Iconic has dropped “Tears Keep On Falling,” the second single from their sophomore album II, due July 31 via Frontiers Music Srl. A visualizer is streaming now.
The lineup is essentially a hard rock fantasy draft: Nathan James (Inglorious) on vocals, Michael Sweet (Stryper) and Joel Hoekstra (Whitesnake) on guitars, Marco Mendoza (Thin Lizzy, Whitesnake) on bass, and Tommy Aldridge (Whitesnake, Ozzy Osbourne) behind the kit.
“I loved singing this song in the studio,” James said. “Such a great chorus and I really hope the listeners enjoy it as much as I do.”
Sweet was equally enthusiastic: “I’m really proud to be a part of such an iconic band, no pun intended. It takes me back to the glory days, when rock ruled radio, and it was topping the charts. We created this album to remind people of those times. Here’s to ‘Tears Keep On Falling.'”
Mendoza sold it as a power ballad that hooks from bar one: “‘Tears Keep On Falling’ is a powerful rock ballad; it will get your attention as soon as you hear it, from the first verse. Nathan‘s vocals are amazing, and Michael and Joel‘s guitars are on fire… Tommy A is at the helm, driving! Enjoy!”
Hoekstra credited the rhythm section for the track’s foundation: “It was killer to lean into the groove that Tommy Aldridge and Marco Mendoza gave us for this one. It was also great fun to play the harmony lead lines with Michael Sweet and finally to hear Nathan James belt out the vocals like only he can.”
II builds on the chemistry of the debut with sharper intent — heavier, more direct, and clearly more comfortable in its own skin. Opener “Cry No More” sets an aggressive tone; “Tears Keep On Falling” demonstrates that the band can dial things back and still land a punch. James‘s voice sits at the top of the entire enterprise, and the record makes sure you know it.
At the heart of the album lies the electrifying guitar partnership of Hoekstra and Sweet, delivering a masterclass in soaring melodies, blazing solos, and muscular riffs that perfectly balance technical brilliance with pure hard-rock attitude. Beneath them, the rhythm section of Aldridge and Mendoza drives the record with thunderous authority, creating a groove that is both massive and relentless.
