Crying Steel is an Italian heavy metal band formed in Bologna in the spring of 1982 as one of the earliest heavy metal acts in Italy, the founding lineup included Alberto Simonini (guitar), Franco Nipoti (guitar), Angelo Franchini (bass), Luca Ferri (drums), and Luca Bonzagni (vocals). They gained underground recognition with early demos, a self-titled EP in 1984, and their debut full-length album On the Prowl in 1985. The band went on hiatus in the late 1980s but reunited in 2006, releasing further albums like The Steel Is Back! (2007), Time Stand Steel ( 2013), Stay Steel (2018 with Tony Mills as lead vocalist), Steel Alive (2019) and Live & Thunder (2024) while continuing to perform, even at WOA 2014, and evolve their lineup. As of 2026, the current line-up consists of Tiziano Sbaragli (vocals), Franco Nipoti (guitars), Paolo Nocchi (guitars), Marco Zirondelli (bass), and Luca Ferri (drums). Their sound is classic metal where heavy riff joins catchy melodies. The group’s new album "Agent Steel“ will be released on June 26th via Pride & Joy Music and was produced by Crying Steel and engineered by Roberto Priori (Danger Zone). The bonus track „No One’s Crying“ feat. Ralf Scheepers (Primal Fear) as guest on lead vocals. Line-up: Tiziano "Hammerhead“ Sbaragli (vocals), Franco Nipoti (guitar), Paolo Nocchi (guitar), Marco „Ziro“ Zirondelli (bass), Luca Ferri (drums)