The Rock Zone

Release Date: 17 Jul 2026

Photo Credit Brandon Gullion

The acclaimed American hard rock band Tesla recently released their new album, 'Homage'. It marks a full-circle moment in their storied career, finding the band returning to their roots with a collection of covers honoring some of rock’s most timeless hits.

It is remarkable to reflect on the more than 40 years since Tesla began as a cover band performing in California nightclubs before going on to write and record original material and sell millions of albums.

Much like their own musical heroes, Tesla honed their craft by performing songs from those who came before them. Even today, they embrace the tradition of paying tribute through cover songs.

‘Homage’ not only honors legendary artists but also provides an opportunity to showcase lead singer Jeff Keith's vocal diversity. The album stands as a thank-you expressed through music, an offering to the iconic voices and songs that shaped the band’s influences and, ultimately, their own songwriting.

Release Date: 29 Jul 2026

Photo Credit Ed Rode

Canadian roots, rock, and soul band Bywater Call release of their highly anticipated fourth studio album Broken Souvenirs later this month.

The album delivers a captivating 11-song collection that captures Bywater Call at their most versatile, adventurous, and emotionally charged. Expanding beyond the boundaries of genre, the album deepens the band’s distinctive voice while embracing a bold, wide-ranging sound.

Renowned for transcending genre boundaries, Bywater Call has built a reputation for electrifying, emotionally charged live performances driven by powerhouse vocals and thrilling interplay between all seven band members. In early 2026, the band earned their third consecutive UK Blues Awards nomination for “International Act of the Year”, following previous nominations in 2025 and 2024.

Drawing on influences from Black Pumas, Alabama Shakes, Amy Winehouse, Shakey Graves, The Black Crowes and more, Broken Souvenirs moves effortlessly from feel-good retro soul and intimate acoustic moments to driving contemporary R&B, creating a rich, dynamic journey from start to finish.

Featured Album: "Feels" by Harsh.

7pm Bon Jovi - In These Arms (1992) Velvet Rush - Nature Of The Beast (2026) Easy Action - Dazed (Single Mix) (2026) The Dead Reds - Empire (2026) Harsh - Break Your Way (2026) Joe Bonamassa - How Deep This River Runs (2016) Paul Laine - Love Me Or Leave Me (2026) The Damn Truth - The Willow (2026 Remix) (2026) Warrant - Uncle Tom's Cabin (1990) Voodoo Hill - Underneath And Down Below (2015)

8pm Bon Jovi - Bad Medicine (1988) Parker Barrow - Make It (2026) Ben Poole - No Second Chances (2026) Sha-Boom - Walk (Far Away) (2026) Kiss - God Gave Rock & Roll To You Ii (1992) Harsh - All I Ever Wanted (2026) White Skies - The Girl's In Love (2026) Doro - Bad Blood (2026) Gotthard - Unconditional Faith (2009) The Answer - Untrue Colour (2016) Martina Edoff - Unity (2015) Passion - Up All Night (2020)

Release Date: 10 Jul 2026

The Swedish melodic rock band Devil Wears Nada released their highly anticipated sophomore album "In Lust We Thrust" earlier this month.

Rooted in the golden era of melodic hard rock, from the mid-1980s through the early 1990s, the band fuses nostalgic grandeur with a dramatic, contemporary edge. Drawing theatrical inspiration from icons such as Alice Cooper, Ghost, and Lordi, they seamlessly merge arena-ready Scandinavian melodies with horror aesthetics and vintage hard rock energy.

With new album, The Devil Wears Nada hope to shatter expectations and raise their creative bar to towering new heights. Brimming with explosive choruses, cinematic atmosphere, and razor-sharp modern production, 'In Lust We Thrust' plans to deliver a revitalized, high-impact vision of the genre, poised to captivate longtime '80s hard rock and glam metal loyalists and ignite a new generation of melodic rock devotees alike.

Guitarist Henrik Westergren describes the band's sound, "Take the raw pulse of the '70s, '80s hard rock and glam metal, and mix it with our fascination for the macabre and the dramatic, that's where The Devil Wears Nada lives."

Release Date: 10 Jul 2026

Photo Credit Liam Espinosa

Hailing from Gothenburg, Smoking Snakes are steadily carving out their place in the sleaze metal scene with a sound that blends attitude, melody, and raw energy. Inspired by the great arena rock bands of the 1980s, their music has evolved beyond its roots to develop a distinct and recognizable identity of its own.

Describing the band's new album, “All Lights On”, Smoking Snakes say, “Nothing stays hidden when the lights come on. The shadows run, secrets surface, and every flaw, fear, and fire inside us is exposed. This album is a raw flash of truth, like the blinding light in a horror flick when the killer is revealed, or the stage lights right before the first scream of feedback. There’s no place to hide. No mask to wear. No safe darkness”.

A key part of Smoking Snakes identity lies in the band's strong commitment to live performances. This is a highly active touring band, hitting the road, playing shows, and building a direct connection with their audience. This dedication to the live circuit has allowed them to grow organically, sharpening their performance skills and expanding their fanbase step by step.

At the same time, the band continues to invest serious effort into their artistic development, working consistently to refine their songwriting and define a clear sonic direction. Their evolution reflects both persistence and a genuine passion for their craft.

Release Date: 10 Jul 2026

Photo Credit Kristie Schram

Pride Of Lions, led by Jim Peterik and Toby Hitchcock (pictured), released their eighth studio album, 'Unbridled' earlier this month. It's a commanding statement from one of melodic rock’s most enduring acts, showcasing the band’s remarkable craft.

Since their formation in 2003 by Jim Peterik (the songwriting force behind anthems like “Eye of the Tiger” and “The Search Is Over”) and powerhouse vocalist Toby Hitchcock, Pride Of Lions have been celebrated for fusing classic melodic sensibilities with modern rock energy. Over two decades later, they remain at the forefront of the genre, consistently delivering songs that resonate with depth, emotion, and unforgettable hooks.

Jim Peterik says, “I am so excited about the release of the upcoming PRIDE OF LIONS album 'Unbridled.' It is always a pleasure to team up with Toby Hitchcock. His powerful voice and positive attitude are a blessing to me".

The album is mixed by longtime collaborator Larry Millas, whose work brings clarity, depth, and punch to every track. Standout singles like the title track “Unbridled” (with its striking guitar intro and immediate melodic hook) and “Edge of Forever” underline the band’s ability to craft timeless rock songs that feel both classic and contemporary.

Featured Album: "III" by Mattador.

7pm Michael Schenker - Rock My Nights Away (1983) Velveteen Queen - Adrenaline (2026) Shakra - Left Outside Alone (Feat. Seraina Telli) (2026) Guns N' Roses - Don't Cry [Original Version] White Skies - Money To Burn (2026) Mattador - Slow Down (2026) Grand - Guilty Pleasure (2026) These Wicked Rivers - Horse To Water (2026) Scorpions - Tease Me Please Me (1990) Foreigner - That Was Yesterday (1985) Bon Jovi - These Days (1995)

8pm Gotthard - Said & Done (2005) John Diva & The Rockets Of Love - S.M.I.L.E. (2026) Bywater Call - Is This Thing On (2026) Bruce Springsteen - Hungry Heart (1980) Black Blood Sthlm - In The Wind (2026) Mattador - No Way Out (2026) Uriah Heep - Easy Livin' (2008) King Zebra - A Love I've Never Known (2026) Doro - Fur Immer (2026) FM - Tough Love (2013) Rush - Tom Sawyer (1981) Samson - Test Of Time (1982)

Release Date: 3 Jul 2026

Harsh are the new rising stars within the hard rock scene. The band from Paris revive their traditional sound with a modern twist and catchy melodies. Their songs and live shows strike with theatricality, paired with a rare sensitivity that forges a strong bond with the audience. Born from a deep friendship, the band succeeds in the bold challenge of combining musical power with emotional sincerity.

Harsh released their brand new album 'Feels' at the beginning of July, following on from the success of their debut album “Out Of Control” which was released in 2022. In the meantime they have played more than 300 shows including tours with The New Roses, Anvil and Chris Holmes (ex-Wasp).

The lyrics on 'Feels'” are generally about life and things the four members experience or go through, about stories they hear and want to share. The band says, “We explore a variety of feelings on this album, simple ones such as falling in love or breaking up, but also mixed emotions that are harder to express, and are often disregarded. Here we're talking about guilt, the need to find your place and your identity, helping someone going through grief, but also what binds us together: friendship.“

Release Date: 17 Jul 2026

Photo Credit Ryan Alexander

Parker Barrow are led by husband-and-wife duo Megan Kane (lead vocals) and Dylan Turner (drums). The band name is taken from Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow - the infamous American bank robbers during the early 1930’s Great Depression.

Parker Barrow’s sophomore album 'Hold The Mash' comes out next Friday. It shows off their ‘vintage-shop rock’ sound containing elements of rock, southern rock, blues and soul.

You will find an impressive mix of influences both old and new threaded throughout the band’s sound, including the Rolling Stones, Blackberry Smoke, Allman Brothers Band, Aerosmith, Tedeschi Trucks, the Black Crowes, Whiskey Meyers and Led Zeppelin.

A random encounter in 2019 paired Megan Kane with Dylan Turner, who was on the hunt for a new singer. Two weeks later they were on the road together, driven by their goal of making their musical dreams a reality. In 2023 Parker Barrow expanded with the inclusion of guitarist and musical director Alex Bender. The band is rounded out by Will Tipton (guitar), Kyle Priber (bass guitar) and Eric Safka (keyboards).

Their debut album 'Jukebox Gypsies' was released in 2023 to glowing reviews from music press and fans around the world, and the band has a reputation for their powerhouse live shows, connecting with their fans.

Featured Album: "Paper Doll (Live)" by Samantha Fish.

7pm Hawkwind - Silver Machine (1972) The Devil Wears Nada - Victoria (2026) Luponero - Hello Hello Hello (2026) Guns N' Roses - Sweet Child O' Mine (1987) Spread Eagle - Forbidden Local Honey (2026) Samantha Fish - Bullet Proof (2026) Vanden Plas - Nothing Else Matters (2026) Mattador - Out For Blood (2026) Lynyrd Skynyrd - Simple Life (2009) AC/DC - Shoot To Thrill (1980) Rainbow - Since You Been Gone (1979)

8pm Europe - Carrie (1987) Issa - Pay The Price (2026) Joe Bonamassa - A Million Miles Away (Live) (2026) Parker Barrow - Nothing Left To Save (2026) Samantha Fish - Don't Say It (2026) White Skies - 88 Crash (2026) Smoking Snakes - Trick Or Treat (2026) Rainbow - Stone Cold (1982) FM - Story Of My Life (2013) Thin Lizzy - Still In Love With You (1974)

Featured Album: "Atomic Spies" by Masquerage.

7pm Joan Jett & The Blackhearts - I Hate Myself For Loving You (1988) Preston Bird - Lives For The Music (2026) Jayler - Hate To See It End (Radio Edit) (2026) Def Leppard - Rocks Off (1980) Stryper - I'm Alright (I'm Okay) (2026) Masquerage - The Devil To Pay (2026) Thin Lizzy - Dedication (1991) Lynch Mob - River Of Love (2026) Blacklist Union Feat. Femme Fatale/Lorraine Lewis - Jackson (2026) Sammy Hagar - Ramblin' Gamblin' Man (2013) Bon Jovi - Raise Your Hands (1986) Rush - Red Barchetta (1981)

8pm Black Sabbath - Snowblind (1972) Lady Volcano - Biker To The Bone (2026) Robert Jon & The Wreck - Arroyo (Radio Edit) (2026) Harsh - Forever Yesterday (2026) Masquerage - Everfrost (2026) Rush - Time Stand Still (1987) The 69 Eyes - Cold Sweat (2026) Robin Beck - What A Night (2026) Van Halen - Right Now (1991) Saxon - Requiem (We Will Remember) (1991) Samson - Riding With The Angels (1982)

Release Date: 3 Jul 2026

It was a milestone in Doro’s career. It was considered a cult classic of rock and metal. For a long time, this masterpiece was unavailable. Now it’s finally being reissued.

'Doro Live' was the long-awaited first live album by the Metal Queen. Back in 1993 it was released on CD and VHS video cassette  It impressively cemented her status as a rock icon for everyone to hear and see.​

The album captures Doro Pesch at a pivotal point in her career. The audio recordings were made during her “Angels Never Die” tour in the early ’90s and document the extraordinary stage presence with which she established herself early on as one of the most recognizable voices in international heavy metal. The video footage was recorded during electrifying concerts in Hamburg and Cologne and has been meticulously remastered for this DVD re-release.

Doro first gained international recognition in the 1980s as the frontwoman of Warlock. With albums such as Burning the Witches (1984), Hellbound (1985), True As Steel (1986), and Triumph and Agony (1987), the band reached a global audience. Songs like “All We Are” and “Für Immer” became staples and absolute evergreens in the genre, while Warlock was among the first German metal bands to tour internationally and conquer the U.S. market.

Release Date: 19 Jun 2026

Photo Credit Aviatrix Photography (Vannesa Trigo)

Mattador, the veteran melodic rock band from Puerto Rico, have returned with "III", a powerful new studio album of all-original material which sounds more inspired than ever.

Originally active from 1988 to 1995, the band earned a loyal following thanks to their explosive live shows and a unique blend of hard rock and Latin influences, performing alongside legends like Aerosmith and Iron Maiden and gaining attention across the European rock scene.

Reunited in 2022, the founding members reignited their creative fire, channeling decades of experience into 12 brand-new tracks. From soaring power ballads to riff-heavy anthems and high-octane rockers, "III" captures Mattador's signature sound with renewed energy and vision.

The current lineup features original members Michael Villegas (vocals), Carlos Benitez (drums, vocals), Miguel "Tito" Rodriguez (guitar, violin), and new member Abraham Millet (bass, keyboards). Together, they forge a unique sound that combines the melodic sensibilities of classic Rock with an undercurrent of Hard Rock with a hint of Prog and a contemporary edge.

7pm Status Quo - Better Than That (2011) Argent - Hold Your Head Up (1972) Foreigner - Urgent (1981) Ozzy Osbourne - So Tired (1984) FM - Crave (2013) Kansas - Carry On Wayward Son (1976) Pat Benatar - Shadows Of The Night (1982) Rush - Mission (1987) Yngwie Malmsteen And Ronnie James Dio - Dream On Europe - Not Supposed To Sing The Blues (2012) H.E.A.T - Breaking The Silence (2012)

8pm AC/DC - Back In Black (1980) Bruce Springsteen - Hungry Heart (1980) Guns N' Roses - Sweet Child O' Mine (1987) Golden Earring - Radar Love (1973) Led Zeppelin - Misty Mountain Hop (1971) Gary Moore - Wishing Well (1982) Genesis - Follow You Follow Me (1978) Lynyrd Skynyrd - Still Unbroken (2009) Twisted Sister - I Am (I'm Me) (1983) Night Ranger - Growin' Up In California (2011) Joanne Shaw Taylor - Let It Burn (2010) Magnum - We All Play The Game (1982)

Release Date: 12 Jun 2026

Photo Credit Simon Green

Grammy-nominated guitarist and singer Samantha Fish has released 'Paper Doll Live', her first official live album, capturing the electrifying stage presence that has made her one of the most compelling performers in modern blues and roots music.

A leading guitarist of her generation, Samantha is known for her bold musicianship, emotional depth, and fearless songwriting. A multi-award-winning festival headliner, she has built her reputation on explosive live performances that blend raw guitar power with deeply expressive vocals.

Samantha says, “Truly, this is for the fans. We’ve had numerous requests over the years. Paper Doll felt so great on stage. It felt like the perfect time to showcase the band and our live show.”

Recorded at the historic Bijou Theatre in Knoxville, Tennessee, 'Paper Doll Live' captures a band fully locked in and feeding off a packed crowd. The venue’s natural warmth and acoustics created an ideal setting for the recording, elevated even further by the addition of Nashville gospel legends The McCrary Sisters, whose soaring harmonies bring added depth and emotion to the performance.

Samantha says, “Their voices lifted every song. I love beautiful backing vocals. They pack an emotional punch. I’ve been a fan of them for years, so that was really special for me.”

While the studio album 'Paper Doll' marked a breakthrough in Fish’s artistic confidence, the live setting strips away polish and leaves only instinct. Songs evolve and expand in the live environment. Outros stretch. Studio fade-outs become powerful climaxes.

Tracks like “Lose You” build with relentless momentum, while “Sweet Southern Sounds” allows Fish to lean into her hypnotic North Mississippi-inspired guitar phrasing. The title track “Paper Doll” lands as a defiant anthem night after night, igniting crowds with its refusal to conform.

7pm Steely Dan - Reeling In The Years (1972) Magnum - Vigilante (1986) Gun - Word Up (1994) Rosy Vista - Crazy (2019) Free - Fire And Water (1970) Rush - Subdivisions (1982) Shiraz Lane - For Crying Out Loud (2016) Heart - Who Will You Run To (1987) Black Swan - Long Road To Nowhere (2020) Deep Purple - Speed King (1975) House Of Lords - Precious Metal (2014)

8pm Stonewire - Monkey Talk (2019) Meat Loaf - If This Is The Last Kiss (Let's Make It Last All Night) (1995) Cheap Trick - The Flame (1988) Jimi Hendrix - Red House (1967) Nickleback - Photograph (2005) Bad Touch - Take Me Away (2018) Bob Seger - Downtown Train (1989) Saxon - 747 (Strangers In The Night) (1980) Thunder - Gimme Shelter (1994) Guns N' Roses - Patience (1989) Rainbow - Can't Happen Here (1981) UFO - Cherry (1979)

Release Date: 29 May 2026

Finnish melodic metal veterans Masquerage, led by Kimmo Perämäki have released their sixth studio album 'Atomic Spies'. It skillfully blends elements of heavy metal, rock, AOR, and power metal, delivering a diverse and above all, truly welcome musical experience.

The lyrics take listeners from nuclear armament to personal inertia, from vigor to madness, from dreams to oblivion, and into the worlds of deep attachment and letting go, all without losing a sense of humor.

The band was formed in 1998 by cousins Kimmo Perämäki (Spiritus Mortis, Celesty) and Marko Ylä-Häkkinen.

In its early days, the band operated under the name Unchained, and in 1999 the lineup was completed by keyboardist Mika Maunus. At their very first rehearsals as a trio, Marko introduced Mika to Kimmo with the words: “Here’s Mika, our new keyboard player. Can’t really play anything, but he learns fast.” Well, the credentials were clearly sufficient, and Mika was in. This core trio laid the foundation for Masquerage’s early sound.

In 2000, the band changed its name to Masquerage, reflecting the roles and masks people wear in different situations, and what may lie beneath them. After a few lineup changes, then the  pandemic, Masquerage have been working on new material for their sixth album.