Tracklist: Barden's Overture Maasai Enkai Hit the Ground Running Empowered Emotions Burning Wind Dark Water Ride Horsemen Ride This Phoenix's Gonna Burn Ya Let the Children Play The Ruling Class Walk Away We'll Meet Again Gary John Barden returns with Empowered Emotions, a powerful new studio album that reaffirms his 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, Statetrooper 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. 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 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.
