Italian Christian power-prog metal veterans Metatrone announce their fifth studio album “SANGUEACQUA”, set for release on March 13, 2026 via Rockshots Records.
Following a period of silence that deeply challenged the band’s path, “SANGUEACQUA” emerges not simply as a comeback but as a statement of survival, identity and artistic consolidation.
Blending the drive of European power metal with progressive structures and modern rhythmic precision, the album showcases Metatrone at their most focused, aggressive and cohesive.
Riffs are tighter and more assertive, grooves more grounded and impactful while melodic lines retain the crystalline character that defines the band’s sound. The production balances analog warmth with contemporary clarity, pushing the band toward a more direct and powerful sonic identity.
The lineup marks a highly anticipated reunion with historic frontman Jo Lombardo returning on lead vocals, alongside founding members Stefano “Ghigas” Calvagno (guitars, bass) and David Brown (keyboards, vocals), joined by drummer Simone Alberti, whose performance combines technical precision with visceral energy.
At its core, “SANGUEACQUA” explores the concept of identity and belonging – artistic, personal and spiritual.
The album confronts imitation and conformity in “Facsimile”, reflects on collective oppression in “Stato Infame” and challenges the idolatry of power and wealth in “Fuori dal Tempio”. Spiritual identity remains central, expressed as a call to action as well as a mystical root in “Anima Christi” based on an ancient Latin prayer.
The title itself evokes endurance through suffering: blood and water as symbols of struggle, resilience and rebirth.
The album artwork, created by Nello Dell’Omo (ArtForMusic Studio) based on a concept by Ghigas and David Brown, visually translates these themes into a powerful and evocative imagery.
Guitarist Stefano “Ghigas” Calvagno comments:
“There are very few words that can explain how much I love this album. One of them is ‘resistance.’ There were moments when we thought we had reached our endpoint. But the flame was still burning. ‘SANGUEACQUA’ is our blood, our life, our legacy.”
Keyboardist David Brown adds:
“This album is filled with energy and soul. Jo’s return and Simone’s entrance were crucial. It sounds more direct and aggressive, yet completely true to who we are.”
Frontman Jo Lombardo states:
“I’m excited for this album because I came back to my beloved place, among old friends and with incredible songs to sing. Metal music is still flowing in my veins.”
Drummer Simone Alberti concludes:
“It’s not a new beginning nor an ending point but a continuous line drawn by passion, blood and sweat. I can’t wait to play this album live.”
Produced by the band, recorded and mixed by Luigi Scuderi at DigiVintage Studios (Italy) and mastered by Jacob Hansen (Hansen Studios, Denmark), “SANGUEACQUA” stands as Metatrone’s most defined and cohesive work to date.
“SANGUEACQUA” will be available in physical format as CD digipak starting March 13th, 2026.
The band will present the album live with a special release show on March 15th at the Elements Of Rock Festival (Switzerland).
TRACKLIST:
- Fuori dal tempio
- Stato Infame
- Emmaus
- Facsimile
- I Want Out (Helloween Cover)
- Il mio dolore
- Un nome nuovo
- Anima Christi
Pre-orders are now available via the Rockshots Records official store at the following link: https://rockshots.eu/products/metatrone-sangueacqua-cd
LINE UP
Jo Lombardo: Vocals
Stefano “Ghigas” Calvagno: Guitars
David Brown: Keyboards, Clean Vocals on “Anima Christi) and Growl
Simone Alberti: Drums
BIOGRAPHY:
Metatrone is an Italian Christian Power-Prog Metal band, recognized as one of the most distinctive and enduring acts in the Southern European metal scene. Formed in Catania (Sicily) in 1997, the band has built a nearly three-decade legacy defined by technical prowess, melodic power, and a profound spiritual message. Origins and The “Metafora” Era The band began its journey under the moniker Metafora, founded by keyboardist Davide Bruno, guitarist Stefano “Ghigas” Calvagno and vocalist Jo Lombardo. Their early years culminated in the release of the EP “Reazioni e Memorie”. However, 2001 marked a pivotal turning point: Davide Bruno made the life-changing decision to enter the seminary to become a Catholic priest. Rather than disbanding, the group embraced this spiritual evolution, changing their name to Metatrone (referencing the “Metaphysic Throne of God”) and dedicating their music to a Christian vision of life and humanity.
International Rise and The “Growling Priest” Metatrone garnered international attention with their debut album, “The Powerful Hand” (2005), distributed by King Records in Japan. They further refined their sound with “Paradigma” (2010), a complex work featuring lyrics in English, Italian, Latin and Spanish. During this era, the band became unique in the metal world for featuring a Catholic priest (Fr. Davide) performing death metal growls alongside Jo Lombardo’s soaring power metal vocals. Their third studio album, “Eucharismetal” (2016), published by Rockshots Records, consolidated their status leading to appearances at major international festivals like Elements of Rock (Switzerland) and World Youth Day events. Challenges, Change, and Resilience The years following 2017 were a period of intense transformation. Davide Bruno eventually left the priesthood to continue his service in the lay state, a personal journey reflected in the aggressive single “Last Bleeding Pain” (2018). In 2019, the band faced a major lineup change when historic vocalist Jo Lombardo left to pursue other projects. The band continued with singer Daniel Barbagallo, releasing singles like “Amore Traverso” and “Fiumi in piena”. However, further lineup instability and the global pandemic brought Metatrone to the brink of dissolution.
The Rebirth: “Sangueacqua” Driven by an unyielding passion (“The flame was still burning,” as Ghigas states), the founding core of Davide and Ghigas refused to give up. In 2023, Jo Lombardo made his triumphant return to the band, reuniting the classic songwriting team. They were joined by the talented drummer Simone Alberti whose technical and visceral style injected new energy into the group. This renewed lineup produced the new studio album, “SANGUEACQUA”, to be released on March 13th, 2026, via Rockshots Records. Defined by the band as a manifesto of identity and resistance, the album showcases a more direct, organic and aggressive sound while maintaining their signature melodic progression. It stands as a testament to their survival and artistic maturity. Metatrone’s sound is a sophisticated blend of European Power Metal speed and melody (influenced by Helloween, Stratovarius) and Progressive Metal complexity. Their lyrics explore the human condition, social justice and spiritual awakening, often bridging the gap between heavy metal aggression and theological depth.