Joel Hoekstra who’s made his name playing guitar with the likes of Whitesnake, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Cher and Revolution Saints has announced the release of his fourth solo album under his project heading Joel Hoekstra’s 13 – Titled From The Fade it’s due out on 27th February 2026, via Frontiers Music Srl.
From The Fade features 10 brand-new tracks that are said to combine soaring melodies, thunderous riffs, and the high-level musicianship fans have come to expect from the Joel Hoekstra’s 13 gatherings.
“The songs were built from the guitar riffs up,” Hoekstra revealed, adding, “Most of the riffs were written during the time I was filling in with Accept, so there is a heavier edge to this album overall. That being said, the album still would be more accurately described as melodic hard rock, not straight-up metal”.
Once again, as guitarist and composer Hoekstra is joined by an elite cast of rock veterans: powerhouse drummer Vinny Appice (Black Sabbath, Dio), legendary bassist Tony Franklin (The Firm, Blue Murder), virtuoso keyboardist Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater, Sons Of Apollo), rising vocal sensation Girish Pradhan (Girish And The Chronicles, The Nail) and Jeff Scott Soto (Journey, Sons Of Apollo) on backing vocals.
Out now, giving fans a taste of what’s to come, is the first single and official visualiser, ‘The Fall’.
“’The Fall’ is built on riffs and melodies that stem from two early influences that I often fail to mention in Queensryche and Dokken,” Hoekstra explained. “It’s a straight ahead melodic, hard rock track with a powerful foundation laid out by Vinny Appice and Tony Franklin, a killer keyboard solo from Derek Sherinian, a stunning vocal performance from Girish Pradhan and Jeff Scott Soto’s tastefully executed backing vocals! Hope ya like it!”
From The Fade delivers a blend of classic hard rock and modern melodic metal, characterised by tight arrangements, technical precision, and emotionally charged performances. Each track reflects Hoekstra’s signature songwriting – rooted in tradition but pushing the genre forward with a fresh and contemporary sound. “As always with the Joel Hoekstra’s 13 albums, I wrote the style of music that inspired me to pick up the guitar and tried to focus on songs for you to enjoy, not overly self-indulgent guitar solos”, he continued. “Huge thanks to Vinny Appice, Tony Franklin, Derek Sherinian, Girish Pradhan and Jeff Scott Soto for bringing the songs to life! I hope you all enjoy From The Fade as much as I enjoyed making it!”
This is more than just a studio project; it’s a statement of intent from one of rock’s most respected guitarists and his band of world-class collaborators.
New York guitarist Joel Hoekstra was part of the final lineup of Whitesnake prior to David Coverdale announcinghis retirement, and is currently rehearsing to perform live with Trans Siberian Orchestra once more. He is also well-known for his work with: Cher, Night Ranger, the Broadway show Rock Of Ages, his fill in work with Foreigner and Accept, his annual sets on the Monsters of Rock Cruise, recording projects like Revolution Saints, Iconic, viral collaboration videos with the likes of Dino Jelusick, Arnel Pineda, Mike Portnoy, Billy Sheehan and his acoustic shows with Brandon Gibbs.
Exhibiting a knack for musical education, he has also been a frequent columnist for Guitar World Magazine, taught at Musician’s Institute, Rockstars of Tomorrow, Guitar Workshop Plus and often been a counsellor at Rock N’ Roll Fantasy Camp.
Over the years, he has released three instrumental solo albums and three critically acclaimed albums with his side project Joel Hoekstra’s 13. Most recently, he was the guest guitarist on Dancing With The Stars (Hair Metal Episode) and played with Cher at her Rock N Roll Hall of Fame induction and the SNL 50 Homecoming Concert.
From The Fade features the tracks:‘You Can Give’, ‘The Fall’, ‘Lifeline’, ‘Will You Remember Me’, ‘Misunderstood’, ‘Start to Fight’, ‘All I’d Do’, ‘Free To Be’, ‘The End Of Me’ and ‘Quite The Ride’ – You can order it here.
