First Light – Gravity 2.0
product: First Light – Gravity 2.0release date: 21.08.2026format: CD & digitalterritory: world Following the success of their critically acclaimed album “Elemental”, melodic rockers First Light are proud to announce the release of “GRAVITY 2.0” – a powerful reimagining of their previously digital-only album “Gravity”, now finally arriving on CD for the first time.Originally released three years ago, “Gravity” quickly became a standout record among fans, despite never receiving a physical release. With demand growing and fans calling for a CD edition, the band have gone far beyond expectations — delivering not just a reissue, but a complete reinvention.Driving this evolution are the creative forces at the heart of First Light, Carl Sharples and Dave Hardman, the architects of the band’s sound and vision. Their relentless passion for melodic rock excellence fuels “GRAVITY 2.0” from start to finish, combining classic influences with a modern, high-energy edge that defines the band’s identity.“GRAVITY 2.0” features fully re-recorded guitars, bass, and vocals, injecting new life, energy, and depth into every track. The album has been fully remixed and remastered by renowned rock royalty – Pete Newdeck and Harry Hess, bringing a richer, more dynamic sound that elevates the record to new heights.Adding to the album’s impact is a powerhouse lineup delivering performances full of character and intensity. Andy Jakeman brings precision and punch behind the drum kit, laying down a driving rhythmic foundation that propels the album forward. The one and only Didge Digital layers the record with rich, atmospheric keys, adding texture and depth that elevate every chorus and bridge. At the forefront, Warren Passaro delivers a commanding vocal performance – soulful, powerful, and packed with emotion, breathing new life into every lyric and melody.In addition to the refreshed core album, “GRAVITY 2.0” includes two new songs „catch me when I’m falling“ and „what if?“, along with an acoustic version of “Leave A Light On”, a fan-favourite from *Elemental. This reimagined version highlights the band’s versatility and offers a fresh, intimate take on one of their most loved tracks.Building on the momentum of Elemental – praised for its “soaring melodies,” “anthemic choruses,” and “modern melodic rock edge”, First Light continue to push forward with a release that captures both their evolution and their signature sound. “GRAVITY 2.0” embodies the same uplifting, hook-driven songwriting that earned widespread praise, now delivered with even greater impact. “This is more than a re-release,” the band explain. “We’ve completely rebuilt Gravity from the ground up. The response to the original album and to “Elemental” inspired us to take these songs further to give them the sound and energy they always deserved.” “GRAVITY 2.0” stands as both a celebration of the band’s journey and a bold step forward. It’s a release shaped by fan demand, creative growth, and a commitment to delivering music at the highest level. The wait is over. The songs are reborn. “FIRST LIGHT – GRAVITY 2.0”„Reimagined. Remixed. Reignited.“ Track list:1. Gravity2. This Is It3. Crossfire4. Rise And Fall5. How Do We Say Goodbye6. Revolution7. Hidden In The Heart8. Catch Me When I’m Falling (bonus track)9. What If (bonus track)10. Leave A Light On (acoustic bonus track)
Osukaru – Tall Tales
product: Osukaru – Tall Talesrelease date: 21.08.2026format: CD & digitalterritory: world Osukaru didn’t start as a band – it started as a vision. Formed in early 2010 in Gothenburg, Sweden, guitarist Oz Hawe Petersson (then known as Oz Osukaru) set out to bring something to life that didn’t quite exist yet. It would take a couple of years of shaping that idea – through early EPs and relentless refinement – before the debut album „Salvation“ finally arrived in 2012. At that point, Osukaru wasn’t just a project anymore. It was starting to become something real. With „Transition“ in 2015, the pieces began to fall into place. Line-up changes and growing experience turned the vision into a fully formed entity – something the band themselves has pointed to as a first real milestone, and when Osukaru truly began to find its identity. Rooted in classic stadium rock, the early releases leaned more heavily into a solid AOR sound. But even then, there were signs of something more beneath the surface. Over time, little by little, that edge became sharper. The melodies stayed strong, but the sound gained weight, attitude and a harder punch. By the time „House of Mirrors“ arrived in 2018, Osukaru had fully stepped into a world of their own – melodic, yet heavier and more driven. That momentum carried into „Starbound“ in 2021, which took the band to new heights, multi-million streams on Spotify alone and set the stage for what would come next. Enter „Tall Tales“ – the band’s seventh album, and the clearest statement yet of how far that original vision has come. It was produced by Oz Hawe Petersson together with long-time singer and band partner Fredrik Werner (Daytona, Air Raid), mixed by Svein Jensen (Alicate, Sister Sin) and mastered by Mats Eriksson (Degreed). The cover and booklet artwork was created by Oz Hawe Petersson alongside actress/model Eliza Sica and carries a subtle sense of both unease and wonder that mirrors the album’s mysterious lyrical themes. Discography:2010: “GBG2LA” (EP); 2011: “Never Too Late” (MAXI CD); 2012: “Salvation” (album); 2013: “Triumphant” (album); 2015: “Transition” (album), 2016: “Rock It Up” (MAXI CD); 2017: “The Labyrinth” (album); 2018: “Last Call: The EP Recordings” (ltd. comp. album); 2018: “House of Mirrors” (album); 2021: “Starbound” (album); 2026: “Tall Tales” (album) OSUKARU is: Fredrik Werner – lead vocals, guitar;Oz Hawe Petersson – guitar, background vocals; Marcus Zerath – bass, background vocals; C.D – drums, percussion Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/osukarumusic Track list:1. Exceeder2. Wendigo3. Blood On The Rocks4. The Outer Side Within5. Ronin6. Who Do You Love7. Split8. Only Moments Left9. When It’s Over10. C’est Dans Ta Tête
Kindred North – Kindred North
product: Kindred North – Kindred Northrelease date: 21.08.2026format: CD & digitalterritory: world Two lifers. No safety net. Pure ‘80s fire for the modern age. Kindred North is the result of two lifers from opposite sides of the border, bound by something deeper than music. Formed by Swedish vocalist / guitarist Andi Kravljaca and Norwegian multi-instrumentalist Andreas Nergård, the band’s mission is clear: to lead with melody, to play with conviction, and to let skill, songwriting, and performance speak. No presets. No shortcuts, just real amplifiers, real practice, and real stakes. This isn’t nostalgia – it’s a response to the challenge our heroes posed. Kravljaca (Seventh Wonder, Hydra, Find Me, Thaurorod) and Nergård (Nergard) have spent more than a decade collaborating across stages and studio sessions. With Kindred North, the two pursue a modern hard-rock sound rooted in the studio craftsmanship of the late 1980s. Named for their kindred bond (Kravljaca/Nergard) and their Nordic roots, Kindred North is a partnership built on a shared obsession with musical excellence. Influences trace back to bands like Winger, Dokken, and Europe, but the goal is not nostalgia. With aggressive guitar solos, downtuned seven-string riffs, soaring vocal lines, dense harmonies, and unapologetically big choruses, the band aims to realize “the future the 1980s promised but never happened”. This philosophy defines the band’s self titled debut album. The record is a manifesto of execution, where technical competence, emotional songwriting, and raw performance coexist without irony or retro posturing. The result is a tight, focused, brazen record that refuses to phone it in – a conscious rejection of hyper-quantized production in favor of human urgency and momentum. Tracks like the explosive opener “A Guiding Heart,” and the infectious and high-energy “Natural High,” showcase the band’s range: from driving hard rock to synth-infused melody, always anchored by strong musicianship. The album, produced by Kravljaca and Nergård, with vocal sessions engineered by Daniel Flores at Sound vs Science Studios in Stockholm, guitars tracked at Finnthorpe Studios, and remaining instruments recorded in Norway. Mixing and mastering were handled by Simone Mularoni (DGM). Kindred North exists not to recreate a bygone era, but to honor the discipline, ambition, and emotional honesty that once defined it. This isn’t a tribute. It’s a response. A dare to the ghosts of the past and a wake-up call to today’s music scene. Kindred North isn’t here to remind you of the past. They’re here to make you miss the future. Kindred North is: Andi Kravljaca – Vocals, rhythm and lead guitars; Andreas Nergård – Keyboards, bass guitar, drums Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551309422179 Track list:1. A Guiding Heart2. Natural High3. If This Is Love4. Learn To Love Again5. A Billion Miles Away6. Walk Through The Fire7. Dance The Night Away8. Runaway9. Divine10. Lose Control11. It’s Hard To Say Goodbye
Burning Sun – Power To Survive
product: Burning Sun – Power To Surviverelease date: 21.08.2026format: CD & digitalterritory: world Founded in 2022 in Hungary by bassist Zoltán Papi, BURNING SUN is a rising force in the underground Power Metal scene. He was then joined by singer/guitarist Pancho Ireland (also known from Merciless Law). Inspired by the ’90s golden era of European Power Metal and taking its name from a Helloween song, the project channels soaring melodies, driving rhythms, and heroic storytelling. The duo’s debut album, Wake of Ashes, was released in 2023 via Stormspell Records. The album featured international collaborators and introduced listeners to the character of Emaly, who plays a major role in the band’s identity as she appears on all artworks. Although the first record was partly inspired by the popular video game, World of Warcraft, the band decided to abandon this influence to tell their own stories. 2025 saw the release of Retribution via Metalizer Records, a full story concept album focused on revenge and salvation. The fantasy-driven narrative was told with a combination of classic riffing and anthemic choruses. In early 2026, the band announced the arrival of singer and guitarist Nicolas Peter (Tyran, Invictus) and drummer Edmond Kulcsár (Gift Of Grave). Nicolas took over lead vocals, while Pancho decided to focus on his role as lead guitarist. The arrival of the new members brought a new era for Burning Sun, not only because of the expanded lineup but also in the form of their third album, “Power To Survive”. Written by Nicolas Peter and Zoltán Papi, this high-energy album features 10 songs that are meant to help you get through hard times through its uplifting music which features Herbie Langhans (Firewind) as guest on “Emaly’s Hymn” and Alexandra Lioness (Jenner, Frozen Crown) as guest on “Over And Beyond”. Burning Sun delivers the kind of metal that is rare nowadays, the kind of music that is rooted in Helloween, Gamma Ray, Edguy, Hammerfall and ’90s power metal in general. No compromises, only pure dedication and passion. Line-up: Nicolas Peter – vocals, guitarsPancho Ireland – guitarsZoltán Papi – bassEdmond Kulcsár – drums Track list:1.Quest Divine2. Emaly’s Hymn3. Tale Of Brothers4. Light Of The World5. Over And Beyond6. Come Home7. Spirit Alive8. Prayer9. Holy Light10. We Rise Again
Code Red – Incendiary
product: Code Red – Incendiary3 Bonus Tracksrelease date: 17.07.2026format: CD & digitalterritory: world CODE RED is a Swedish AOR & Melodic Rock project led by song-writer and singer Ulrick Lönnqvist (Sahara) and guitarist Morgan Jensen (Swedish Erotica). The band’s only album release „Incendiary“ (originally released via AOR Heaven in 2017) is now a genre classic of the 2010s and has since become a sought-after rarity.This new version of the album contains the 10 original tracks which were produced by Daniel Flores (Find Me, Hydra) who also played drums on the record. The new version includes three bonus tracks: „Into The Fire“ with Lönnqvist on vocals was produced by Hal Marabel (Bad Habit) and later recorded by Rick Altzi (Masterplan) for his solo album „All Eyes On Me“, and „Some Of Us“, produced by Michael Palace (Palace, First Signal) plus a demo version of „Saving Grace“. „Incendiary“ will be released digital and on CD via Pride & Joy Music Classixx (Vol 26) on July 17, 2026, is limited to 300 CD copies only and was remastered by Jimmy Gunnarsson. The CD will be available exclusively via shop.prideandjoy.de Track list:1. I Won’t Be Your Hero2. Heat Of The Night3. Lift Me Up4. My Hollywood Ending5. Saving Grace6. Eternal Pretender7. Like I Remember You8. Forever And A Day9. Returning The Flame10. Are You Leaving You11. Into The Fire (bonus track)12. Some Of Us (bonus track)13. Saving Grace (demo version)
Alien – Alien
product: Alien – Alienrelease date: 19.06.2026format: CD & digitalterritory: world Genre: AOR/ Melodic Rock Remark: ltd. to 500 CD’s, remastered by Ritchie Borg, new booklet with liner notes, Pride & Joy Music Classixx Vol. 25, officially licensed from Warner Music Liner Notes by Martin Stark: Swedish melodic rock icons Alien are some kind of a blueprint for Scandinavian melodic rock music and AOR of the eighties. Gitarrist Tony Borg formed a new band in 1986 after having worked in various constellations for some time. “I was working as a session musician in really good studios in Gothenburg and in Stockholm, too, and it was easy money as everything was fine but after a while I felt I needed to start my own band. I had to go for a different, more personal aim“, Borg reflects on the very birth of Alien. Having had all the contacts and a couple of original songs already in the pipeline, the guitarist gathered some of the best players around him. Borg and Tarrach even go back to 1985 working on some kind of project which then was to became Alien. The original line-up of the band with mainman Borg, drummer Toby Tarrach, keyboarder Jimmy Wandroph and bassist Ken Sandin has been complete when frontman Jim Jidhed joined the ranks. “I was extremely happy with having Jim on board because his voice is simply incredible“, remembers Borg. At first there were talks of recording eight or nine demo tracks only but soon the band, as it is was, has been finalized once the debut album took shape. “I remember being in a studio in Gothenburg and as studio time was very expensive back in the day, we recorded days in a row and there was that particular night when I basically sang all night“, Jidhed recalls proudly. The band already had two singles out in Sweden, “I’ll Survive“ and “Headstrong“, that unfortunately didn’t end up on the album. “We went to the studio and recorded some more tracks when we got the deal with Virgin in 1987 and probably due to the running time of the album, we had to skip a couple of tracks“, says Jidhed not being fully clear about it decades later. But the whole thing picked up pace when outside producers and songwriters came in, resulting in recording a handful of tracks in America. Plus, the single “Only One Woman“, a Marbles cover originally written by The Bee Gees, was to become quite a chart success in Sweden opening many doors for them internationally, too. It went to number one for six weeks straight in their home-country. “We were really taken by surprise, to be honest“, recalls Jidhed. “Our label manager with Virgin Records came up with the idea of recording this particular song. He probably had my voice in mind from the beginning and all I can say is that we weren’t sure whether this was a good idea in the first place or not but then Tony and I arranged the track and made it an Alien song in not more than one day, as far as I remember.“ Nevertheless, especially the frontman was not too convinced of the song at the time. “We were in the States when news reached out to us that “Only One Woman“ got remarkable amount of airplay on Swedish radio. Funnily enough actually, it took several attempts to finally make it take off commercially“, the frontman recalls. But it did. Big time. It went gold in Sweden and has more than six million streams on Spotify by now. There are basically two “fractions“ in the band with Tony and Toby on the one hand being more or less seventies-rooted whereas the others, including Jim, on the other hand openly favored the softer, more polished side of the band which resulted in tracks like “Go Easy“ and, of course,“Tears Don’t Put Out The Fire“ with huge keyboards which became AOR anthems right away. The band went on tour in Sweden successfully with their debut only and with their biggest live production to date. The twelve tracks of the iconic self-titled album, apart from the ballad “Only One Woman“, include the other two singles “Tears Don’t Put Out The Fire“ and “Brave New Love“, which are nothing but typical eighties AOR anthems. “Still when we play ’Tears’ to this day, it literally brings tears to many in the audience“, Jidhed proudly states. The sound, tone and soul of the album is represented by this song very much. “Brave New Love“, though, ended up in the American cult movie “The Blob“, also leaving an important milestone in the band’s illustrious history. Borg’s memories concerning “Tears Don’t Put Out The Fire“ are kind of mixed as the creation and the arrangements of the track are pretty unusual for the band. “That song that the fans love so much sees me playing the guitar solo very much in the vein of Gary Moore, who brought this slow way of playing to pure perfection. Usually, I don’t play that way.“ The writing chemistry and the soundscape that is created especially between Borg and Jidhed today is essential to Alien, whereas the given 1988 debut album was written by all five in the band and Pam Barlow and Janet Minto. “Having a vocalist like Jim on board is a true blessing as he gives these songs what they need. He is magic and the fun fact is, he is not musically educated in any university like I am on guitar, but his natural talent as a singer is simply amazing“. There can’t be more praise and pride than in that statement by the guitarist. “When I write a Deep Purple riff and Jim sings on it, it most likely sounds a bit like Journey.“ But vice versa, Jidhed acknowledges his band mate for many years as an exceptional songwriter and band leader, too. “Tony is absolutely passionate about his guitar and works very hard in all respects.“ Navigating a
Sahara – Sahara
product: Sahara – Sahararelease date: 29.05.2026format: CD & digitalterritory: world Remark: ltd. to 500 CD’s, numbered, remastered by Harry Hess, Pride & Joy Music Classixx Vol. 24 Originally released 2001 via Point Music/ AOR Heaven, the self-titled debut album by Swedish AOR group SAHARA belongs to the 2000’s classics of the genre. The album is currently one of the most sought-after CD‘s in the genre and will be released on May 29, 2026, remastered by Harry Hess (Harem Scarem), numbered, and limited to 500 CDs as re-issue Vol. 24 via Pride & Joy Music Classixx, and digitally via Pride & Joy Music. Like all other CDs in the series, this CD will only be available at shop.prideandjoy.de while stock will last. SAHARA was led by guitarist and producer Peter Lidström and singer Ulrick Lönnqvist, who is still active in the scene today as a sought-after songwriter for several high-class bands. Line-up: Ulrick Lönnqvist (Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals, Acoustic Guitar), Peter Lidström (Electric Guitar, Backing Vocals, Acoustic Guitars), Fredrik Winero (Drums), Kaspar Dahlqvist (Keyboards), Magnus Eliasson & Hazze Wazzén (Bass) Track list:1. Stranger2. Time Is A Healer3. Over And Over4. Dreams5. The Fire6. Never Say Never7. Silent Rain8. Dream Of You9. Deep Inside10. What Is Love11. The Night
Acacia Avenue – Chapter V
product: Acacia Avenue – Chapter Vrelease date: 29.05.2026format: CD & digitalterritory: world The idea for Acacia Avenue began back in 2008. Founding member, Torben Enevoldsen (Fate, Fatal Force, Section A), spent most of that year writing new material. Some of this new material came to be very melodic hard rock/AOR, and the idea of doing a full album in this style quickly emerged. In order to spice things up however, Enevoldsen decided to ask a few good friends of his to participate, both as singers, but also as co-writers. The debut album featured Tony Mills (Ex-TNT, Shy), Geir Rönning (Radioactive), Torben Lysholm (Pangea, Mysterell) and Lars Säfsund (Work Of Art) on vocals. Torben played bass, keyboards and guitars, as well as both lead and backing vocals on a few songs and Thomas Heintzelmann (Decoy) did the drums. The self-entitled debut album was released on Lion Music back in January 2010. In January 2011, Torben joined the Danish hard rock band Fate, and although being busy with them, he continued working on various other projects, as well as releasing four albums in total so far with Acacia Avenue. After the release of ”Worlds Apart” (2018), Torben was busy working on his instrumental solo stuff, as well as writing and recording for Rob Moratti, Pinnacle Point, Decoy and Fate. In between these sessions however, Enevoldsen found the time to write new music for a fifth Acacia Avenue album. As usual, he asked a few good friends along for the ride, so this new album features Peer Johansson (Now Or Never, Fate), Peter Sundell (C.O.P., Decoy), Dagfinn Joensen (Bloody Dice), as well as the late, great Tony Mills (Shy, TNT) on vocals. Pete Steincke (Fate) split the bass duties with Enevoldsen, who also played the keyboards and guitars himself, as well as doing lead- and background vocals on a few songs. Dennis Hansen (Fatal Force) once again did the drums. The majority of the recordings, including the mix and mastering, took place at Torben’s ”Funny Farm Studios” in Denmark. Enevoldsen mixed and mastered „Chapter V“ himself and he also produced the album. Line-up: Peer Johansson – Vocals; Peter Sundell – Vocals; Dagfinn Joensen – Vocals; Tony Mills – Vocals; Torben Enevoldsen, Guitars, bass, keyboards and vocals; Pete Steincke – Bass; Dennis Hansen – Drums Track list:1. No Use Running2. The Longest Time3. Stand Your Ground4. Lies Of A Hundred Years5. Wait No More 2.06. Nothing Else To Do07. Rainbow Child8. Stand Up.9. Gypsy Train10. Standing On The Outside11. All Of The Time www.facebook.com/tenevoldsen www.instagram.com/t.enevoldsen www.facebook.com/acaciaavenuetheband
BLUE TEARS – Live In The UK
product: BLUE TEARS – Live In The UKrelease date: 15.05.2026format: digital & CD (ltd. to 300 copies)territory: world Fans of quality Melodic Hard Rock will have no problem remembering the 1990 debut from Blue Tears. With its loving mix of Bon Jovi meets Def Leppard hard-hitting riffs and melodies, this was one band that really should have scaled the heights. Back in 2005, the band were invited to play the second ever edition of the Firefest Festival. Gregg and the boys put on one hell of a show for their one and only ever full-electric set in Europe. Also included were two Attraction 65 songs from Gregg’s solo project, the rarest cut being the Japanese bonus only track ‘One Step Over The Line’, which makes this an absolute must for fans and collectors. Sure, it was raw and wild, but the adoring fans loved every minute. Now that fateful night is presented here, in all its untouched/no overdubs glory. Of course, main man Greg Fulkerson died tragically in April 2009. “Live In The UK” represents a chance to see him and the boys honouring their legacy, up close, raw and personal. “Live At The UK” will be released digital and as a ltd. edition CD (300 copies only) which will be exclusively sold via shop.prideandjoy.de and wholesale. THE BANDGregg Fulkerson (Lead vocals, guitar, keyboards)Bryan Hall (Guitar, vocals)Michael Spears (Bass, vocals)Charlie Lauderdale (Drums) Tracklist: 1. Rock You To Heaven (4:02)2. Rise Above (Attraction 65 song) (3:20)3. Take This Heart (4:12)4. Thunder In the Night (4:38)5. Let It Rain (3:05)6. Blue Tears (4:31)7. Rockin’ With The Radio (3:55)8. One Step Over The Live (3:25)9. Live It Up (3:35)
KAASIN – The Underworld
product: KAASIN – The Underworldrelease date: 24.04.2026format: CD & digitalterritory: world KAASIN return in 2026 with their new studio album „The Underworld“, released by Pride & Joy Music on April 24, 2026. The album marks a new chapter for the Norwegian hard rock band, presenting a darker and more atmospheric sound while remaining firmly rooted in classic hard rock traditions built on strong melodies and solid musicianship. KAASIN was founded in 2020 by guitarist Jo Henning Kaasin, formerly of Come Taste the Band. Kaasin is widely respected for his collaborations with internationally renowned artists such as Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple) and Joe Lynn Turner (Rainbow). Together with bassist Ståle Kaasin (Humbucker, 2020Vision), the foundation of KAASIN was laid with a clear ambition: to create contemporary hard rock with a classic spirit and a strong sense of identity. The band is fronted by vocalist Jan Thore Grefstad (Saint Deamon and TNT), whose powerful and expressive voice quickly became a defining element of KAASIN’s sound. In October 2021, drummer Per-Morten Bergseth (Jorn, Wig Wam, Course of Fate, Holter) joined the band, followed in 2022 by keyboard player Erling Henanger (Magic Pie, Holter), who contributes both live and in the studio. After the release of an advance single, the debut album „Fired Up“, released on November 19th, 2021, established KAASIN on the European hard rock scene. The album received excellent reviews and was voted Album of the Year 2021 by the readers of Norway’s leading rock magazine Rockman. To date, KAASIN has generated more than 1.3 million streams on Spotify, reflecting a steadily growing international audience. Line-up: Jo Henning Kaasin – guitar, Ståle Kaasin – bass, Jan Thore Grefstad – vocals, Per-Morten Bergseth – drums, Erling Henanger – keyboards Produced by Halvor Halvorsen, Jo Henning Kaasin and Ståle Kaasin Recorded by Halvor Halvorsen and KAASIN Mixed by Halvor Halvorsen Cover Artwork by Stan W. DeckerAdditional Artwork by Ingo Ertl Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kaasinmusic Track list:1. The Real World2. Two Hearts3. We Speed At Night4. Iron Horse5. Invisible6. Over The Mountain7. Arabian Night8. The Descent Of Souls9. The Underworld10. Dead Man’s Hand (CD bonus track)