MICHAEL BORMANN´S JADED HARD – SOUTH WEST
Veröffendlichung: 02.10.2026
On October 2nd, 2026, MICHAEL BORMANN´S JADED HARD will release their new studio album “SOUTH WEST”. The first video single from the album will be released on August 28th, 2026.
“SOUTH WEST” stands for melodic hard rock with strong guitars, catchy melodies and powerful choruses. The album combines classic elements of 80s hard rock with a modern production while maintaining the distinctive musical character of Michael Bormann.
Following the band’s previous releases, “SOUTH WEST” continues the musical direction of MICHAEL BORMANN´S JADED HARD. The album features 11 songs and reflects the band’s current line-up and sound – melodic, diverse and firmly rooted in rock.
Michael Bormann has been active as a singer, songwriter and musician since the late 1980s. In 1990, he founded Jaded Heart and played a major role in shaping the band’s musical direction until their split in 2004. After numerous international productions, a project originally planned as a retrospective “Best of Jaded Heart (1990–2004)” developed into the current band MICHAEL BORMANN´S JADED HARD in 2017.
With “SOUTH WEST”, the band now continues its journey with a new studio album.
MICHAEL BORMANN´S JADED HARD – SOUTH WEST Release: October 2nd, 2026
Michael Bormann – lead vocals
Chris Ivo – keyboards, backing vocal
Michael Müller – drums
Andreas Rippelmeier – lead guitar, backing vocals
Christoph Baumeister – bass, backing vocals
SONGLIST:
- COUNTRY BOY
- LOVE, TOUCH AND TROUBLE
- STOP THOSE RAINY DAYS (30 YEARS LATER)
- THAT´S THE ONLY TRUTH
- IN THE SHADOWS OF THE NIGHT****
- I´LL ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU***
- KISSED BY YOU
- THERE´S NO LIVING WITHOUT YOU*
- I´M A LIAR (THAT´S NO FANTASY**
- ONE STEP BACK*
- CHEERS TO (dedicated to Holger Bussler)
https://www.facebook.com/MBJadedHard
https://www.michaelbormannsjadedhard.de
MEINUNG:
Für mich einer der BESTEN Sänger…
Fakt ist:Michael Bormann kann es noch…Er konnte „ES“ schon immer!Nämlich SINGEN!Unverständlich,das der Mann nicht in einer noch bekannteren Band singt bzw gesungen hat.Für mich ist und war er IMMER einer der BESTEN Sänger,die die Szene zu bieten hat.Und div. Instrumente spielen kann er auch noch…
Die Produktion-das schon mal vorweg klingt hervorragend.Der Sound ist ausgewogen und FETT!Die Songs…Hard Rock der 80er im modernen Sound…Da wird nicht lange gefackelt und jeder Song kommt schnell auf den eigendlichen Punkt.Das Material bietet sehr schöne Lines und Refrains,die mir sofort ins Ohr gehen und auch da hängenbleiben!Etwas mehr als 45 Minuten Spielzeit ist absolut ausreichen,um zu überzeugen.Die musikalische Handschrift von Michael Bormann ist unverkennbar!Die Songs des Albums präsentieren sich abwechslungsreich, melodisch und gradlinig.So,wie ich es von ihm kenne.Immer auf den Punkt.
Anspieltips…Nunja…Sagen wir mal so…Ich lernte Michael irgenwann in den 90ern kennen…und…musikalisch „LIEBEN“.Ich bin da also etwas „vorbelastet“…Aber nicht falsch verstehen.Ich muss das,was ich hier schreibe,NICHT schreiben!Ich schreibe das so,wie ich es fühle und ichwünsche ihm den Erfolg,den er meiner Meinung immer verdient hat.Weil ich seine Stimme einfach mag…und die Songs sowieso!Da kann und möchte ich nun nicht 2 oder 3 Songs rauspicken.Für mich klingen diese Songs nach „LIEBE zur Musik“-VIELLEICHT mehr als bei vielen anderen Musikern.
Ich mag das Material einfach!Fertig!Aus die Maus!
10 von 10 Punkte
Viper Queen – Munich City Nights
Veröffendlichung: 23.08.2026
Viper Queen was founded 2019 in Munich with the aim of playing traditional hard rock/heavy metal, inspired by the late eighties: solid, authentic, and classic, yet with a contemporary and timeless touch. As the subsequent years of the pandemic and a lengthy search for a new singer somewhat slowed down their dream, the band’s debut album is finally ready for release.
“Viper Queen offers a straightforward sound, but also diversity. Influenced by our idols of the ’80s, we pay tribute to the heyday of hard rock and blend it with our own style, which you can hear in the authenticity of our sound and see in our outfits,” says guitarist Michael Wolf.
“Munich City Nights” is not just the album title, but also a clear declaration of love to our hometown, especially when Munich was a fixture in rock music. Many stars frequently came here, and the nightlife was shaped by the hits of the legendary ‚Munich City Nights‘ compilation albums. In short: We want to make music from a time when Munich was still sexy!”, Wolf adds.
With this album, Viper Queen opens a new chapter. Partnering with Pride & Joy Music on their label also marks a crucial step towards making their sound accessible to a wider, global audience.
“Munich City Nights” is both a nostalgic homage to Viper Queen’s rock ’n‘ roll roots, as well as a natural evolution of straightforward ’80s rock.
The album was produced by Sergej Dukart at Walzwerk Studios.
Line-Up: John Hall – vocals, Michael Wolf – guitars, Säsch Vegas – bass, Tommy Dee – drums, Jimmy Foxx – lead guitar
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ViperQueenOfficial
MEINUNG:
2019 gegründet und nun das 1. Album…
Man hat wohl etwas länger nach einem geeigneten Sänger gesucht,um den Scheibling an den Start zu bringen…?Nun gut…Die Herrschaften hauen uns hier Hard Rock mit vielleicht etwas Metal um die Ohren.Das ganze 80er-Jahre angehaucht-natürlich im modernen Sound der JETZT-Zeit.Hm…Das Album klingt ansich garnicht so schlecht…Vielleicht etwas unbeholfen…Sorry,das ich das so sagen MUSS:Etwas nach Schülerband (ich will Schülerbands garnicht abwerten damit-im Gegenteil).VIELLEICHT liegt es auch daran,das die Vocals irgendwie nicht klingen…zu gewollt…nicht wirklich locker…Insgesamt sind die musikalischen Ideen absolut vorhanden.Deshalb will ich das Scheibchen und das,was die Jungs zu Gehör bringen,auch nicht komplett in Grund und Boden reden.Was mir aber GUT gefällt ist,das die Songs mit wenig musikalischem SchnickSchnack um die Ecke kommen.Das finde ich absolut Klasse.Der Ansatz ist absolut gegeben,noch mehr aus sich rauszuholen.
Vielleicht ist es auch ganz gut,das es hier und dort noch musikalisch etwas kantig WIRKT.Aber wenn die Jungs weitermachen,kann da noch was kommen über lange Sicht.
6,5 von 10 Punkte
John Diva & The Rockets Of Love – Your Favorite Drug
Veröffendlichung: 16.10.2026
Acclaimed rockers John Diva & The Rockets Of Love are excited to announce the release of their highly anticipated new album, “Your Favorite Drug”, out October 16, 2026, via Frontiers Music Srl.
Pre-Order “Your Favorite Drug” HERE
John Diva & The Rockets of Love make a triumphant return with their explosive new album “Your Favorite Drug”. Bursting with attitude, swagger, and unapologetic energy, the band delivers a full-throttle hard rock experience that feels both timeless and electrifyingly fresh.
The band commented: “We wanted to achieve absolute focus and intensity – and in the production, working together with Hannes, to be extremely efficient. What sounds like hard work (which it was) – this sharpening of focus – brought us a lot of joy. It can be fun to keep hammering away at a raw diamond until it sparkles and shines. This time, there’s less emphasis on experimentation (like on “American Amadeus” for example) – though the album is still experimental in the sense that everything unnecessary has been stripped away”.
John Diva added: “When I think about making this album, there’s a very personal layer to it. We recorded in southern Germany, where my family is from, and I stayed with relatives during the sessions. It brought back a lot of great memories, so I went into the studio with a double sense of joy – giving everything to the record while reconnecting with my roots”.
“Your Favorite Drug” was a trip in the cleanest sense – we stayed completely sober, but worked in a real frenzy. Writing, recording, and finishing the album happened fast, and by the fourth record you know exactly what you want – and how to get it. There’s a lot of spontaneity in it too: the title track came together in just a few hours, and songs like “Bigger Than America” evolved into something bigger and bolder than we first imagined”, he continued.
Packed with massive hooks, soaring choruses, and razor-sharp riffs, “Your Favorite Drug” showcases the band at the peak of their songwriting power. Standout tracks like “Bigger Than America” and “The Devil’s Got My Back” emerge as true anthems, destined to ignite stages and thrill every hard rock fan with their infectious energy and sing-along choruses.
Produced by Hannes Braun, the album captures a polished yet gritty sound that perfectly amplifies the band’s larger-than-life personality. This is more than a comeback – it’s a statement. John Diva & The Rockets of Love are back, louder, bolder, and more addictive than ever.
One of the best hard rock releases of the year!
“Your Favorite Drug” Tracklist:
1. The Devil’s Got My Back
2. Bigger Than America
3. No Mercy For The Teenage Heart
4. Lamborghina
5. Favorite Drug
6. S.M.I.L.E.
7. Love Is Cold
8. Girls In Overdrive
9. Spectacular
10. Soundtrack Of My Life
Line Up:
John Diva
Snake Rocket
Remmie Martin
Marcus Coolman jr.
C.J. Stevens
Follow JOHN DIVA & THE ROCKETS OF LOVE:
Website
Facebook
Instagram
MEINUNG:
Album Nummer 4
Herrausragend finde ich die Refrains auf diesem Album.Die Knallen wie gewohnt und werden,wie bei vielen „Kollegen“ der Sleaze-„Fraktion“ MANCHMAL etwas zu weich rübergebracht.Da bekomm ich dann immer die Krise…Hier nicht.Die sabbern mir nicht die Ohren voll!Das Knallt!Und JA!Die 80er lassen Grüßen!Und zum Glück wirkt das Material hier nicht peinlich!Manchmal hab ich das Gefühl,da sind die tollen Kissin‘ Dynamite-Jungs unterwegs,und knallen uns allen ein Album um die Ohren!Um das mal KLARZUSTELLEN:DAS hier ist KEINESFALLS eine Kopie von Kissin‘ Dynamite!Im Gegenteil!Die Ähnlichkeit der beiden Bands will ich nicht zu 100 % behaupten.Das liegt mir völlig fern.Mir geht es mehr um die wucht und intensität des Songmaterials und des gesamten Albums!Über den Sound hier muss ich garnicht so viel sagen.Der knallt und ist schön wuchtig!
Die Band erfindet ganz bestimmt NICHT die Musik oder das Genre NEU…Aber es KICKT einem so Richtig in den Allerwertesten!So,wie es sein MUSS!DAS hier ist ein tolles Album und man sollte es kennen und,BESTENFALLS,die Vorgänger-Scheiben im „Schrank“ haben!
Ich weiß,das man im Studio sehr viel „drehen kann…Aber das,was über ALLEM steht,sind die hervorragenden Vocals.Die sind schön klar und stehen über allem.Klasse!
Hitpotenzial ist hier vorhanden!Das muss man auch mal erwähnen!Wer auf sleazigen Hard Rock steht,kommt an dieser Band NICHT vorbei!
8,5 von 10 Punkte
SERGEANT STEEL – Golden Absolution
Veröffendlichung: 16.10.2026
FOR THOSE ABOUT TO ROCK – WE ABSOLUTE YOU
Wenn die Verstärker anfangen zu schreien und der erste Refrain wie ein gleißend heller Scheinwerferkegel durch den dunklen Raum schneidet, dann ist eines sofort klar, SERGEANT STEEL melden sich nicht einfach mit einem neuen Album zurück, sondern sie setzen ein Statement. Mit „Golden Absolution“ präsentiert die oberösterreichische Hard Rock Institution aus Linz ihr bislang vielseitigstes und zugleich reifstes Werk. Zehn Songs voller großer Melodien, packender Gitarrenriffs und jener mitreißenden Energie, die Hard und Classic Rock nicht nostalgisch verklärt, sondern ins Hier und Jetzt katapultiert.
Following his acclaimed 2020 album The Red Planet, Rick Wakeman makes a triumphant and inevitable return to Mars with Return To The Red Planet, a sweeping new progressive work that fuses science, imagination and musical virtuosity into one of the most ambitious recordings of his career.
At a time when space exploration has moved back to the forefront of human endeavour – with missions to the Moon, Mars and beyond once again capturing the world’s imagination – Return To The Red Planet feels both timely and visionary, rekindling the cosmic spirit that helped define progressive rock’s golden age.
Where its predecessor opened the story, this album explores the planet’s ancient lakes, vast canyon systems, shifting dust storms and geological epochs, drawing directly on the remarkable images and research that have transformed our understanding of Mars in recent years, Wakeman immersing himself in planetary research, data, and mission reports before a single note was written.
“Once I started looking at the new data and photographs, I realised there was an entirely new album waiting to be written. There was simply too much more to say about Mars – musically and spiritually – not to return.” – Rick Wakeman
Recorded between August 2025 and January 2026, the project also marks a welcome return to full band recording, with all musicians working together at Decoy Studios – a creative approach Wakeman considers essential to capturing the spontaneity and energy of progressive rock at its best.
The album is performed by Wakeman’s English Rock Ensemble, featuring bassist Lee Pomeroy, guitarist Dave Colquhoun, drummer Adam Falkner and vocalist Mollie Marriott, daughter of legendary Steve Marriott. The album was mastered by renowned engineer Simon Heyworth.
Among the album’s centrepieces is Bowie’s Vision, a deeply personal homage to Wakeman’s friend David Bowie, whose fascination with Mars helped shape popular culture’s image of the planet. The connection is more than thematic: Wakeman performed the iconic piano on Bowie’s Life on Mars?, making this tribute both musical and autobiographical – a reflection on a shared history, a lasting friendship and one of rock’s most celebrated recordings.
The music was initially composed as keyboard “templates” at Nursery Studios, before being expanded collaboratively by the band at Decoy Studios and engineered by Toby Wood. Final overdubs and mixing with producer/engineer Erik Jordan bring the vision into sharp focus – from sweeping symphonic passages to intricate rhythmic sequences and haunting choral textures.
Praise for The Red Planet (2020):
“An astonishing return to form…Wakeman at his most imaginative” – Prog Magazine
“A richly detailed symphonic rock journey” – Classic Rock
Wakeman needs little introduction. A central figure during his many years with Yes, he is also one of the most successful solo artists in progressive rock history, with a catalogue of over one hundred albums and global sales in the tens of millions. His career as a session musician includes landmark recordings with David Bowie, Elton John, Cat Stevens and many more, establishing him as one of the most distinctive keyboard voices of his generation.
MEINUNG:
A bold new force in melodic rock emerges with soaring hooks, dramatic atmosphere, and unforgettable anthems.
Drawing inspiration from legendary acts like Blue Öyster Cult, Roxette, and KISS, DIAMOND RAIN is preparing to unveil its debut release Chapter One on October 23rd through Pride & Joy Music.
Centered around the enigmatic figure known only as The High Priest, DIAMOND RAIN offers more than just music. It is a journey through melody, drama, power, and emotion. A cult of sound designed to enlighten, strengthen, and transport listeners into a world where heavy rock riffs collide with infectious pop sensibilities.
Together with his trusted Arch Lector and The Faithful Disciples, The High Priest has crafted Chapter One, the opening passage in what promises to be a larger musical saga. Blending elements of classic melodic rock, 70s arena swagger, and shimmering 80s hooks, DIAMOND RAIN proudly stands apart from today’s formulaic rock scene.
The debut single “Naked City” immediately leaves its mark with a massive chorus and undeniable energy, while tracks like “I Need Love” channel a rare and authentic 80s groove that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly alive. Elsewhere, “Rosalie” seamlessly merges vintage 70s rock attitude with irresistible pop melodies, delivering the kind of earworm that refuses to leave your head.
Unafraid to embrace the quirky, theatrical, and adventurous side of rock music, DIAMOND RAIN may very well be the black sheep melodic rock fans have been waiting for.
Chapter One arrives October 23rd.
Facebook:
What started as a side project dedicated to the classic 80s sound quickly became a full band. After releasing their debut album Destination Unknown (2024, Pride & Joy Music) with singer Bruno Sangari, the band has entered a powerful new chapter.
For their second album, already completed and set for release in 2026 via Pride & Joy Music, Marcos Nieva Green steps up as lead vocalist, while Hernan Cattaneo remains the sole guitarist. This new configuration delivers a more direct and energetic sound, with massive riffs, soaring melodies, epic choruses, and the unmistakable spirit of classic AOR.
Drawing inspiration from legends such as Journey, Foreigner, Survivor, Toto, and Europe, Neon Rider blends nostalgic 80s passion with modern production and strong songwriting. The upcoming album marks a bold evolution for the band, reinforcing their place in the international melodic rock scene.
Current Line Up:
Marcos Nieva Green – Lead Vocals
Hernan Cattaneo – Guitar
Daniel Bravo – Bass & Backing Vocals
Pablo Ureta – Drums
https://www.facebook.com/neonrideraor
