Iconic, featuring Michael Sweet (Stryper) on guitar, Joel Hoekstra (Whitesnake) on guitar, Nathan James (Inglorious) on vocals, Marco Mendoza (Thin Lizzy, Whitesnake, Blue Murder) on bass and Tommy Aldridge (Ozzy Osbourne, Whitesnake) on drums, will release its sophomore album, II, on July 31st through Frontiers Music Srl.
The official visualizer for the LP’s second single, Tears Keep On Falling, can be seen below.
Nathan James comments, “I loved singing this song in the studio. Such a great chorus and I really hope the listeners enjoy it as much as I do.”
Michael Sweet shares, “I’m really proud to be a part of such an iconic band, no pun intended! It takes me back to the glory days, when rock ruled radio, and it was topping the charts. We created this album to remind people of those times. Here’s to Tears Keep On Falling‘“
Marco Mendoza says, “Tears Keep On Falling is a powerful rock ballad; it will get your attention as soon as you hear it, from the first verse. Nathan‘s vocals are amazing, and Michael and Joel‘s guitars are on fire… Tommy A at the helm driving! Enjoy!”
Joel Hoekstra comments, “I hope everyone enjoys Tears Keep On Falling. It was killer to lean into the groove that Tommy Aldridge and Marco Mendozagave us for this one. It was also great fun to play the harmony lead lines with Michael Sweet and finally to hear Nathan James belt out the vocals like only he can.”
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 Hoekstra and 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 Aldridge and Mendoza drives the record with thunderous authority, creating a groove that is both massive and relentless.
The album kicks off with Cry No More (also posted below) 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 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.
When the album’s first single, Cry No More, was made available in April, 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!”
Hoekstra added, “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!”
James 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.”
Mendoza exclaimed, “Well, the time is here, folks, finally Iconic II is coming to you…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!!!”
II track listing:
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
Iconic II recording lineup:
Nathan James – Vocals
Michael Sweet – Guitars
Joel Hoekstra – Guitars
Marco Mendoza – Bass
Tommy Aldridge – Drums
Keyboards by Antonio Agate
Backing vocals by Marco Pastorino
