Iconic Prepares “II,” Their New Album | The Hard Rock Superheroes Strike Again
Through Frontiers Records, Iconic, the band featuring legends of the 1980s hard rock scene, is back in action, this time with a new album titled “II,” serving as a sequel in both time and spirit to their debut album.
Iconic is a band that brings together big names from the scene. Among them are Nathan James on vocals, Michael Sweet (Stryper) on guitar, Joel Hoekstra (Whitesnake) on guitar, Marco Mendoza (Whitesnake, Thin Lizzy, Ted Nugent, etc.) on bass, and none other than Mr. Tommy Aldridge on drums. A top-tier supergroup.
The thing is, Iconic not only announced the release of their new album titled “II,” which will be officially released on July 31, 2026, but they also released a single and music video as a preview. The track in question is “Cry No More,” and it’s already available to watch and listen to on all platforms.
With a load of riffs that evoke the ’80s and a pure, classic hard rock melody, “Cry No More” immerses us in the energy that only seasoned members of the old guard of Rock and Metal can deliver.
By the way, Michael Sweet commented: “It’s been a long time coming and the time is finally here! It’s an absolute honor to be a part of such an incredible band and “Cry No More” is the perfect representation of who Iconic is. Music that takes you back to the best of times and reminds you that rock is still alive and well!”; meanwhile, “It’s a pleasure to work with these fantastic musicians in Iconic. “Cry No More” should give classic rock fans something raw and real in terms of both playing and production. Crank it up!”, Joel Hoekstra added.
Nathan James also stated: “I’m so pleased to have made another album with these incredible musicians. I hope everyone enjoys this first single “Cry No More” and the whole album.”
Finally, the great Marco Mendoza also commented on the matter, “Well, the time is here, folks, finally Iconic – “II”, is coming to you, with the first single “Cry No More” coming soon!”, Marco Mendoza exclaimed. “Like always, it’s a blast and quite an honor to be part of a project like this, with all these players! Take a listen and enjoy! Viva la ROCK!!!”
Thanks to the folks at Frontiers Music, we had the opportunity to listen to the entire “II,” and the truth is that fans of hard rock and ’80s music won’t be disappointed. Lots of riffs, plenty of melody, and energy that you can enjoy from start to finish.
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.
ut that’s not all. The album also features “All I Want,” pure energy from start to finish, and “Open My Eyes,” which explores dual-guitar melodies to create an intriguing track. It also includes “Take Me To The Place” and “S.O.S.,” with an unmistakable ’80s vibe. “Nothing Left For Me” must be one of the most introspective moments on the album, and “Far Away,” with its double-bass guitar strums and riffs delivering solid rock melodies, blends seamlessly with “Valley Of Lost Souls,” another enjoyable hard rock track with plenty of punch and meaning. Meanwhile, “Written In The Stars” is one of the album’s most intense and captivating moments, and finally, the ballad “Heart Of Stone” brings this new adventure by these survivors of ’80s hard rock to a close.
“II” will be available starting July 31, though pre-orders are already open via Frontiers Records. In the meantime, you can already enjoy “Cry No More,” and we’ve included the music video here so you can check out Iconic’s latest release…
Pre-order at https://ffm.bio/iconic-ii
