True strength is earned only through struggle—and California-based metallic hardcore act Lionheart are no strangers to struggle. Since their formation in 2007, the Oakland quintet have turned aggression and immolating intensity into the foundation of their groove-heavy, hard-hitting sound. Each record, each year, has marked another step forward: louder, sharper, stronger.
Lionheart first erupted with The Will to Survive (2007), followed by Built on Struggle (2010) and Undisputed (2012), earning their place in hardcore with relentless touring and uncompromising delivery. 2014’s Welcome to the West Coast hit #1 on iTunes and Google Play metal charts, setting off a celebrated trilogy. With Love Don’t Live Here (2016) and Welcome to the West Coast II (2017), the band expanded their sound—balancing primal rage with introspection and groove—before returning in 2019 with Valley of Death, a darker, unrelenting statement.
In 2022, Lionheart signed with Arising Empire and released Welcome to the West Coast III, produced by Jamey Jasta (Hatebreed) and mixed by Will Putney (Fit for an Autopsy, END, Counterparts). The record became their most ambitious yet: personal, punishing, and unapologetically Californian. That same year, their “Welcome to the West Coast III” European Tour drew over 15,000 fans, with multiple sold-out shows underlining the band’s growing global presence.
Lionheart’s rise only accelerated. On their 2024 European headline tour, the band sold nearly 20,000 tickets, with 7 out of 11 shows selling out—a testament to their unstoppable momentum and loyal following.
Now, as they head into the next chapter, Lionheart have re-signed and extended their cooperation with Arising Empire for their upcoming full-length. The brand-new album Valley Of Death II, set for release in 2026, will mark a new high point in the band’s career—heavier, darker, and more relentless than ever before. The record also holds a bold feature with Texas heavyweights Kublai Khan, pushing the intensity to new extremes.
To celebrate, Lionheart will embark on their European Headline Tour in January 2026, joined by hardcore legends Madball, Gideon, and Slope. With this album and tour on the horizon, one thing is certain: Lionheart are ready to raise the bar once again and leave nothing standing.
