ICONIC - II - Album Review

Flash back to mid-2022 and we first heard of Iconic, a supergroup put together thanks to Frontiers Music featuring some iconic members. So, the name was maybe a bit cheesy but the record delivered on all fronts with hard rock legends garnered from Whitesnake, Dead Daisies, Stryper and Inglorious. The band never played live as far as we know which was a real shame. Fast forward to now as we start to hit the midpoint of 2026 and guess what we have another Iconic release. Not much thought put into the title “II” but let’s see how the music fairs as that’s the most important thing.

With a lineup of Nathan James – Vocals, Michael Sweet & Joel Hoekstra – Guitars, Marco Mendoza – Bass and rock journeyman Tommy Aldridge – Drums the expectations are once again high.  

Lead single “Cry No More” is an adrenaline-charged opener that instantly establishes the mood, an electrifying burst of hard rock fuelled by powerful riffs, trademark Tommy Aldridge drums, and a chorus that sticks in your head. The guitars are instantly recognisable as being provided by Joel Hoekstra. If you’re a fan you will see the style showing here.

On the opposite end of the emotional spectrum, “Tears Keep On Falling” brilliantly highlights the band’s impressive versatility. This track unfolds as a powerful song, where melody, atmosphere, and intensity merge seamlessly to create a stirring and electrifying experience. Another melodic masterpiece for fans of the genre the 5 piece deliver quite simply making it a standout example of their artistic range.  

“S.O.S.” leans on the bluesier side of things and is groove heavy track whereas “Valley Of Lost Souls” just smashes you in the face with a straight-ahead rock song laden with hooks, both vocally and musically.  

The only real downturn of pace on this album is the start of last track “Heart Of Stone” however that only lasts until after the first verse and we are back in melodic rock heaven with a hard hitting, yet full of melody chorus.  

The only negative is that this could quite easily have been a Joel Hoekstra solo album such is his influence on this, or maybe it’s too close in timescale to his own release. Not withstanding this is a great follow up album and one that will certainly be on repeat once it’s released and in my grubby paws. Let’s hope for some live dates to accompany this as well, I’m sure everyone will be hoping for those.

1. Cry No More

2. All I Want

3. Open My Eyes

4. Tears Keep On Falling

5. Take Me To The Place

6. S.O.S.

7. Nothing Left For Me

8. Far Away

9. Valley Of Lost Souls

10. Written In The Stars

11. Heart Of Stone

Line Up:

Nathan James - Vocals

Michael Sweet - Guitars

Joel Hoekstra - Guitars

Marco Mendoza - Bass

Tommy Aldridge - Drums

Released July 31st on Frontiers Music Srl.