Hard Rock Supergroup ICONIC Unveils New Track "Take Me To The Place" + Visualizer

Today, hard rock supergroup ICONIC - featuring Michael Sweet (guitars), Joel Hoekstra(guitars), Marco Mendoza (bass), Tommy Aldridge (drums), and Nathan James (vocals) – have unveiled their new track, “Take Me To The Place,” ahead of the release of their upcoming sophomore album ‘II,’ set for release on July 31, 2026 via Frontiers Music Srl.

Michael Sweet comments on the track:

'Take Me To The Place' is once again, a song that takes you back to the past. The whole point of this band/album is to remind people of the power of classic rock. Some of the greatest music came out of the 70’s/80’s, and we’re very proud to be able to continue waving that flag and carrying the torch!”

Joel Hoekstra shares:

“It was great fun to riff away to trade leads with Michael Sweet on this one. Nathan James is belting away, and the classic rock vibes are omnipresent. Hopefully you all like it as much as we liked recording it!”

Marco Mendoza also adds:

“Another great song coming from all the talent in this band...Michael and Joel killing it, Nathansounding great and delivering big time...Tommy driving!!!”



Watch the Visualizer for "Take Me To The Place" Below:

ICONIC returns with ‘II,’ a second album that doesn’t just continue the band’s journey - it defines it. Where their debut introduced the chemistry between five world-class musicians, II sharpens that vision into a clearer, heavier, and more confident sonic identity, delivering a sound that is more powerful, more direct, and unmistakably rock.

At the heart of the album lies the electrifying guitar partnership of Joel Hoekstra and Michael Sweet, delivering a masterclass in soaring melodies, blazing solos, and muscular riffs that perfectly balance technical brilliance with pure hard-rock attitude. Beneath them, the rhythm section of Tommy Aldridge and Marco Mendoza drives the record with thunderous authority, creating a groove that is both massive and relentless.

The album kicks off with “Cry No More,” a high-octane opener that immediately sets the tone - an energetic slice of hard rock packed with driving riffs, explosive drums, and a chorus built to stick. 

On the other side of the emotional spectrum, “Tears Keep On Falling” showcases the band’s dynamic range, unfolding as an electrifying power ballad where melody, atmosphere, and intensity come together in dramatic fashion.

Towering above it all is Nathan James, whose performance on ‘II’ is nothing short of extraordinary - powerful, soulful, and commanding, elevating every track with unmistakable presence.

With bigger riffs, deeper grooves, and a stronger sense of identity, ‘II’ captures ICONIC at full force: a band no longer introducing itself but fully owning its sound.

Pre-Order 'II' HERE

Line Up:

Nathan James - Vocals

Michael Sweet - Guitars

Joel Hoekstra - Guitars

Marco Mendoza - Bass

Tommy Aldridge - Drums

Keyboards by Antonio Agate

Backing Vocals by Marco Pastorino

New Video Alert! ARCHON ANGEL Share "Afterburn"

From New Album 'II', Out April 14th!

Pre-Order HERE

"Afterburn", the latest glorious single from ARCHON ANGEL, which features Savatageand Trans-Siberian Orchestra vocalist Zak Stevens, is out now!

The single appears on the band's upcoming album, 'II', which comes out April 14th on Frontiers Music SRL.

It follows the band's 2020 debut, 'Fallen', which saw vocalist Zak Stevens (Circle II Circle, Savatage, Trans-Siberian Orchestra) and producer/guitarist Aldo Lonobile (Secret Sphere, Edge Of Forever) delivering a fantastic slab of power/progressive metal.

Check out the Lyric Video for "Afterburn"

Fans of Archon Angel's debut will surely find no sophomore slump awaits them on "II". In fact, Stevens and Lonobile have locked in on all the key parts that worked so well on their debut and amplified and perfected them for this glorious follow-up. 

 

The seeds of Archon Angel were planted when producer/guitarist Lonobile and vocalist Stevens were collaborating on songs for Timo Tolkki's Avalon's 'Return To Eden' album, which Aldo produced and played guitar on and Zak did some guest lead vocals for. After some discussions about what musical direction they wanted to take, Aldo sent Zak some demos that were reminiscent of classic Savatage records like 'Edge Of Thorns' and 'Gutter Ballet'. The two felt they were onto something and followed their musical muse, ultimately culminating in what would become Archon Angel's debut album, 'Fallen'.

 

Zak Stevens first came to prominence in the metal scene when he was hand-picked by Savatage's Jon Olivia to take over as lead vocalist for the band. Starting with 1993's 'Edge Of Thorns', he would record four studio albums with the band, including the aforementioned album plus 'Handful Of Rain''Dead Winter Dead', and 'The Wake Of Magellan'. He has also performed on multiple Trans-Siberian Orchestra releases, including 'Christmas Eve and Other Stories''Beethoven's Last Night', and more, while also being a member of the band's touring production.

 

Around 2001, Zak started a band, Circle II Circle, which has recorded seven studio albums, with the most recent being 2015's 'Reign Of Darkness'. Additionally, he has appeared on albums by Timo Tolkki's AvalonMachines Of GraceJon Olivia's Pain, and more.

Pre-order 'II' HERE