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CLOVEN HOOF have announced their new album "Never A Prophet In Your Own Land", set for release on September 25th 2026 through High Roller Records.
A lyric video for the first single, "Iron Mask", is available below:
It was a coup when main man and bassist Lee Payne announced that Harry “The Tyrant” Conklin, who had moved to Greece, would be joining his band CLOVEN HOOF. The former Jag Panzer frontman was the perfect replacement for Russ North, who was considered to be the ultimate CLOVEN HOOF singer by fans – sadly he is no longer with us. As a result, reactions to the band’s first album with Harry Conklin at the mike were outstanding. "Heathen Cross" was released on High Roller Records in 2024.
It’s now followed by CLOVEN HOOF’s tenth full-length studio album entitled "Never A Prophet In Your Own Land". Once again, the vocal performance of "The Tyrant" is world-class. Lee Payne states: "The praise is all Harry’s. We are indeed fortunate to have such a brilliant vocalist and frontman in the band."
"'Never A Prophet In Your Own Land' is not in fact a direct continuation of 'Heathen Cross'," continues Payne. "'Heathen Cross' had its own darkly heavy and brooding atmosphere. 'Never A Prophet In Your Own Land' resembles 'A Sultan’s Ransom' more closely, yet this resemblance was not contrived or planned. It just turned out that way.”
"Never A Prophet In Your Own Land" has become a very varied album, containing mid-tempo songs, faster tunes, epic compositions and straight heavy metal rockers.
Tracklist:
01. Terror From The Skies
02. Conquistador
03. Never A Prophet
04. Gypsy Roller
05. The Bigger They Are
06. Iron Mask
07. Phantom Chaser
08. Flying Dutchman
09. Prodigal Son
10. Seven Sacred Wonders
Recorded by Chris Dando and Ben Fitzharris at Vault Studios, Kidderminster, UK. Mixed and mastered by Patrick W. Engel at Temple Of Disharmony. Cover artwork, layout & design by Dimitar Nikolov.
ONLINE
LINEUP
Lee Payne - Bass Guitar
Harry (the Tyrant) Conklin - Lead Vocals
Luke Hatton - Lead Guitar
Chris Coss - Lead Guitar
Ash Baker - Drums / Backing Vocals
Chris Dando - Keyboards / Backing Vocals
BIOGRAPHY/LOGO
Formed in Wolverhampton, England, in 1979, Cloven Hoof emerged as one of the more distinctive acts of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM). Combining traditional heavy metal with epic themes, fantasy-inspired lyrics, and an ambitious theatrical image, the band quickly established itself as a unique force within the rapidly growing British metal scene.
The original lineup featured vocalist David Potter, guitarists Lee Payne and Steve Rounds, bassist Steve Rounds, and drummer Kevin Poutney, although bassist Lee Payne soon became the group's driving force and sole constant member throughout its long history. During the band's early years, each member adopted the persona of one of the four classical elements or supernatural forces, creating a striking visual identity that complemented their powerful music.
Cloven Hoof made an immediate impact with their debut EP, The Opening Ritual (1982), which became an underground favorite among NWOBHM fans. Their self-titled debut album followed in 1984, showcasing a blend of galloping riffs, soaring vocals, and epic songwriting that has since become a cult classic. The band continued to develop their sound with Dominator (1988) and A Sultan's Ransom (1989), incorporating more melodic and progressive elements while retaining their traditional heavy metal roots.
Despite earning a loyal following, Cloven Hoof disbanded in the early 1990s as the popularity of classic heavy metal declined. However, interest in the band never disappeared, and they reunited in the early 2000s under the leadership of Lee Payne. The comeback album Eye of the Sun (2006) marked the beginning of a productive new era, introducing the band to a new generation of metal fans while satisfying longtime supporters.
The following years saw Cloven Hoof become increasingly active, releasing Resist or Serve (2014), Who Mourns for the Morning Star? (2017), Age of Steel (2020), Time Assassin (2022), and Heathen Cross (2024). These albums demonstrated that the band had successfully modernized its sound without abandoning the epic songwriting, memorable melodies, and powerful riffs that defined its early work.
Throughout numerous lineup changes, Lee Payne has remained the band's creative backbone, ensuring that Cloven Hoof continues to embody the spirit of traditional British heavy metal. Their music blends classic NWOBHM energy with elements of power metal, speed metal, and progressive heavy metal, resulting in a sound that is both timeless and unmistakably their own.
Today, Cloven Hoof is widely regarded as one of the enduring names of the NWOBHM movement. While perhaps never achieving the commercial success of some of their contemporaries, the band has built an impressive legacy through consistency, musical integrity, and a catalogue that spans more than four decades. Their influence can be heard in countless traditional and power metal bands, and they remain a respected and active force within the global heavy metal community.
DISCOGRAPHY
The Opening Ritual (EP, 1982)
Cloven Hoof (1984)
Dominator (1988)
A Sultan's Ransom (1989)
Eye of the Sun (2006)
The Definitive Part One (2008)
Throne of Damnation (EP, 2010)
Resist or Serve (2014)
Who Mourns for the Morning Star? (2017)
Age of Steel (2020)
Time Assassin (2022)
Heathen Cross (2024)
Never a Prophet in Your Own Land (2026)
GENRE/COUNTRY
Heavy Metal/Power Metal
United Kingdom
