I’ve been high on guitarist Joel Hoekstra (CHER, TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA)since I first watched him tear it up with NIGHT RANGER in Dallas back in 2014. When he joined WHITESNAKE, I was beyond thrilled. We had a great interview around that time, and he even regaled me with stories of being a die-hard Chicago sports fan, which only made me like the guy more.
Fast forward to now, and JOEL HOEKSTRA’S 13 is back with a new album, From the Fade (out now via Frontiers Records). Featuring Vinny Appice (BLACK SABBATH, DIO), Tony Franklin (THE FIRM, BLUE MURDER), Derek Sherinian (DREAM THEATRE, SONS OF APOLLO), and Girish Pradhan (new favorite vocalist!), this record swings for the fences and hits it out of the park
If opener “You Can Give” and “The Fall” are strong starts, “Lifeline” is the moment everything shifts into overdrive as the home run ball that puts the team up 3-0. Right out of the gate, “Lifeline” became not only my favorite track on the record, but one of my Songs of the Year for 2026. The riffs hit immediately, and Pradhan’s vocals absolutely soar.
“Will You Remember Me” brings a moody, emotional edge that adds depth to an already stacked tracklist. Then “Misunderstood” barrels in with grit and weight that blows your doors off. “Heavy and gritty, yet catchy as Hell” is this one’s rap sheet.
“Start to Fight” and “All I’d Do” will rock your rolls right off, the latter track packing a riff that’s got some teeth for reals, player. Another favorite for yours truly. “Free to Be” leans into a sultry groove, and “The End of Me” unfolds like a carefully crafted musical statement — layered, dynamic, and powerful.
Closing track “Quite the Ride” is aptly named. It wraps things up with authority; another stellar number on a disc that seemingly bleeds them
Cards on the table? From the Fade is an outstanding record. I can’t stop spinning it. Go grab your copy — you’ll see what I mean.
STANDOUT TRACKS: All of them
RATING: 10/10
—THE MAESTRO
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