Shakra – Just Live Loud!

Veröffendlichung: 04.09.2026

Swiss hard rock veterans Shakra are thrilled to announce their return with a new album, “Just Live Loud!”, set for release on September 4, 2026, via Frontiers Music Srl.

To coincide with the announcement, the band share the title track, along with an official music video, available below.

The band described the new single as “a powerful track for everyone who has waited too long, hesitated too often and held themselves back too many times. The song is a call to break out of your shell, shake off the doubts and stop postponing life. It is not about simply being loud. It is about living out your own freedom, dreaming big and finding the courage to take the next step – even when the perfect moment has not yet arrived”. 

“Musically, “Just Live Loud!” brings together everything we stand for: driving guitars, a strong hookline, raw energy and that unmistakable blend of hard rock, melody and clear attitude. The song sounds like a new beginning, like adrenaline, and like the feeling of finally being fully alive again. Stop waiting. Live your freedom. Now. Just Live Loud!”, they continued.

Watch the official video for “Just Live Loud!” HERE

Pre-Order “Just Live Loud!” HERE

Shakra return with renewed fire and unstoppable energy on “Just Live Loud!”, their explosive new studio album and the band’s very first release through Frontiers Music Srl. Fuelled by massive riffs, soaring melodies, and the unmistakable chemistry that has defined Shakra for decades, the album captures the spirit of classic European hard rock while pushing the band into a heavier, more modern sonic territory.

Vocalist Mark Fox commented: “Becoming a father has changed the way I look at many things. When I watch my daughter grow, discover the world and face every day with this incredible curiosity, I find myself asking even more consciously what life is really about. For me, the answer can now be summed up in three words: JUST LIVE LOUD! Don’t live halfway, don’t wait forever, don’t hide. I recorded the vocals for this album on my own in my basement. It was a very intense process that strongly confronted me with myself, my self-criticism and my responsibility. At the same time, it showed me that true freedom always comes with responsibility. For me, this tension is exactly what lies at the heart of this album.”

Guitarist Thomas Muster added: “Over the last 30 years, I’ve written many songs for Shakra. Heavier stuff, sometimes even poppier songs, and some really soft tracks. And even though I was ultimately always happy with the albums, I still always had this feeling inside me that musically, there simply had to be a little more. An even better riff, an even better hookline, simply even better songs. With ‘Something You Don’t Understand’ from the Snakes & Ladders album, I had that feeling of the perfect song for the first time”.

“And now comes “Just Live Loud!”, the Shakra album I always wanted to write, but somehow never quite managed to until now. And it comes with 12 great songs! If I could take only one Shakra album to the famous desert island, it would definitely be this one”, he continued.

Produced with a raw yet polished approach, “Just Live Loud!” delivers a powerful mix of thunderous anthems, emotionally charged ballads, and adrenaline-fueled rockers designed for both festival stages and late-night highway drives. From razor-sharp guitar work and pounding rhythms to towering vocal hooks, every track reflects the band’s commitment to authenticity, passion, and pure rock’n’roll attitude.

Lyrically, the album celebrates resilience, freedom, brotherhood, and the determination to live life at full volume – themes that resonate deeply with the band’s own journey through the international hard rock scene. “Just Live Loud!” also marks an exciting new chapter for Shakra, combining the experience and songwriting strength of their legacy years with a fresh creative momentum that feels more vital than ever.

The band proudly stated: “For over 30 years, we have been walking this path with Shakra. We have always worked on ourselves, put many things aside and given everything to push this band forward – without compromise, without a safety net. We have dared, we have taken risks, and we still do. But this very path has also given us our freedom: to find our purpose away from the ordinary, to lose ourselves in it, and to do what we burn for”.

“Just Live Loud!” brings all of that together in one album: origin, attitude, energy and the view ahead. As long as this fire is still burning, we will keep moving, keep daring and keep giving everything. Living louder is hardly possible – JUST LIVE LOUD!”, they added.

With this landmark release, Shakra reaffirm their status as one of Switzerland’s premier hard rock exports and prove that true melodic heavy rock is alive, loud, and ready to conquer a new generation of fans.

“Just Live Loud!” Tracklist:

1.    Let The Show Begin
2.    Wasteland Warriors
3.    Just Live Loud!
4.    Left Outside Alone (Feat. Seraina Telli)
5.    Demon Of The Night
6.    Legends Never Die
7.    Lost Generation
8.    When We Were Young
9.    Another Day In The Universe
10.    New Tattoo
11.    High Above The Storm
12.    Screaming Silence
13.    Left Outside Alone (Solo Version)

Line Up:
Thom Blunier – Lead Guitars
Mark Fox – Vocals
Thomas Muster – Guitars
Cyril Montavon – Bass 
Roger Tanner – Drums

Follow SHAKRA:
Website
Facebook
Instagram

MEINUNG:

SHAKRA…Eine Band,die ich immer mochte…

Bei den Ersten Takten dies Albums hört man es gleich:DAS ist Shakra.Die Produktion ist vom Gesamtsound hergesehen wie immer sauber und wuchtig arrangiert und produziert worden,sodass man gleich weiß,wer hier musikalisch „unterwegs“ ist!Nochmal:UNVERKENNBAR Shakra!

„Just Live Loud!“ klingt frisch und kraftvoll.Drums und Gitarren knallen einem gleich ins Ohr.Ebenso auch die unverwechselbare Stimme von Mark Fox,der sich für mein Empfinden stimmlich verbessert hat in den vergangenen Jahren.Und das Gitarrist Thom Blunier „ES“ kann…darüber muss man nun auch nicht weiter diskutieren.Meine  Meinung:OHNE Thom Blunier wären SHAKRA nicht SHAKRA!

Kommen wir nochmal zum Songmaterial…ALLE Songs,wie schon angesprochen,überzeugen durch eine tolle Gitarrenarbeit und ein Drumming,welches absolut nach vorne geht.Aber ob ein ANASTACIA Coversong („Left Outside Alone“) unbedingt sein MUSS…?DAS weiß nur die Band selbst.Irgendwie stört,mich zumindest,dieser Song und passt für mich nicht in das Gesamtkonzept dieses Albums.Sicherlich ist ist das Coversong nett umgesetzt worden…Kann man so machen-muss man aber auch nicht!Grundsätzlich muss das eh jeder für sich entscheiden,ob ER/SIE das num gutfindet.

Coversong hin oder her.SHAKRA haben ihre musikalische ID gefunden in den vergangenen Jahren.Der Fan/Hörer weiß,was ER/SIE bekommt.Und nur DAS zählt und verkauft auch die Musik bzw. die Alben einer jeden Band.

7,5 von 10 Punkte

Night Laser – Rats in the cradle

Veröffendlichung: 25.09.2026

Line-Up:
Benno Hankers – vocals
Felipe Zapata Martinez – guitars
Robert Hankers – bass
Ingemar Oswald – drums

MEINUNG:

Das 5. Album mit einer Spielzeit von 55 Minuten…

Ich frage mich immer,ob ein Album so viel Spielzeit UNBEDINGT benötigt…Meine Antwort:Ja und NEIN.Kommt ja auch immer etwas auf das Konzept an,welches hinter den Songs bzw. hinter dem Material,was wir dann als Konsument zu hören bekommen,steckt.Kann man also so machen-muss man aber nicht!

Aber zurück zum Album…Erstmal will ich die Gäste erwähnen,die am Album ebenfalls beteilig waren: Sascha Paeth (Avantasia), Johnny Gioeli (Axel Rudi Pell) oder Lars Rettkowitz (Freedom Call)…Bei der Produktion saß Eike Freese an den Reglern, während Dirk Schlächter von GAMMA RAY bereits bei der Vorproduktion tätig war.Nicht zu vergessen sind Corvin Bahn an den Keyboards und Sebastian Zierof beim „Defenders“.

Aber machen Namen ein Album gleich zu einem „Überflieger“?Hm…Vom ehemaligen Glam-Material ist schon noch was vorhanden,aber steht nicht mehr wirklich im musikalischen Vordergrund.Irgendwie hab ich das Gefühl,die Band sucht nach irgendwie nach ihrer musikalischen ID…Mal thrashig,mal rockig,mal bluesig angehaucht,mal Glam,mal Heavy Metal-Inputs…Und alles klingt auch manchmal etwas nicht ganz so rund und kantig.Allerdings ist eine gewisse Abwechslung gegeben…Klar ist aber:Die Jungs machen IHR musikalisches Ding.Wobei ich der Meinung bin,das so viel Abwechslung nicht gut ist.Und auch DAS muss jeder selbst für sich entscheiden.

Allerdings erwarte ich bei Album Nummer 5 einer Band schon etwas mehr,als das,was ich hier höre.Das bedeutet nun nicht,daß das die Scheibe vollkommen daneben ist.Im Gegenteil.Aber so wirklich will der letzte Funke bei mir auch nicht überspringen.Schade!

6 von 10 Punkte

STRYPER – Throne Of Thorns

Veröffendlichung: 25.09.2026

Today, legendary Christian metal pioneers STRYPER return with a commanding new chapter in their storied career, their 18th studio album: ‘Throne Of Thorns,’ set for release on September 25th via Frontiers Music Srl. Decades into their journey, STRYPER continue to reaffirm their status as one of the most influential and enduring bands in classic metal, seamlessly blending their signature message with a sound that remains as powerful and relevant as ever.

About ‚Throne of Thorns,‘ Drummer Robert Sweet says: 

„Soon our new Stryper record will be out, and can you believe it? It’s album number 18! I really believe you’re all going to love it. Michael worked incredibly hard writing these songs and bringing everything together. Oz, Perry, and I also worked hard to make this, what I feel is our best record yet. I’m confident that once you hear it, you’ll agree. Thank you all for your incredible loyalty and for continuing to support what we do.“

‘Throne of Thorns’ showcases the band at the height of their creative powers, delivering a masterclass in songwriting and musicianship. The album is packed with grand, meticulously crafted arrangements, where thunderous rhythms, soaring guitar harmonies, and anthemic choruses come together in a style that is unmistakably STRYPER. Each track is infused with both intensity and melody, capturing the essence of classic metal while pushing their sound forward with renewed energy and purpose.

At the forefront stands the unmistakable voice of Michael Sweet, whose passionate, powerful, and instantly recognizable delivery continues to define the band’s identity. His vocal performance on ‘Throne of Thorns’ is nothing short of extraordinary, effortlessly moving between soaring highs and emotive depth, adding a timeless quality to every song.

Perry Richardson says:

„The best music doesn’t come from comfort. It comes from living, struggling, growing, and refusing to quit. I hope these songs find you exactly when you need them.“

With ‘Throne Of Thorns,’ STRYPER not only honors their legacy but expands upon it, offering an album that will resonate with longtime fans and newcomers alike. It’s a bold, inspired statement from a band that refuses to stand still—proof that true metal greatness only grows stronger with time.

Guitarist Oz Fox concludes:

„I’m really happy with the final outcome of this record and of the heart that went into it. Michael continues to pour everything he has into the music and the message; Robertbrings the power and energy that has always been the pulse of STRYPER; Perry’s musicianship, vocal talents, and dedication are second to none, and I’m grateful to be on this journey with all of them.“

Pre-Order ‚Throne of Thorns‘ HERE

‚Throne of Thorns‘ Track List:

1. Throne of Thorns
2. Here In Your Heart
3. Falling
4. I’m Alright (I’m Okay)
5. Waiting For You
6. Carry The Flame
7. Hollywood
8. Beautifully Broken
9. Ashes To Roses
10. Alone Again
11. Shadowbreaker

Four decades and counting, STRYPER shows no signs of slowing down. The band will be back on the road this summer with a full U.S. tour beginning July 17 in Arlington, TX. For a full list of dates, see below.

STRYPER are:
Michael Sweet – Lead Vocals/Lead & Rhythm Guitar
Robert Sweet – Drums & Percussion
Oz Fox – Vocals/Lead and Rhythm Guitar
Perry Richardson – Vocals/Bass

FOLLOW STRYPER:
Facebook
Instagram
Website

MEINUNG:

18. Studioalbum…

Fakt ist:Ich persönlich konnte mit STRYPER noch nie etwas anfangen.Das mal vorweg!Und dazu stehe ich auch.Und das hängt NICHT mit ihrer „Christlichen Botschaft“ (so wurde mal die Art der Texte/Musik der Band beschrieben)zusammen.Ich hinterfrage ausschließlich die Musik und NICHT die Einstellung eines Menschen.So-das wäre dann auch mal geklärt!

Anscheinend haben STRYPER auch ihre „Fürsprecher“.Denn wer sein 18. Album raushaut,ist FEST in der Musikszene verankert.Dafür hat die Band meinen absoluten Respekt.Musikalisch…Naja…Mir war das ganze immer etwas zu „weichgespült“ und die STIMME und der Gesangsstil von Michael Sweet waren noch NIE mein Ding.So auch bei dem vorliegenden Album.Es gibt musikalische Highlights,die auch ich ganz gut finde wie z.b. „Here In Your Heart“,“ Ashes To Roses“ und „Shadowbreaker“.Aber das war es dann auch schon für mich.Na klar-es gibt halt auf jedem Album so Songs,die einen eben nicht ansprechen-Ganz normal!Die musikalische Abwechslung ist innerhalb des Album schon vorhanden.Alles klingt wie STRYPER und auch nach STRYPER!Punkt!

Mir persönlich war das Songmaterial aller bisherigen Alben – wie angesprochen – immer zu weichgespült.Und so kommt auch das gerade gehörte Material hier bei mir an.Musikalisch muss man nicht über die Bandmitglieder und/oder Arrangements diskutieren.Die Herrschaften sind schon so lange und wissen,was sie da machen – UND waren schon in den 1980er Jahren unterwegs.Von daher haben sie immer noch ihre DASEINSBERECHTIGUNG.Schließlich waren sie Teil meiner heißgeliebten 80ern.

8 von 10 Punkte

Gary John Barden – Empowered Emotions

Veröffendlichung: 18.09.2026

Legendary singer Gary John Barden is excited to release his new studio album, “Empowered Emotions”, out now via Frontiers Music Srl.
The focus track, “Maasai Enkai”, along with an official visualizer, is also available now.

Barden stated: “‘Maasai Enkai’ was written by my partner in chaos Jeff Summers, lead guitarist and trusted songwriter from Statetrooper. Michael Voss and I immediately knew we wanted this song on the album. I love the snap and swing of the drums, Tommy Denander’s interpretation on lead guitar, Barry Sparks’ brilliant bass work and Vossy’s beautiful harmonies at the end of the song. This album is all about great songs played by musicians who really know their craft. Turn it up to Marshall 12 and enjoy!”

Watch the official visualizer for “Maasai Enkai” HERE

Order “Empowered Emotions” HERE

Gary John Barden returns with “Empowered Emotions”, a powerful new studio album that reaffirms his unmistakable voice and enduring relevance in melodic hard rock.

Barden stated: “Empowered Emotions” is a very special record for both Michael and me. This album marks 25 years of writing, creating, and sharing music together, and every song carries its own story and meaning. It has truly been a labour of love from start to finish. We’re incredibly grateful to Frontiers Music for their belief in us and for giving us the opportunity to bring this project to life. We can’t wait for everyone to hear what we’ve created and celebrate this milestone with all the rock fans who have supported us over the years.”

Widely recognized as the legendary singer on the classic early-’80s albums by the Michael Schenker Group (besides working with Praying Mantis, Skatetrooper and Silver, among others), Barden delivers a confident and inspired performance that reconnects with the genre’s golden era while sounding focused and contemporary.
 
The album was written largely by Barden in close collaboration with German producer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Michael Voss, with whom he previously worked in the band Silver – a creative partnership that clearly benefits from shared history and musical chemistry. Together, they crafted a record rooted in classic melodic hard rock, driven by strong riffs, memorable choruses, and a timeless European approach to songwriting.
 
The lead single “Hit The Ground Running” offers an urgent and biting approach, powered by a driving riff inspired by the George Lynch school of hard rock. Additional highlights include “Maasai Enkai” and the title track “Empowered Emotions”, (with Don Airey on keyboards) which adds a sense of grandeur and atmosphere, as well as the epic “Dark Water”, a dramatic and emotive centerpiece that expands the album’s sonic scope and features a guitar solo by Michael Schenker. 

The album is enriched by an impressive roster of more guest musicians, including Brian Tichy, Barry Sparks, Tommy Denander, and others, all contributing to a record that feels both classic and vital.
 
“Empowered Emotions” is a cohesive, melodic, and powerful statement – an album that celebrates classic hard rock values without sounding nostalgic. With strong songwriting at its core and a commanding vocal performance throughout, it stands as one of Gary John Barden’s most focused and compelling releases to date.

“Empowered Emotions” Tracklist:

1.    Barden’s Overture
2.    Maasai Enkai
3.    Hit The Ground Running
4.    Empowered Emotions
5.    Burning Wind
6.    Dark Water
7.    Ride Horsemen Ride
8.    This Phoenix’s Gonna Burn Ya
9.    Let The Children Play
10.    The Ruling Class
11.    Walk Away
12.    We’ll Meet Again

Line Up:
Gary John Barden – Vocals
Gereon Homann – Drums
Michael Voss – Guitars, Bass, Keys & Backing Vocals 
 
Guests:
Michael Schenker – Lead Guitars on “Dark Water”
Tommy Denander – Lead Guitars on “Maasai Enkai”
Brian Tichy – Drums on “Walk Away”
Don Airey – Keyboards on “Empowered Emotions”
Barry Sparks – Bass on “Maasai Enkai”
Alen Brentini – Lead Guitars on “Ride Horsemen Ride”

MEINUNG:

Gary John Barden…

Er muss niemandem mehr musikalisch beweisen.Nur,weil er mal der Frontman von MSG war?Bestimmt nicht.Dieser Mann ist stimmlich immer noch Klasse.Mal rockig rauh…mal mit Gefühl…mit Wärme…Aber immer noch Gary John Barden.

Es wurde ein Album um seine fantastische Stmme drumherum „gebastelt“ und durch Leute wie Michael Voss,Brian Tichy und Michael Schenker-um nur wenige Namen zu nennen-„veredelt“!Die Restlichen Namen aller beteiligten lest bitte im Album-Info ganz unten.Das ganze Scheibchen klingt reif…erwachsen…Damit meine ich NICHT Alt.Im Gegenteil.Da singt ein Mann mit (Lebens)-Erfahrung.Mit Reife!Für mich wird das ein Album BLEIBEN,das ich auch noch in 10 Jahren gern hören will.Diese Charakterstimme wird nie in Vergessenheit geraten-zumindest bei mir wird das so sein.

Was ich noch hinzufügen möchte:Die FANTASTSCHE Atmosphäre,die dieses Scheibchen insich trägt.Da hat man im Studio ebenfalls verdammt gute Arbeit an den Reglern abgeliefert!Dieses Album…JEDER Song klingt einfach…Macht FREUDE!JEDER EINZELNE Song hat dieses gewisse ETWAS!Jeder Song holt mich ab!Ein Album,das „funktioniert“!Nicht nur der verdammt guten Songs wegen!AUCH-und da widerhole ich mich gern-der Leute wegen,die an den Songs bzw. an diesem Album mitgearbeitet haben.

Danke für dieses Album!

10 von 10 Punkte

SEVEN SPIRES – A Fortress Called Home

Veröffendlichung: 04.09.2026

Today, SEVEN SPIRES is proud to release the Master Key Edition of their acclaimed recent album ‚A Fortress Called Home,‘ out now on Frontiers Music Srl. To mark the occasion, the band is also sharing the single „Emerald Necklace,“ alongside a visualizer, available below. 

Originally released in 2024 to widespread critical acclaim, ‘A Fortress Called Home’ further cemented SEVEN SPIRES’ reputation as one of the most ambitious, creative and emotionally compelling bands in modern metal. Seamlessly blending symphonic metal, power metal, progressive influences and extreme metal elements, the album showcased the band at the peak of its artistic vision, driven by Adrienne Cowan’s extraordinary vocal performance and the group’s fearless approach to songwriting.
 
Now available in the expansive Master Key Edition, this definitive 3 disc package offers fans the opportunity to experience the album from entirely new perspectives. Alongside the original album, the set includes a complete collection of instrumental versions, highlighting the remarkable arrangements, orchestration work and musicianship that underpin the record. The third disc further expands the listening experience with orchestral versions of selected songs as well as exclusive live recordings captured during the band’s recent touring cycle.

About the Master Key Edition, the band comments:

„We invite you to explore deeper into ‚A Fortress Called Home‘ with this Master Key Edition! Who knows what secrets you may find hidden in the instrumentals and orchestral arrangements? What memories will you behold in the gallery of live souvenirs from the last two years?”

Watch the Visualizer for „Emerald Necklace“ HERE

From the epic opener “Songs Upon Wine-Stained Tongues” to the cinematic closing moments of “The Old Hurt Of Being Left Behind,” ‘A Fortress Called Home’represents SEVEN SPIRES at their most accomplished and mature. The additional material included in the upcoming Master Key Edition reveals new dimensions of these compositions, offering a deeper look into the creative process behind one of the band’s most celebrated releases. 

For longtime followers and new listeners alike, ‘A Fortress Called Home (Master Key Edition)’ stands as the ultimate document of this important chapter in the band’s evolution and a testament to why SEVEN SPIRES continue to be regarded as one of the most exciting and forward-thinking names in contemporary metal.

Adrienne Cowan shares:

„This is also our first time releasing orchestral arrangements. I’m a little extra proud of that, and quite excited since it’s something we’ve always wanted to do.“

Order the Master Key Edition of ‚A Fortress Called Home‘ HERE

‚A Fortress Called Home (Master Key Edition)‘ Track List:

Disc 1
1. A Fortress Called Home
2. Songs Upon Wine-Stained Tongues
3. Almosttown
4. Impossible Tower
5. Love’s Souvenir
6. Architect Of Creation
7. Portrait Of Us
8. Emerald Necklace
9. Where Sorrows Bear My Name
10. No Place For Us
11. House Of Lies
12. The Old Hurt Of Being Left Behind
13. House Of Lies (Acoustic) Bonus Track
 
Disc 2
1. A Fortress Called Home (Instrumental)
2. Songs Upon Wine-Stained Tongues (Instrumental)
3. Almosttown (Instrumental)
4. Impossible Tower (Instrumental)
5. Love’s Souvenir (Instrumental)
6. Architect Of Creation (Instrumental)
7. Portrait Of Us (Instrumental)
8. Emerald Necklace (Instrumental)
9. Where Sorrows Bear My Name (Instrumental)
10. No Place For Us (Instrumental)
11. House Of Lies (Instrumental)
12. The Old Hurt Of Being Left Behind (Instrumental)
 
Disc 3
1. Songs Upon Wine-Stained Tongues (Orchestral Version)
2. Almosttown (Orchestral Version)
3. Love’s Souvenir (Orchestral Version)
4. Architect Of Creation (Orchestral Version)
5. Portrait Of Us (Orchestral Version)
6. The Old Hurt Of Being Left Behind (Orchestral Version)
7. A Fortress Called Home (Live in Tilburg)
8. Songs Upon Wine-Stained Tongues (Live in Tilburg)
9. Architect Of Creation (Live in Montréal)
10. Succumb (Live in Tilburg)
11. Love’s Souvenir (Live in Montréal)
12. Wanderer’s Prayer (Live in Tilburg)
13. Gods Of Debauchery (Live in Tilburg)
 
Produced By: Jack Kosto

SEVEN SPIRES are:
Adrienne Cowan – Vocals, Orchestrations, Keyboards, Sound Design
Jack Kosto – Guitars
Peter de Reyna – Bass Guitars, Additional Vocals, Upright Bass
Drums performed by Chris Dovas
 
Special Guest Vocalists: 
Alessandro Conti (2, 12)
Kristin Starkey (5)
Ty Christian (5)
David Åkesson (2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 12) 
Angelica Åkesson (3, 9, 12)
 
Drums on „Live in Tilburg“ and „Live in Montréal“ by Dylan Gowan
Guest Vocals on „Love’s Souvenir (Live in Montréal)“ by Ashleigh Semkiw

FOLLOW SEVEN SPIRES:
Instagram
Facebook
Website
YouTube       

MYSTERY MOON – Way Beyond

Veröffendlichung: 18.09.2026

Voodoo Highway – The Satan Inqviesta

Veröffendlichung: 18.09.2026

Voodoo Highway was formed in Ferrara, Italy, in 2010. In the same year, the band released their self-produced debut album, Broken Uncle’s Inn. The album quickly gained strong feedback from both critics and listeners, selling out its first pressing and receiving warm responses from the specialized rock and metal press. Classic Rock Magazine UK selected the album’s opening track, Till It Bleeds, as Track of the Month.
 
Only a few months later, Voodoo Highway entered the studio to record the follow-up release, Showdown, working with the production team DysFunction Productions (John Wetton, Fear Factory). The album was released in April 2013 through the German label Dust On The Tracks Records. Once again, the record received strong critical and public acclaim, selling out its first pressing within a few months and ranking among the hottest releases on several online distributors. Craig Gruber, former bassist for Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow, Gary Moore and Black Sabbath, described the band as “the new Deep Purple.”
The artwork for Showdown was created by Storm Thorgerson, the legendary Hipgnosis designer known for his iconic work with Pink Floyd, Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin and many others. Voodoo Highway remain the only Italian band to have had an album cover created by the late British artist.
 
Following the release of Showdown, the band toured extensively across Western Europe until 2014. In 2015, Voodoo Highway recorded and released the EP Pervert County. In 2016, they began work on their third full-length album, The Ordeal, again recorded with DysFunction Productions. The album was released in 2017 through the Greek label Sleaszy Rider Records.
After a year of live activity, mainly in Italy and the Netherlands, the band entered an indefinite hiatus for personal reasons.
 
Between 2018 and 2025, Voodoo Highway performed only occasionally in their hometown. During a 2025 concert in Ferrara, the band decided to record their first live album, Made in Kachot, capturing what has always been their natural environment: the stage. The album was self-released later that same year.
Also in 2025, Voodoo Highway began recording their comeback album, The Satan Inqviesta, at Sonika Studios in Ferrara, once again working with producer Eddy Cavazza, also known as Silent Ghost and formerly of DysFunction Productions. 
 
https://www.facebook.com/WhoDoHighway
 
Line-up: Federico Di Marco – vocals; Filippo Cavallini – bass, backing vocals; Massimiliano Sabbadini – hammond organ, backing vocals; Filippo Romeo- guitars, backing vocals; Giacomo Bazzani – drums