JOINES FORCES WITH ROCK GOD THOR
FOR A TASTE OF “DEATH OR GLORY”
FROM FORTHCOMING ALBUM,
‘BLACK FLAME,’
DUE OUT APRIL 24 VIA CLEOPATRA RECORDS
April 1, 2026 — As the April 24 release of Nuclear Messiah’s much-anticipated Black Flame concept album draws closer, Cleopatra Records is thrilled to release what even co-producer Brian Perera describes as “one of the best and most under-rated metal songs of all time.” and all who have heard it wholeheartedly agree.
A deep cut from New Wave of British Heavy Metal heroes Holocaust, “Death or Glory”–like the remainder of the album–features of dazzling array of all-star musicians to accompany frontman Chris Poland (Megadeth) through the storm. But with a title like “Death or Glory,” who more fitting to handle lead vocals than the mighty Thor?
He says, “I had to sing a searing brand of rock on this track as I was among strong swords such Chris, Bob Daisley (Ozzy Osbourne), Jurgen Engler (Die Krupps), Glen Drover (Megadeth), Fred Aching (Dead Groove). I was psyched and sang with power and intensity. I was honored to be included on this album along with these great legendary artists.”
“Death or Glory” is available on all digital outlets, and the video can be seen on Cleopatra Records’ YouTube page HERE.
Neither is this all you’ll be hearing from Thor over the next few months as he wraps up his next album, which is also the last one he’ll ever make. Yep, that’s right. Thor hasn’t just lived the rock ‘n’ roll life — he’s abused his body to keep it like a gladiator: relentless weight training , and pushing through injuries while punishing himself night after night onstage. And now, it’s caught up with him.
After 40 years and 40 records of bending steel, breaking bones, and driving himself past the limit in the name of rock ‘n’ roll, the wear and tear is real — and Thor is finally stepping away. But he’s not going quietly.
Over the coming months, he unleashes The Final Battle — and he is resolute. “It is my ultimate and absolutely final album. It’s Ragnarok!”
There’ll be more details and information coming soon. But don’t fear. As Nuclear Messiah’s “Death or Glory” proves, the Thunder God’s hammer is still in full flight, the lightning is blinding, the thunder is explosive… and still “Death or Glory” is only one of its highlights.
How could it be otherwise, with fellow guest vocalists the caliber of Arthur Brown, Sebastian Bach and William Shatner (himself hard at work on his forthcoming metal album for Cleopatra Records!), and a staggering lineup that represents every era of heavy music, from Vanilla Fudge to the Kings of Thrash, via Guns N’ Roses, Uriah Heep, Whitesnake, Black Sabbath, UFO, Rainbow, Alice Cooper, Judas Priest, King Diamond, Deep Purple, Yngwie Malmsteen, Testament, Night Ranger, the Michael Schenker Group, Yes, and more.
“This record has so many metal icons playing on it,” says Chris Poland. “It’s really a must for any metal head’s record collection.”
CD/VINYL PRE-ORDER: https://cleorecs.com/search?q=nuclear+messiah+black+flame
DIGITAL PRE-ORDER: https://orcd.co/nuclearmessiah_blackflamealbum
Here’s the track listing for BLACK FLAME:
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
NUCLEAR MESSIAH
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