Gary John Barden (ex-MSG) is back with a brand-new studio album, »Empowered Emotions«, due out September 18, 2026 on Frontiers Music.
The first single, Hit The Ground Running, is available below, complete with an official music video.
For the new record, Barden teamed up with legendary German producer and composer Michael Voss, marking 25 years of creative partnership. The album blends classic melodic hard rock songwriting with modern production touches, and features some seriously impressive guests, including Don Airey, Michael Schenker, Brian Tichy and more.
You can already pre-order the album.
Album tracklist:
1. Barden’s Overture
2. Maasai Enkai
3. Hit The Ground Running
4. Empowered Emotions
5. Burning Wind
6. Dark Water
7. Ride Horsemen Ride
8. This Phoenix’s Gonna Burn Ya
9. Let The Children Play
10. The Ruling Class
11. Walk Away
12. We’ll Meet Again
Lineup:
Gary John Barden – vocals
Gereon Homann – drums
Michael Voss – guitar, bass, keyboards, backing vocals
Guests:
Michael Schenker – guitar solo on “Dark Water”
Tommy Denander – guitar solo on “Maasai Enkai”
Brian Tichy – drums on “Walk Away”
Don Airey – keyboards on “Empowered Emotions”
Barry Sparks – bass on “Maasai Enkai”
Alen Brentini – guitar solo on “Ride Horsemen Ride”
Pictured: Gary John Barden performing with Michael Schenker Fest on July 11, 2019, at Germany’s Bang Your Head!!! festival (RockLine photo archive 2006-2024, all rights reserved). You can read the full RockLine review of that festival day HERE.
