Stories From The Verdant Vale (EP) Mob Rules
- 1 Savage Land (Reprise) 01:46
- 2 Master Of The Black Crow 02:56
- 3 Masquerade Ball 04:17
- 4 Above The Maelstrom 04:38
- 5 Balance Of Power 03:36
Info for Stories From The Verdant Vale (EP)
German power metal veterans MOB RULES are preparing to unveil the forthcoming studio album, Stories From The Verdant Vale, on August 21 via ROAR – A Division Of Reigning Phoenix Music.
Their much-waited new studio offering Stories From The Verdant Vale sees MOB RULES return to the narrative world introduced with their latest album Rise Of The Ruler (2025), which was widely praised and marked a major milestone in the band’s career. The material originates from songs written during the final stages of those sessions, now presented as a special standalone release.
Northern German power metal band MOB RULES returned in 2025 with their tenth studio album, Rise of the Ruler. The album received rave reviews in the press and immediately became a highlight in the band’s career. Which features five tracks composed exclusively for this release.
“During the final stages of completing the album, we discussed possible bonus material for the earbook edition with the label. We were reluctant to use demo versions or similar material. This motivated us to write a few new songs. We were well aware of what we were getting ourselves into, but we also wanted to challenge ourselves a little,” says singer Klaus Dirks. “The songs on ‚Stories from the Verdant Vale‘ are more direct and therefore have a slightly different character than the ‚Rise of the Ruler‘ material. They thus form an interesting contrast without being untypical for Mob Rules,” Dirks continues.
“A lot of heart and soul went into this extra release,” recalls Klaus Dirks. “Stan W-Decker created a fantastic and very unique cover artwork for it, and of course there was no question that Markus Teske would take care of the mix.” Keyboardist Jan Christian Halfbrodt provides insight into the lyrical concept he devised: “Basically, ‘Stories from the Verdant Vale’ can be understood as a kind of extension of the ‘Rise of the Ruler’ concept. It looks at the story from a different angle. However, the songs can also stand well on their own.”
Since Stories from the Verdant Vale is thematically linked to the band’s two early works, “Savage Land” (1999) and “Temple of Two Suns” (2000), songs from this era adorn the B-side of the vinyl as bonus tracks. These are “Insurgeria” (2014 version, featuring Udo Dirkschneider), “End of All Days” (2014 version, featuring Amanda Somerville), “Coast to Coast” (2014 version, featuring Chity Somapala), “Celebration Day” (2014 version, featuring Bernhard Weiß), and “Broken,” released in 2014
Klaus Dirks, vocals
Sven Lüdke, guitar
Florian Dyszbalis, guitar
Markus Brinkmann, bass
Jan Christian Halfbrodt, keyboards
Sebastian Schmidt, drums
Mob Rules
Power metal from Lower Saxony. Since 1994, the band from Wilhelmshaven has successfully rocked its way through the last two decades of metal history. Year after year, the guys have refined their sound while remaining true to their power metal roots. Guitars still wail and vocals soar powerfully, while the drums and bass provide the necessary punch.
Over the past three decades, Mob Rules have also built a reputation as a formidable live act through countless performances. The six-piece band has toured extensively with Savatage—the quintessential Florida power metal band—played the legendary "Wacken Open Air" multiple times, and opened for rock god Ronnie James Dio, the Scorpions, and the Finnish sensations Lordi.
The band remains one of the scene's best-kept secrets—both live and on record. Far from being past their prime, the guys prove that, after nearly 30 years, Mob Rules have still got it!
This album contains no booklet.