You need neither encyclopedia nor satnav to enjoy the music of Bochum-based guitarist, composer and band mastermind Axel Rudi Pell. Because what applies to most successful musicians also goes for Pell: His songs are marked by his typical, unmistakable signature, a hybrid of powerful guitar riffs and catchy melodies, presented by a brilliant band consisting of American vocalist Johnny Gioeli, former Rainbow drummer Bobby Rondinelli, bassist Volker Krawczak and keyboardist Ferdy Doernberg.
And although Pell has been wowing his fans with this impressive mix for well over 35 (!) years, his albums have always included a number of surprises and/or remarkable collaborations. His current studio offering, “Ghost Town”, is no exception, Axel Rudi Pell having added another eleven masterpieces to his long list of outstanding songs.
Among the songs one stands out: “Breaking Seals” features a sensational duet starring frontman Johnny Gioeli together with German metal legend Udo Dirkschneider. This collaboration is an absolute first in Pell‘s career and additional proof of the great respect the guitarist enjoys among his fellow musicians.
Axel Rudi Pell produced the eleven songs on “Ghost Town” himself, with Tommy Geiger (Blind Guardian, Helloween), who was also in charge of the mix, providing valuable engineering support during the recording sessions at the Blind Guardian Studios in Grefrath.
The debut single “Ghost Town” is the perfect first representative of the new album, a haunting up-tempo number, very catchy, very focused that brings to mind the style of early Rainbow classics.
You can watch the lyric video for “Ghost Town” below.
“Ghost Town” will be released on March 20th, 2026, through Steamhammer worldwide in the following configurations:
• CD DigiPak incl. poster
• CD Jewel case
• 2LP Gatefold, 140g, black vinyl, padded inner sleeves, coloured insert
• Exclusive CD/2LP Bundles with a shirt and exclusive vinyl only at the Steamhammer shop
• 2LP Gatefold exclusive coloured edition only at the Napalm shop
• 2LP Gatefold exclusive coloured edition only at the EMP shop
• Download / Streaming
Pre-order & pre-save “Ghost Town” here.
Tracklist:
1. The Regicide (Intro)
2. Guillotine Walk
3. Breaking Seals (feat. Udo Dirkschneider)
4. Ghost Town
5. Holy Water
6. The Enemy Within
7. Hurricane
8. Sanity
9. Towards the Shore
10. Steps of Stone
11. Higher Call
Festivals 2025:
12.12. DE-Augsburg – Rock Out Festival
13.12. DE-Karlsruhe – Knock Out Festival
Line-up:
Axel Rudi Pell – Guitars
Johnny Gioeli – Vocals
Bobby Rondinelli – Drums
Ferdy Doernberg – Keyboards
Volker Krawczak – Bass
Weblinks:
www.axel-rudi-pell.de
www.facebook.com/axelrudipellofficial
