AOR veteran Mark Mangold returns with Drive, She Said, opening an exciting new chapter in the history of one of melodic rock’s most distinctive and enduring names.
The new studio album, titled “Pass the Torch” is set for release on December 4th, 2026, via Frontiers Music Srl, and the first single, “We Own the Night”, along with an official video, is available now.
Mark Mangold described the single by saying: “‘We Own the Night’ is a rocker about a hard-working couple who slave all day and are unleashed at night… We all know what that’s about. Very Drive, She Said, in my opinion. I truly hope you like it”!
Watch the official video for “We Own The Night” below.
Tellingly titled “Pass the Torch”, the new album represents both a celebration of the band’s remarkable legacy and a decisive step forward. At the heart of this new chapter is vocalist Derrick LeFevre, who takes on the role once held by the unforgettable Al Fritsch. Rather than attempting to recreate the past, LeFevre brings his own personality, power and emotional depth to the material, while remaining true to the soaring vocal tradition that has always been such an essential part of the Drive, She Said sound.
The album’s title therefore carries a very special meaning. “Pass the Torch” symbolizes the transition between two voices and two eras, while Mark Mangold remains the creative force connecting the band’s past, present and future.
Mark Mangold commented: “When Aldo and Serafino called and said they wanted to do another Drive, She Said album, I was amazed. Of course, we all know Al passed away, and I miss him dearly, so my first thought was: how could we possibly do this without the other half of the band? They told me to think about it, and after talking with friends and with Stephanie, the answer was: ‘Drive,’ she said. Al would have loved it. I had a lot of songs with no home that, in my mind, belonged in the Drive, She Said world – anthemic (hopefully!), melodic, somewhat positive and requiring great vocals – so when we found Derrick LeFevre and he agreed to come on board, we said yes”.
“With the help of some wonderful friends and musicians, we finished the album, and Dennis Ward brought it all together with the mix. To me, it sits very much in the world of the first Drive, She Said album. We called it ‘Pass The Torch’ as a tribute to Al, and I really hope people embrace it in the spirit in which it’s offered. A huge thank you to Aldo, Mario, Serafino and everyone at Frontiers for giving us the chance to do this”, he continued.
From the very beginning, Drive, She Said established a unique place within melodic rock through a combination of sophisticated songwriting, huge melodies, powerful vocals and Mangold’s unmistakable keyboard work. Those fundamental ingredients remain firmly at the heart of “Pass the Torch”, but they are presented with renewed energy and a contemporary edge.
The album is packed with the elements that made Drive, She Said such a beloved name among melodic rock fans: big choruses, memorable hooks, soaring vocal melodies, rich harmonies and carefully crafted arrangements, all driven by Mangold’s instinctive understanding of what makes a great melodic rock song.
At the same time, “Pass the Torch” is not conceived simply as an exercise in nostalgia. The intention is not to recreate a particular album or moment from the band’s past, but to carry its musical identity forward. The result is a record that acknowledges where Drive, She Said came from while confidently establishing where the band can go next.
Derrick LeFevre proves to be an inspired choice for this new era. His commanding performance gives the songs strength and character, while his melodic sensibility provides a natural connection with the band’s classic sound. Alongside Mangold’s songwriting and musicianship, his voice helps give “Pass the Torch” its own identity rather than allowing the album to live exclusively in the shadow of what came before.
The production further reinforces that balance between tradition and renewal. Expertly mixed by Dennis Ward, “Pass the Torch” benefits from a powerful, detailed and polished sound, allowing the strength of the songwriting, vocals and harmonies to take center stage while giving the record the impact expected from a modern melodic rock release.
Ultimately, “Pass the Torch” is exactly what its title suggests: the continuation of a musical story. It honors the memory and contribution of Al Fritsch without attempting to replace what made him unique. It reconnects with the unmistakable musical personality that Mark Mangold has built around Drive, She Said. And, most importantly, it introduces a new voice and a renewed sense of purpose for the future.
This is more than the return of Drive, She Said. “Pass the Torch” is a celebration of the band’s legacy, a bridge between generations, and the beginning of its next chapter.
Pre-order “Pass the Torch” here.
Tracklist:
1. Pass the Torch
2. Saviours and Sinners
3. Wildfyre
4. Catch the Wind
5. We Own the Night
6. Forever
7. All For Love
8. Livin’ Inside a Dream
9. Love on Your Side
10. Rescue You
11. Pyro
12. As I Lay Dying
Line-up:
Mark Mangold – Keys And Vocals
Derrick Lefevre – Vocals
Guests:
Guitars: Craig Brooks, Jake E, Euge Valovirta, Ricky “Wheels” Kolster, Mitch Perry, Andrew Autin, Aldo Lonobile,
Drums: Adde Larsson, Alex Landenburg
Bv’s: Craig Brooks, Kevin Osborne, Vivi Lundström
