The melodic/power metal band THEOCRACY returns to Europe in 2027 for the “Grand Mosaic Tour 2027.” The American group kicks off their new European tour on Friday, March 5, at Nieuwe Nor in Heerlen. In addition to the Netherlands, Theocracy will visit Belgium, France, Germany, and Switzerland.

Theocracy has built a strong following in Europe, and their latest album, Mosaic, has been well received. The album was released through ATOMIC FIRE (now REIGNING PHOENIX MUSIC), after which the band played several European festivals—including EPIC FEST. The new tour will focus on Mosaic while also featuring classic tracks from earlier albums.

Although Theocracy has played in Europe regularly, the band has not previously performed in either Belgium or France. This time, the band wanted to include these countries to meet their growing fanbases there. In Belgium, Theocracy will play at the DVG Club in Kortrijk, and in France, they will perform an exclusive show in Paris.

“We are thrilled to bring the Grand Mosaic Tour to Europe next year! It’s always an honor to return and play for the loyal fans who have supported Theocracy from the very beginning, and we’re also excited for the chance to play Belgium and France for the first time,” says Theocracy. “You can expect to hear the songs you love from all five albums, and we can’t wait to journey through our musical history with new friends and familiar faces. See you there!’’

Joining the tour as a special guest is the progressive metal band SUNBURST, featuring guitarist Gus Drax (ex-SUICIDAL ANGELS) in their ranks. The Greek band has released two successful albums; their latest release, Manifesto (INNERWOUND RECORDINGS), garnered significant international acclaim.

The support act is the Slovak power metal band SIGNUM REGIS, whose new album, Beyond Spacetime, is set for release on October 9 through FIREFLASH RECORDS. Theocracy vocalist Matt Smith makes a guest appearance on that album. Signum Regis has toured Europe regularly in recent years, successfully building a solid fanbase.

Here are the dates for the “Grand Mosaic Tour 2027”:

05-03 Nieuwe Nor – Heerlen – NL

06-03 Estrado – Harderwijk – NL

07-03 DVG Club – Kortrijk – BE

09-03 Le Chinois – Paris (Montreuil) – FR

11-03 Teck Rock – Kirchheim Unter Teck – DE

12-03 Elements Of Rock – Uster – CH

13-03 Fullmetal Osthessen – Niederaula – DE*

14-03 Werkhof – Hagen – DE*

*without Signum Regis

The “Grand Mosaic Tour 2027” is presented by DESERT ROSE AGENCY. AARDSCHOK and POWERMETAL.DE are involved in this tour as media partners.

As the release of Mosaic is only a week away, take a look behind the scenes at the creation of the stunning cover artwork with digital artist extraordinaire Steven Howard.

We are proud to present the second single and title track from the album, “Mosaic”.

Stream/purchase ‘Mosaic’ here:

https://theocracy.afr.link/mosaicsingleWB

Matt comments: ““Mosaic” is one of my personal favorite Theocracy tracks of all time. At its heart it’s a throwback to the peak of power metal, a galloping and soaring singalong hymn. But it has everything I love about what we do: the melody, the power, the drama, the light and shade, the riffs. Conceptually, the song is about how we can only see the individual scenes of our lives, but lack the perspective to see the overall tapestry those scenes eventually combine to create. The good times, the bad times, the things we wish didn’t happen…they are all pieces that God uses to form whatever we eventually end up becoming. And we can certainly relate to that in our own journey as a band over the last few years. So there’s a little psychology, a lot of spirituality, a little nostalgia, and a healthy dose of wistfulness and wonder. And fittingly, this song takes you on a quite journey in just over five minutes.”

Last week, US progressive power metal quintet THEOCRACY announced their signing to Atomic Fire Records, and the new partners aren’t wasting any time in revealing details of the group’s highly- anticipated forthcoming studio album. As brilliantly showcased by its stained-glass-window-like artwork by Steven Howard, the offering has been given the name Mosaic. The ten new hymns were recorded, produced, and mixed by THEOCRACY’s own Matt Smith at Theocracized Studios and Full Moon Studios in Athens, GA, and rounded off by skillful mastering engineers Emily Lazar and Chris Allgood at The Lodge, NY. Mosaic will be supplied in various formats (see below!) to Theocracy’s loyal followers worldwide on October 13, 2023 via Atomic Fire Records, and can be pre-ordered now.

Pre-order the album physically, pre-save it on your favourite DSP or pre-order it digitally to receive ‘Return To Dust’ instantly now, here:

https://theocracy.afr.link/mosaicWB

Mosaic will be available in the following formats:

• CD-digipak (EU)
• jewelcase-CD (US)
• various coloured vinyls (orange/black marbled | transparent/blue | crystal clear/black high melt)
• digital

Mosaic Track Listing

1. Flicker
2. Anonymous
3. Mosaic
4. Sinsidious (The Dogs Of War)
5. Return To Dust
6. The Sixth Great Extinction
7. Deified
8. The Greatest Hope
9. Liar, Fool, Or Messiah
10. Red Sea

THEOCRACY will also be celebrating the album with fans on its actual release day in Betzdorf, Germany at Loud And Proud Festival. Join the ceremony and secure your tickets from www.lap-festival.de.

THEOCRACY live:
13.10.2023 DE Betzdorf – Loud And Proud Festival

THEOCRACY are:
Matt Smith | vocals
Jonathan Hinds | guitars
Taylor Washington | guitars
Jared Oldham | bass
Ernie Topran | drums

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THEOCRACY online:
www.theocracymusic.com
www.facebook.com/theocracyband
www.instagram.com/theocracymusic
www.twitter.com/theocracyband
www.youtube.com/@theocracyofficial
https://label.atomicfire-records.com/project/theocracy/

Seven years after the release of their previous album, 2016’s Ghost Ship, THEOCRACY are pleased to be able to present their first new song today. Clocking in around 4:30 minutes, infectiously melodic track “Return To Dust” is a more than worthy musical ambassador of the band’s return. A supporting performance music video which was produced by Industrialism Films (https://industrialismfilms.com) can be viewed over on YouTube.

Watch it now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6umfhGhH-ws

Stream/purchase ‘Return To Dust’ here:

https://theocracy.afr.link/returntodustWB

Frontman Matt Smith explains: “‘Return To Dust’ is a prototypical mid-tempo anthem with a classic, massive THEOCRACY chorus. Not really progressive or anything, but infectious with a great riff and energy. The lyrics deal with the inevitability of death, and the choice of who or what we’re living for in the short time we get on this earth. The whole album runs the stylistic gamut you’ve come to expect from THEOCRACY, from the progressive to the thrashy to the pensive to the majestic. So while ‘Return To Dust’ doesn’t represent the entire experience of »Mosaic,« consider it a nice appetizer for the full meal. Enjoy.”

Pre-order the album physically, pre-save it on your favourite DSP or pre-order it digitally to receive ‘Return To Dust’ instantly now, here: https://theocracy.afr.link/mosaicWB

Atomic Fire Records is massively proud to join forces with Athens, Georgia based progressive power metal five-piece THEOCRACY. Formed in 2002 to spread their majestic metal in the likes of Stratovarius, Sonata Arctica and Symphony X, THEOCRACY released four critically acclaimed studio albums, building a loyal fanbase as well. Now teaming up with Atomic Fire Records, the band consisting of Matt Smith (lead and backing vocals), Ernie Topran (drums), Jared Oldham (bass/backing vocals), Jonathan Hinds (guitars/backing vocals) and Taylor Washington (guitars/backing vocals) are more than ready to take THEOCRACY to the next level.

Vocalist Matt Smith comments, “We are thrilled to be members of the Atomic Fire Records family. From our first meeting, it was obvious that they’ve loved and supported our music for many years, long before there was a possibility we might work together. This personal touch was very important to us, and combined with their impressive roster featuring some of our favourite bands, we are so excited to work together for this new album release and beyond!”

Atomic Fire Records A&R Markus Wosgien enthuses, “We’re more than happy to welcome THEOCRACY to the Atomic Fire Records family! With their latest album »Ghost Ship,« the band created a milestone in power/progressive metal history and I remember very well that I had the CD on endless rotation in my car for several years – and it keeps blowing me away. It’s just one of those records which you’d pick for a trip to a lonely island, it’s an album that recalls why one has become a metalhead: Because such tunes make addicted, one needs to sing along to them, and they fulfill our hearts. With their upcoming new album, THEOCRACY have taken it all another step further and have reached a new level, without repeating themselves but with adding more diversity to their sound. The world stands in awe of an album full of hymns, beauty and pure magic once again.”

For more than 20 years, Matt Smith has been pouring his life blood into THEOCRACY, creating a legacy and back catalogue that grants him a safe space to breathe and develop his vision.

“It’s my life’s work,” says Smith. “All I wanted to do since I was a kid was writing songs, so THEOCRACY existed in my mind for many years before the first album. It’s the vehicle that has taken me all around the world and allowed me to exceed my wildest dreams by getting my songs out, and I am so thankful.”

THEOCRACY’s fifth studio album will see the light of the day later this year.