, “Black Flame.”
The track, released April 1 via Cleopatra Records, serves as a centerpiece for the album arriving April 24. Co-produced by Brian Perera, the rendition features a veteran lineup including bassist Bob Daisley (Ozzy Osbourne), Jurgen Engler (Die Krupps), and Glen Drover (Megadeth).
“I had to sing a searing brand of rock on this track,” said Thor, the veteran bodybuilder and performer known for his “Thunder God” persona. “I was psyched and sang with power and intensity. I was honored to be included on this album along with these great legendary artists.”
The release of “Death or Glory” comes as Thor announces his impending retirement from the recording studio. After 40 years and 40 albums, the performer cited the physical toll of his high-intensity career—which often included bending steel and breaking bricks on stage—as the reason for his departure.
His upcoming project, “The Final Battle,” is billed as his last. “It is my ultimate and absolutely final album,” Thor said. “It’s Ragnarok!”
The “Black Flame” album features an expansive roster of guest vocalists and musicians, including Sebastian Bach, Arthur Brown, and William Shatner. The lineup includes contributors from across the heavy metal and hard rock spectrum, with members of Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, and Judas Priest represented in the credits.
“This record has so many metal icons playing on it,” Poland said. “It’s really a must for any metalhead’s record collection.”
The music video for “Death or Glory” is currently available on Cleopatra Records’ YouTube channel, with the single streaming on all major digital platforms. Additional details regarding Thor’s final album and Shatner’s upcoming metal project are expected later this year.
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Track listing for Black Fame
1. The Prophet Of Fallout feat. Chris Poland & William Shatner
2. Devil Won’t Let Go feat. Chris Poland, Ronnie Romero, Vinnie Moore, Vinny Appice, Don Airey, Steve Di Giorgio
3. Death Or Glory feat. Chris Poland, Thor, Bob Daisley, Glen Drover, Fred Aching
4. Ride The Sky feat. Chris Poland, Arthur Brown, Vinny Appice, Alan Davey
5. Dice And Thunder feat. Chris Poland, Rick Wakeman, Ronnie Romero, Bumblefoot, Steve Di Giorgio, Fred Aching
6. For Mad Men Only feat. Chris Poland, Pat Travers, Joe Lynn Turner, Alan Davey, Shawn Drover
7. Nuclear Messiah feat. Chris Poland, Lance Lopez, Greg Walker, Tim “Ripper” Owens, Vinny Appice, Don Airey
8. Look At Yourself feat. Chris Poland, Sebastian Bach, Derek Sherinian, Bob Daisley, Mick Box, Carmine Appice
9. She’s So Evil feat. Chris Poland, Joel Hoekstra, David Ellefson, Don Airey, Andrew Freeman, Simon Wright
10. Black Flame feat. Chris Poland, Ronnie Romero, Jonathan Cain, Phil Soussan, Glen Drover, Chris Adler
11. Electric Burn feat. Chris Poland, Marty Friedman, Joe Bouchard, Marc Lopes, Chris Adler
