The Rock Zone

Alan Ovington. Broadcaster, Producer and Writer specialising in Blues Rock, Hard Rock & Heavy Metal.

[rockzone]

Tracklist: 3 Jun 2026

Featured Album: "Born To Rock" by Von Groove.

7pm Twisted Sister - You Can't Stop Rock 'n' Roll (1983) Bywater Call - No One Else (2026) Robin Beck - Don't Tempt Me (2026) Status Quo - Accident Prone (1978) The Tamers - Blood Money (2026) Von Groove - Do It All Over Again (2026) Virgil & The Accelerators - All Night Long (Radio Edit) (2014) Kezia Gill - Life You Always Dreamed Of (2026) Mattador - Levitate (2026) Robert Jon & The Wreck - One Last Time (2020) H.E.A.T - One By One (2019) Rush - One Little Victory (2002)

8pm Genesis - Misunderstanding (1980) Iconic - Tears Keep On Falling (2026) Confess - Colorvision (2026) Chantel McGregor - Lose Control (2015) John Diva & The Rockets Of Love - Bigger Than America (2026) Von Groove - Dreams (2026) Motley Crue - Hell On High Heels (2005) Kyle Daniel - Hard Travelin' Man (2026) Smoking Snakes - Don't Touch (2026) Gary Moore - Over The Hills And Far Away (1986) Asia - Open Your Eyes (1983) Rick Springfield - Our Ship's Sinking (2012)

Recent shows can be heard On Demand

[rockzone]

Tracklist 27 May 2026

Featured Album: "New Day" by John Corabi.

7pm Judas Priest - Living After Midnight (1980) Parker Barrow - Blinded (2026) Red Giant - Overcome (2026) Motley Crue - Girls Girls Girls (1987) Sha-Boom - Never Stop (2026) John Corabi - When I Was Young (2026) Hannah Wicklund & The Steppin Stones - Too Close To You (2019) Hell In The Club - The Ocean (2026) These Wicked Rivers - Ain't No Smoke (2026) Bon Jovi - Never Say Goodbye (1994) UFO - Natural Thing (1976) Rebecca Downes - Night Train (2016)

8pm Judas Priest - Evening Star (1978) Makes My Blood Dance - Lately (Feat. Macy Gray) (2026) Harsh - Don't Mess With Me (2026) Blue October - Angels In Everything (2013) Scandroid - Lost In The Stars (2026) John Corabi - That Memory (2026) Motorhead - Rock N Roll Music (2011) The Deep Hour - These Are My Streets (2026) Wishing Well - Peace And Love And Rock'n Roll (2026) Bon Jovi - Next 100 Years (2001) Jimi Jamison - Never Too Late (2012)

Recent shows can be heard On Demand

[rockzone]

Confess - Metalmprphosis

Release Date: 15 May 2026

Photo Credit Mattias Sulander, Reckless Media

Sweden’s sleaze/metal stalwarts Confess are back with their fourth studio album, “Metalmorphosis”, marking a bold evolution in their sound. It's probably their most ambitious album to date

The band say, “It’s definitely the ten most well-crafted songs we’ve ever written, both music and lyric wise. It’s fully packed with heavy riffing, big choruses and a whole new level of dynamics. We’ve pushed ourselves harder than ever and it really shows”.

Mixed and mastered by Erik Mårtensson (Eclipse) 'Metalmorphosis' takes the band’s sound to a whole new level”. While staying true to the gritty, hard-hitting energy that has defined the band since their early days in Stockholm, they've expanded their musical palette with more commercially resonant material, crafting a sound that is both polished and explosively energetic.

Fronted by John Elliot, whose commanding vocals have also been showcased with the legendary Crashdiet, Confess demonstrate a rare balance of raw sleaze-metal grit and melodic sophistication.

On drums, Samuel Samael drives the rhythm with precision and power, while Ludwig Nordlander and Asser Hakala weave dynamic guitar textures that range from shredding riffs to soaring solos. Bassist Lucky anchors the band with a solid low-end punch, rounding out a lineup that is firing on all cylinders.

[rockzone]

Von Groove - Born To Rock

Release Date: 15 May 2026

Hard rockers Von Groove triumphantly return with a jaw-dropping new album called "Born To Rock". It reunites the classic original lineup of Mladen on guitars, Michael Shotton on drums and vocals, and Matthew Gerrard on bass. This isn’t just a comeback, you could call it a resurrection.

Marking their first studio release since 2001, the album feels like it was born in the same fire as their legendary 1992 debut. The opening title-track, "Born To Rock," explodes with the same urgency and swagger as their iconic “Once Is Not Enough”, even quoting it with a subtle nod that will send chills down the spine of longtime fans.

True to their roots, Von Groove delivers a masterclass in melodic hard rock, with blazing guitars, soaring vocals, and airtight arrangements. The production is punchy and alive, but the soul of the record is pure 90s AOR glory.

Von Groove will be returning to the stage in 2026, bringing their renewed fire and timeless sound back to live audiences for the first time in years.

[rockzone]

Robin Beck - Living Proof

Release Date: 15 May 2026

Photo Credit William Murray

Acclaimed rock vocalist Robin Beck has released her eleventh studio album, 'Living Proof. On it she delivers one of the most confident, vibrant, and emotionally charged albums of her career. It's a powerful statement from an artist whose voice and presence continues to define melodic rock at the highest level.

Opening with the track “Never Gonna Let You Go,” the album blends soaring melodies, modern production, and classic AOR sensibility, capturing Robin at her most expressive and commanding. Songs like “Love and Money” and “Trouble or Nothing” showcase a perfect balance between polished hooks and emotional intensity, while tracks such as “What A Night” and “Karma” bring a vibrant, radio-ready edge without losing depth or substance.

Throughout the album, Robin’s unmistakable voice is powerful yet nuanced, and soulful yet razor-sharp. The album features contributions from James Christian (House of Lords), Tommy Denander (Radioactive), Peppy Castro (Balance), Steve Bondy, Emil Theilhelm, and Johan Kullberg, who collectively deliver a rich, cohesive musical landscape that moves effortlessly between melodic rock, modern AOR, and subtle pop-rock influences.

Bold, contemporary, and unmistakably timeless, ‘Living Proof’ stands as exactly what its title suggests: proof that true class, passion, and authenticity never fade. Robin sounds inspired, empowered, and utterly compelling, reaffirming her status as one of the most distinctive and enduring voices in melodic rock.

[rockzone]

Tracklist - 20 May 2026

Featured Album: "Traces Of The Flood" by Steve Louw.

7pm Alice Cooper - House Of Fire (1989) Creye - Left In Silence (2026) John Corabi - 1969 (2026) Fatherson - Just Past The Point Of Breaking (2016) Degreed - One Helluva Ride (2026) Steve Louw - Traces Of The Flood (2026) Hannah Wicklund & The Stepping Stones - Mama Said (2019) Generation Radio - I'm Alright (2026) Nuclear Messiah - Look At Yourself (2026) Black Swan - Make It There (2020) Rainbow - Man On The Silver Mountain (1975) Blue Nation - Morning Light (2016)

8pm Rush - Finding My Way (1974) Joe Bonamassa - I Fall Apart (Live) (2026) Von Groove - Undefeated (2026) Smoking Snakes - Broken Heart (2026) Steve Louw - Across The River (2026) Iconic - Cry No More (2026) Frontline - After You're Gone (2026) Snakewater - Muddy Water (2017) Joanne Shaw Taylor - Mud Honey (2014) Boston - More Than A Feeling (1977) Led Zeppelin - Misty Mountain Hop (1971)

Recent shows can be heard On Demand

[rockzone]

John Corabi - New Day

Release Date: 24 May 2026

John Corabi’s new album, ‘New Day’ marks his first full-length solo album of original material. It was recorded in Nashville last summer and produced by multi-platinum songwriter and producer Marti Frederiksen (known for his work with Aerosmith, Ozzy Osbourne, Buckcherry).

'New Day' fuses classic ’70s rock, soul, and blues influences into a sound that feels both timeless and deeply personal, and features the previously released singles “Così Bella (So Beautiful)” and “Your Own Worst Enemy”, now presented as part of a rich collection of tracks that spotlight his commanding vocals, heartfelt lyrics, and masterful songwriting.

Throughout the album, John is joined by Marti Frederiksen, who adds backing vocals, guitars, piano, and percussion. There's also  Evan Frederiksen on drums, bass, B3 organ, electric guitar, mandolin, and programming, plus Richard Fortus (Guns N’ Roses) on lead guitar, Paul Taylor (Winger, Steve Perry) contributing piano, organ, and clavinet, as well as Charlie Starr (Blackberry Smoke) offering guitar solos. Together, they create an organic, instrument-driven sound built on real performances, melodic interplay, and soulful energy.

More than just a solo debut, ‘New Day’ serves as John Corabi’s personal testament to rock’s enduring spirit. It's an exploration of melody, soul, and authenticity, played with passion and conviction at every turn.

John says, "I’m very excited for everybody to hear this new collection of songs! I wanted to put together an album of eclectic, organic songs that are reminiscent of the music I grew up listening to, and I truly believe the mission was accomplished! This is a 60’s-70’s sounding classic rock and roll record. Turn it up, and enjoy."

[rockzone]

Tracklist: 13 May 2026

Featured Album: "Shout" by Hardline.

7pm Rush - Anagram (1989) Rock-Out - 10 Seconds On The Highway (2026) Robin Beck - Let It Rain (2026) Guns N' Roses - Sweet Child O' Mine (1987) Harsh - Back To Life (Radio Edit) (2026) Hardline - Rise Up (2026) Jayler - Need Your Love (2026) The Karma Effect - Ride Or Die (2026) Rainbow - Long Live Rock 'n' Roll (1978) Bon Jovi - Living With The Ghost (2016) Ozzy Osbourne - Life Wont Wait (2010)

8pm Led Zeppelin - Houses Of The Holy (1975) Joanne Shaw Taylor - The Trouble With Love (2026) Red Giant - It's All Gone Wrong (2026) Black Country Communion - One Last Soul (2010) Jared James Nichols - Runnin' Hot (2026) Hardline - Candy Love (2026) Kiss - I Was Made For Lovin' You (1979) The Dead Daisies - Fortunate Son (2026) Slyder Smith - Killing The Machine (2026) Nickelback - Lullaby (2011) Uriah Heep - Looking At You (2014) Poison - Look But You Can't Touch (1988) Bad Touch - Lift Your Head Up (2018)

Recent shows can be heard On Demand

[rockzone]

Generation Radio - Take Two

Release Date: 24 Apr 2026

Photo Credit Matthew Simmons

US rockers Generation Radio have released of their new studio album, “Take Two”, the eagerly awaited follow-up to their acclaimed debut. It delivers another masterclass in AOR/West Coast rock infused with just the right touch of the Nashville sound.

Produced by founding members Jay DeMarcus (Rascal Flatts) and Jason Scheff (former Chicago), the band features an all-star lineup. Steve Ferrone (Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, Average White Band) joins on drums, replacing the formidable Deen Castronovo (who returned to Journey as full-time member), while Tom Yankton (guitar, vocals) and Chris Rodriguez (guitar, vocals) round out the powerhouse ensemble.

“Take Two” is rich with pristine harmonies, unforgettable hooks, and timeless songwriting -hallmarks of the genre delivered with class and authenticity. Tracks like the cinematic, harmony-laden “Montana Sky”, the hook-filled “The Melody”, and the emotionally charged ballad “Hate This Heart” showcase the band’s signature blend of melodic precision and heartfelt performance.

Adding depth to the album’s appeal, Generation Radio also offers reimagined versions of timeless classics that shine in their live sets: Whitesnake’s “Here I Go Again”, Chicago’s “You’re The Inspiration”, Kenny Loggins’ “I’m Alright”, and a rock version of Rascal Flatts’ classic “These Days”.

[rockzone]

Creye - IV Aftermath

Release Date: 24 Apr 2026

Photo Credit Andreas Ungré

Swedish hard rock band Creye are back with renewed energy and ambition on their brand-new album “IV Aftermath”. It's a record that marks a bold new chapter in the band’s evolution. With the introduction of charismatic new frontman Simon Böös and a partially refreshed line-up, Creye deliver a collection of songs with a distinctly modern edge crafted arrangement.

Formed in Sweden, Creye built a solid reputation with their early releases, blending arena-ready choruses, top class production and unmistakable Scandinavian flair. Over the years, the band has steadily refined their identity, earning respect from fans and critics alike within the melodic rock community.

At the core of Creye is founding member Andreas Gullstrand, whose guitar work continues to define the band’s signature sound. On “IV Aftermath”, he is joined by Fredrik Joakimsson on rhythm guitars, Denny Karlsson on bass, and Vidar Savbrant on drums, forming a tight and powerful unit that delivers both finesse and impact. The arrival of Simon Böös on vocals adds a fresh dynamic.

With “IV Aftermath”, Creye not only honour the legacy of classic melodic hard rock, but also reshape it for a contemporary audience through modern songwriting and refined, sophisticated arrangements. The band say “IV Aftermath” is their most complete album yet.

[rockzone]

Degreed - Curtain Calls

Release Date: 24 Apr 2026

Photo Credit Gustaf Blixt

Swedish rockers Degreed recently released their new studio album “Curtain Calls”. It is definitely one of the strongest and most focused albums of their career, staying true to their established sound while refining it with precision.

Produced by Mats Eriksson, the album strikes an excellent balance between technical craftsmanship and immediate listener appeal. The songs are energetic and polished, yet always approachable, showcasing a confident songwriting style that blends modern punch with classic melodic hard rock sensibilities.

Degreed have been releasing critically acclaimed music since the start of their career with their first album “Life, Love, Loss” in 2010. Over the course of their career, the band has gone from strength to strength with every release, touring and gaining fans all over the world. Their sound mixes classic melodic and hard rock sounds with more contemporary influences, offering the fans a very personal, fresh and exciting mix of great rock music.

“Curtain Calls” positions itself as a very competitive release within the current melodic hard rock landscape. It's consistent, well-produced, and strongly audience-oriented, while fully preserving the band’s identity.

[rockzone]

Tracklist: 6 May 2026

7pm Skid Row - I Remember You (1989) Van Halen - Can't Stop Lovin' You (1996) Michael Schenker's Temple Of Rock - Vigilante Man (2015) Heaven & Hell - Rock And Roll Angel (2009) Great White - Love Train (2012) Mr Big - Open Your Eyes (2017) Rebecca Downes - Hurts (2019) Pretty Maids - Face The World (2016) Bon Jovi - The More Things Change (2010) Journey - Any Way You Want It (1980) Burnt Out Wreck - Just A Dog (2019) Triumph - Tears In The Rain (1986)

8pm Deep Purple - Hold On (1974) Kiss - Crazy Crazy Nights (1987) HEAT - Mennequin Show (2014) Asia - Don't Cry (1983) Last In Line - Sword From The Stone (2019) AC/DC - Rock 'n' Roll Dream (2008) Laurence Jones - Keep Me Up At Night (2018) Within Temptation - Lost (2011) King King - Nobody Knows Your Name (2017) Scorpions - Always Somewhere (1979) T Rex - Hot Love (1971) Guns N' Roses - Welcome To The Jungle (1987)

Recent shows can be heard On Demand

[rockzone]

Tracklist: 29 Apr 2026

Featured Album: "Future Soul" by Tedeschi Trucks Band.

7pm Golden Earring - Radar Love (1973) Frontline - Two Tickets To The Afterglow (2026) Who On Earth - Any Other Way (2026) Fatal Vision - Girl Against The World (2026) Tedeschi Trucks Band - Hero (2026) Lipz - Straight Up (2026) Truckfighters - The Gorgon (2026) Geordie - Keep On Rockin (1973) Led Zeppelin - Kashmir (1975) Black Star Riders - Kingdom Of The Lost (2013)

8pm Paul Carrack - One Good Reason (1987) The 69 Eyes - Cold Sweat (2026) Joe Bonamassa - Walk On Hot Coals (Live) (2026) Laura Cox - No Need To Try Harder (2025) Stonetrip - Fame (2026) Saxon - Dallas 1pm (1980) Tedeschi Trucks Band - Devil Be Gone (2026) Electric Six - One (2026) Venus 5 - Far Away (2026) Rush - Kid Gloves (1984) Sebastian Bach - Kicking & Screaming (2011) Guns N' Roses - Knockin' On Heaven's Door (1992)

Recent shows can be heard On Demand

[rockzone]

The Karma Effect - Cruel Intentions

Release Date: 15 May 2026

Photo Credit Rob Blackham

Fast-rising South London rockers The Karma Effect are soon to release their eagerly-awaited forthcoming third album ‘Cruel Intentions’.

The band came together quietly born in the pandemic. Vocalist Henry Gottelier and guitarist Robbie Blake could hear in their heads how they wanted the project to sound. Their organic, rootsy, eponymously-titled 2022 debut was followed by 2024’s show-stopping surprise Top 20 album ‘Promised Land’.

Although some line-up changes occurred in the background (which saw Nathan Keevil join them on bass, Alan Taylor on drums, and Tom Pitt on keys), a turn of events that could have left them on shaky ground has instead been spun into a silver lining. Brimming with energy and fresh perspectives, the newly assembled line-up nailed down what would become ‘Cruel Intentions’ in July 2025.

The new album is a collection which captures the visceral atmosphere of the band’s lauded live performances and is without a doubt the most complete, crystal clear realisation of the band’s ambitions yet, with  leaner, louder, heavier and joyously larger-than-life. Lyrically, it explores notions of love, lust and danger, with dark passion and flashes of cheekiness, maintaining a fine balance of swagger and wit.

Singer Henry Gottelier says, "This album is the culmination of everything we have. While collaborating again with producer Michael Charman, we brought in Mercury and GRAMMY nominated Romesh Dodangoda specifically for the mix, because we were obsessed with making every single note count. The result is a sound so big, it’s a stadium experience for your ears".

[rockzone]

The Dead Daisies - Live Plus Five

Release Date: 1 May 2026

The Dead Daisies are cranking it up with the release of 'Live Plus Five'. It captures the band's blistering 'Live At Stonedead' performance at the UK’s Stonedead Festival along with an additional five explosive bonus tracks from unforgettable shows across Europe and the US.

Live Plus Five includes songs from jam-packed shows at La Rayonne (Lyon), Picturedrome & Rock City (UK), and the legendary Whisky A Go Go in (Los Angeles) during 2024/25. A true snapshot of The Dead Daisies powerhouse live performances.

Doug Aldrich says, “We had such a fantastic run during the last tour in the UK. Stonedead Festival was one of the highlights featuring the latest setlist and songs from the history of the band including our last album 'Lookin' For Trouble'. Now, we've gone next level and added 5 extra tracks from epic shows in the UK, France and LA”.

The limited run double LP edition elevates the previously released digital version with stunning artwork, featuring photos from the shows on the album. The double CD edition includes a full-colour booklet, while the purple Vinyl release comes with a dedicated insert, both packed with setlists, show posters, and exclusive visual memorabilia, giving fans a behind-the-scenes look at the energy, atmosphere, and moments that defined these shows making it an essential addition for collectors and die-hard fans alike.

"Live Plus Five" is more than just a live album. it’s a testament of the band, the fans, and the unstoppable spirit of pure no holds barred Rock music.

[rockzone]

Hardline - Shout

Release Date: 17 Apr 2026

Photo Credit Frank Kollbrunner

It’s impossible to tell the full story of Hardline’s new studio album ‘Shout’ without mentioning their 1992 classic ‘Double Eclipse’. That was the moment when this exceptional hard rock act’s unique artistic DNA was created. Since then, Hardline have brought out six more studio albums, each one of them considered to be a highlight of the genre.

‘Shout’ sees the band fronted by American vocalist Johnny Gioeli (Axel Rudi Pell's vocalist) and his Italian team mates, keyboardist Alessandro Del Vecchio, guitarist Luca Princiotta, bassist Anna Portalupi and drummer Marco Di Salvia.

Johnny says, “Our current album features our typical choruses and the classic songwriting style of ‘Double Eclipse’, supported by a contemporary production and state-of-the-art sound. The album gives you that feeling you get when you roll down your car window and turn up the radio on full blast."

For Johnny Gioeli, ‘Shout’ is officially the 108th album in which he has been actively involved as a musician. He says, “I could hardly believe the figure myself. I’ve learned something important from every single performance, especially that as a songwriter, you have to be selfish. Because you can only inspire others with your music if you’re passionate about it yourself.”

Standout racks include the haunting title track, the 80s-inspired ‘Candy Love’ and the powerful ‘Welcome To The Thunder’.

In addition to the songs composed by Johnny Gioeli, Alessandro Del Vecchio and guitarist Luca Princiotta, the cover version of the Scorpions classic ‘When You Came Into My Life’ is definitely one of the biggest surprises on ‘Shout’. Johnny says, “A friend from Norway played me the song, I’d never heard it before. But it’s a real smash hit, which we’ve recorded in typical Hardline style out of respect for the Scorpions.”

[rockzone]

Fighter V - Déjà vu

Release Date: 10 Apr 2026

Photo Credit Florian Kehbel

Swiss melodic rockers Fighter V burst onto the scene in 2019, drawing inspiration from classic 1980s hard-rock and arena-rock giants like Whitesnake, Journey, Survivor, and Bon Jovi, channeling that vintage energy into modern melodic rock anthems.

Their debut album, “Fighter” delivered twelve tracks of keyboard-driven riffs and old-school rock hooks, quickly establishing the band as one of Europe’s most promising new melodic rock acts.

They have just released their third album “Deja Vu”. The vocal recordings and production were carried out by Ronny Lang aka “The Voicefinder”. The keyboard was produced, played and recorded by Victor Olsson, who the band worked with on their second album, “Heart Of The Young”.

The band says, “The new album contains a variety of styles, like the previous one, thanks to the cooperation with Dave Niederberger (Ex vocalist of FV) and Roman and Emmo. Influenced by our idols from the 80‘s, we are paying tribute to the prime era of Melodic Hardrock/ AOR, which you can hear by the authenticity of our sound.

“The title 'déjà vu' is not only the title of the album but also the title of a song of it. This classic French quote portrays the events we see already coming but can’t be saved from them. They will repeat cause some things are written in stone”.

“Déjà vu” is both a nostalgic nod to their roots and a bold evolution. It has the band’s signature blend of stadium-ready riffs, soaring melodies, harmony-rich vocals, and shimmering keyboard textures, now sharpened by matured songwriting and heightened production.