Country: France
Genre: Heavy Metal
Release: June 26, 2026
For fans of: Judas Priest, Iced Earth, Queensrÿche
REVIEW | Metal Territory
After seven years of silence, Stonecast return with Expand Crimson Chaos, a record that makes it clear the band not only hasn’t lost its form, but is coming back more mature, more technical and more ambitious than ever. Their heavy metal has an epic character, dynamic songwriting and a sense of grandeur that runs through the entire album.
The presence of Brent Smedley (Iced Earth) on drums and Thomas Tiberi on guitar adds extra depth and technical precision. Frank Ghirardi moves with ease between clean, emotional vocals and more aggressive, dark lines that fit perfectly with the album’s themes. The lyrics deal with human endurance, the search for meaning and the effort not to lose one’s identity in a world that’s collapsing.
The production is clean, sharp and full of energy. The guitars have weight, the rhythmic parts are sturdy and the acoustic passages provide a beautiful contrast within the overall dark atmosphere. Stonecast honor classic heavy metal values, but aren’t afraid to experiment with more complex structures and a more cinematic approach.
- Don’t miss this article: Mace ’n’ Chain – Crowned in Grey Skies | Metal Territory
If two tracks have to stand out, “Kneel Or Die” and “Expand Crimson Chaos” best show what Stonecast can do in 2026: epic heavy metal, technique, power and a clear identity.
Line‑up:
Frank Ghirardi – Vocals Seb Casula – Guitar Lionel Antonorsi – Bass Brent E. Smedley – Drums
Tracklist:
- Death
- Walking Dead
- Blood Red
- Against The Tide
- Kneel Or Die
- Expand Crimson Chaos
- A Ce Lieu (Piano/Vocal bonus track)
