German melodic metal veterans MOB RULES have released their powerful new single “Balance Of Power”, the latest preview from their upcoming studio album Stories From The Verdant Vale, arriving August 21 via ROAR – A Division Of Reigning Phoenix Music.
Continuing the narrative world introduced on their acclaimed 2025 album Rise Of The Ruler, Stories From The Verdant Vale presents material originally written during the final stages of those recording sessions. The album expands the band’s storytelling universe from a new perspective while offering a more direct and compact approach without sacrificing the melodic power metal identity that has defined MOB RULES for decades.
The new single is now available on all major streaming platform
“Balance Of Power” showcases the band’s heavier side, delivering a relentless, high-energy track built around powerful riffs, driving rhythms, and the band’s signature melodic atmosphere. According to MOB RULES, the song was refined throughout the final recording sessions at Bazement Studio, with additional details and arrangements added to maximize its intensity.
Vocalist Klaus Dirks explained that the new album was initially conceived as additional material for the earbook edition of Rise Of The Ruler. Rather than relying on demo recordings or bonus content, the band challenged themselves to write new songs, eventually creating a release worthy of its own standalone edition.
The album was mixed by Markus Teske, with artwork created by Stan W. Decker. Due to strong demand, Stories From The Verdant Vale will be released not only digitally but also on vinyl.
Stories From The Verdant Vale Track Listing
Side A
- Savage Land Reprise
- Master Of The Black Crow
- Masquerade Ball
- Above The Maelstrom
- Balance Of Power
Side B – Bonus Tracks
6. Celebration Day (2014 Version, feat. Bernhard Weiß)
7. Insurgeria (2014 Version, feat. Udo Dirkschneider)
8. Coast To Coast (2014 Version, feat. Chity Somapala)
9. End Of All Days (2014 Version, feat. Amanda Somerville)
10. Broken
Formed in Northern Germany in the early 1990s, MOB RULES have built a lasting reputation through their concept albums, strong melodies, and atmospheric approach to melodic power metal. With ten studio albums released throughout their career, the band continues to evolve while maintaining the classic heavy metal foundation that has defined their sound.
Pre-Order / Pre-Save Stories From The Verdant Vale here