Legendary vocalist Gary John Barden is set to release his new studio album, “Empowered Emotions”, on September 18, 2026, through Frontiers Music Srl. The official visualizer for the album’s second single and title track, “Empowered Emotions,” is now available below.
“Empowered Emotions” is a powerful new studio album that reaffirms Gary’s unmistakable voice and enduring relevance in melodic hard rock.
Widely recognized as the legendary singer on the classic early-’80s albums by the MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP (besides working with PRAYING MANTIS, SKATETROOPER and SILVER, among others),Barden delivers a confident and inspired performance that reconnects with the genre’s golden era while sounding focused and contemporary.
The album was written largely by Barden in close collaboration with German producer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Michael Voss, with whom he previously worked in the band SILVER — a creative partnership that clearly benefits from shared history and musical chemistry. Together, they crafted a record rooted in classic melodic hard rock, driven by strong riffs, memorable choruses, and a timeless European approach to songwriting.
Barden commented: “[The] ‘Empowered Emotions’ [title track] takes you on a journey straight into my imagination. It begins with the haunting sound of a Native American flute, a lone wolf calling in the darkness, an authentic chant, and Vossy’s opening chords, transporting you into the world inside my head.
“I was incredibly fortunate to have my old friend Don Airey join us on this track,” he continued. “We’ve known each other since 1979, from the days of ‘Cry For The Nations’, and through many collaborations with Michael Voss, the SILVER albums, and my solo work, so having Don bring his magic to this song means a great deal.”
Gary added: “I hope you enjoy it as much as we enjoyed creating it. I can already hear it echoing around the beer cellars!
“‘Empowered Emotions’ is just the beginning of what’s to come, with the full album arriving on September 18, 2026, a release that also celebrates 25 years of the Voss/Barden songwriting and recording partnership. Turn it up to 12!”
The lead single “Hit The Ground Running” offers an urgent and biting approach, powered by a driving riff inspired by the George Lynch school of hard rock. Additional highlights include “Maasai Enkai” and the title track “Empowered Emotions” (with DEEP PURPLE’s Don Airey on keyboards),which adds a sense of grandeur and atmosphere, as well as the epic “Dark Water”, a dramatic and emotive centerpiece that expands the album’s sonic scope and features a guitar solo by Michael Schenker.
The album is enriched by an impressive roster of more guest musicians, including Brian Tichy, Barry Sparks, Tommy Denander and others, all contributing to a record that feels both classic and vital.
“Empowered Emotions” is a cohesive, melodic, and powerful statement — an album that celebrates classic hard rock values without sounding nostalgic. With strong songwriting at its core and a commanding vocal performance throughout, it stands as one of Gary John Barden’s most focused and compelling releases to date.
Album tracklisting
01. Barden’s Overture
02. Maasai Enkai
03. Hit The Ground Running
04. Empowered Emotions
05. Burning Wind
06. Dark Water
07. Ride Horsemen Ride
08. This Phoenix’s Gonna Burn Ya
09. Let The Children Play
10. The Ruling Class
11. Walk Away
12. We’ll Meet Again
Recording lineup:
Gary John Barden – Vocals
Gereon Homann – Drums
Michael Voss – Guitars, bass, keys and backing vocals
Guests:
Michael Schenker – Lead guitar on “Dark Water”
Tommy Denander – Lead guitar on “Maasai Enkai”
Brian Tichy – Drums on “Walk Away”
Don Airey – Keyboards on “Empowered Emotions”
Barry Sparks – Bass on “Maasai Enkai”
Alen Brentini – Lead guitar on “Ride Horsemen Ride”
