Today, hard rock supergroup Iconic – featuring Michael Sweet (guitars), Joel Hoekstra (guitars), Marco Mendoza (bass), Tommy Aldridge (drums), and Nathan James (vocals) – share a new single, “Tears Keep On Falling,” taken from their upcoming sophomore album II, set for release on for July 31 via Frontiers Music Srl.
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’!”
At the heart of II 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.
“’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!,” said Marco Mendoza.
Joel Hoekstra comments on the new track: “I hope everyone enjoys ‘Tears Keep On Falling.’ It was killer to lean into the groove that Tommy Aldridge and Marco Mendoza gave 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!”
Watch the visualizer for “Tears Keep On Falling”:
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.
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.
Tommy Aldridge adds: “Such an honor and a blessing working with Nathan, Marco, Michael, and Joel again. Consummate pros!”
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.
Pre-order II here.
II tracklisting:
“Cry No More”
“All I Want”
“Open My Eyes”
“Tears Keep On Falling”
“Take Me To The Place”
“S.O.S.”
“Nothing Left For Me”
“Far Away”
“Valley Of Lost Souls”
“Written In The Stars”
“Heart Of Stone”
“Cry No More” lyric video:
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
(Photo – Justin Roszkowski)
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