NW Metalworx Music

Brand new CD from new NY/NJ based Heavy Metal band/project called IXORA - RIDE UPON THE AIR - from Scorpion Metal Records from 2026.

BIO: IXORA: The Raw Power of Metal Lineage.

When the trajectories of three of Heavy Metal’s seasoned veterans converged in Melbourne, Florida, the result wasn't just another studio project—it was the birth of IXORA. Forged in the fires of friendship and a shared rejection of the sterile, quantized standards of modern production, IXORA represents a return to the "Real Room Sound." This is a high-impact power trio that prioritizes the visceral energy of a live unit over digital manipulation, creating a new sonic landscape of raw, hard-hitting American music with a unique message in every song.

At the helm is KENNY "RHINO" EARL. A Platinum-certified powerhouse known globally for his defining work with MANOWAR (The Triumph of Steel), Rhino serves as the primary architect of IXORA. Beyond his legendary status behind the kit, Rhino’s vision drives the project’s songwriting and production, delivering a masterclass in rhythmic authority and authentic drum sonics. Joining the ranks is bassist MIKE LePOND. Renowned for his technical brilliance in SYMPHONY X and his own SILENT ASSASSINS, LePond’s inclusion cements the band’s formidable foundation. Having first collaborated during a series of Ross the Boss performances in 2017, the rhythmic chemistry between Rhino and LePond is the engine room of the IXORA sound. Rounding out the trio is veteran guitarist JACK STARR. A staple of the scene through VIRGIN STEELE and his solo works and BURNING STARR, Jack’s signature lead style provides the melodic flash that cuts through the band’s heavy, rhythmic core.

IXORA isn't chasing trends; they are reclaiming the mission. With eight tracks that deviate from the artists' traditional paths to explore a deeper, more personal resonance, this unit is ready to let the music do the talking.

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