Joel Hoekstra (Whitesnake, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Revolution Saints) is pleased to announce the release of the fourth studio album of his solo project Joel Hoekstra’s 13, titled “From the Fade” and out on February 27th, 2026, via Frontiers Music Srl.
To give the audience a taste of what to expect from the record, Joel and company share the first single and official visualizer, “The Fall”.
Hoekstra said: “‘The Fall’ is built on riffs and melodies that stem from two early influences that I often fail to mention in Queensryche and Dokken. 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”!
Watch the official visualizer for “The Fall” below.
Joel commented: “The songs were built from the guitar riffs up. 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”.
“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”!
Joel Hoekstra’s 13 returns with its fourth studio album, “From the Fade” – a dynamic collection of 10 brand-new tracks that combine soaring melodies, thunderous riffs, and the high-level musicianship fans have come to expect.
Once again, guitarist and composer Joel Hoekstra (Whitesnake, Cher, Trans-Siberian Orchestra) 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), and rising vocal sensation Girish Pradhan (Girish and The Chronicles, The Nail).
“From the Fade” delivers a blend of classic hard rock and modern melodic metal, characterized 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.
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 currently plays for Whitesnake and Trans Siberian Orchestra. Joel is also well-known for his work with: Cher, Night Ranger, the Broadway show Rock of Ages, his fill in work with Foreigner, 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 music 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 counselor at Rock N’ Roll Fantasy Camp.
Over the years, Joel 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.
Pre-order & pre-save “From the Fade” here.
Tracklist:
1. You Can Give
2. The Fall
3. Lifeline
4. Will You Remember Me
5. Misunderstood
6. Start to Fight
7. All I’d Do
8. Free to Be
9. The End of Me
10. Quite the Ride
Line-up:
Joel Hoekstra – Guitars
Girish Pradhan – Lead vocals
Vinny Appice – Drums
Tony Franklin – Bass
Derek Sherinian – Keyboards
Jeff Scott Soto – Backing vocals
Weblinks:
www.joelhoekstra.com
www.facebook.com/JoelHoekstra13
