HBO further teased fans last night, revealing a moody and atmospheric trailer for their new fantasy series Game of Thrones. Based on the novels of George R. R. Martin, the series revolves around the medieval world of Westeros, a turbulent kingdom where the ruling houses vie for control of the coveted Iron Throne. Thrones features an amazing and sprawling cast that includes fantasy vet Sean Bean (Lord of the Rings), Lena Headey (300, Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles), Peter Dinklage (The Station Agent) and HBO alum Aiden Gillen (Queer as Folk, The Wire).

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Exclusive Game of Thrones fan gear at the HBO Shop

Thrones was adapted for the small screen by writers David Benioff (25th Hour, The Kite Runner) and D. B. Weiss (Lucky Wander Boy), who pitched the series to HBO as “The Sopranos in Middle Earth”. If this trailer is any indication, viewers can count on plenty of political intrigue, war, betrayal, violence and incest — fans of the novels already know what to expect. Game of Thrones seems better suited for HBO than any show in recent memory.

Game of Thrones will premiere on April 17, 2011 on HBO Canada and HBO.

For more detailed coverage of all things Thrones, we highly recommend checking out Winter is Coming and the official behind-the-scenes blog at HBO.