Gary John Barden - 'Hit The Ground Running' (music video)

Your hot sleeze, put a spell on me
Hot teeze, the queen of them all
The siren that called brought me
Down to my knees

Whispers of promises
And then we connected

So i’ve hit the ground
Hit the ground running
Wont make a sound
You won’t see me coming,
No no no

Your posion, still cleverly hides
Crawling under my skin
Growing within
The hunting begins
There is no way your win

Forget all the past
Your voodoo charms
Well they did’nt last

So i’ve hit the ground
Hit the ground running
Wont make a sound
You won’t see me coming,
Coming after you

Your poison

Well i’ve hit the ground
Hit the ground running
I won’t make a sound
You won’t see me coming, no no no

I’ve hit the ground...

Το μακρινό 1979 ο Michael Schenker, μετά την αποχώρησή του από τους UFO, σχημάτισε προσωπικό σχήμα υπό το όνομα Michael Schenker Group (εν συντομία MSG). Για τα φωνητικά επέλεξε τον (τραγουδιστή των Fraser Nash, ο Michael άκουσε ένα demo τους) Gary Barden.

Ο Άγγλος τραγουδιστής κυκλοφόρησε τέσσερις δίσκους με τους MSG ("The Michael Schenker Group", "MSG", "One Night at Budokan", "Built to Destroy", "Rock Will Never Die") και αποχώρησε δημιουργώντας τους Statetrooper.

Τον έχουμε ακούσει επίσης σε δίσκους των Praying Mantis, Silver κλπ, ενώ την τρέχουσα χιλιετία "τρέχει" και την προσωπική του καριέρα κυκλοφορώντας δίσκους με το όνομά του (Gary John Barden). Το νέο του πόνημα φέρει τον τίτλο "Empowered Emotions" και αναμένεται τον πρώτο φθινοπωρινό μήνα...

Δελτίο τύπου: «Gary John Barden returns with Empowered Emotions, a powerful new studio album that reaffirms his unmistakable voice and enduring relevance in melodic hard rock.

Widely recognized as the legendary singer on the classic early-'80s albums by the Michael Schenker Group (besides working with Praying Mantis, Statetrooper and Silver, among others), Barden delivers a confident and inspired performance that reconnects with the genre's golden era while sounding focused and contemporary.

The album was written largely by Barden in close collaboration with German producer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Michael Voss, with whom he previously worked in the band Silver-a creative partnership that clearly benefits from shared history and musical chemistry.

Together, they crafted a record rooted in classic melodic hard rock, driven by strong riffs, memorable choruses, and a timeless European approach to songwriting.

The lead single "Hit the Ground Running" offers an urgent and biting approach, powered by a driving riff inspired by the George Lynch school of hard rock.

Additional highlights include "Maasai Enkai" and the title track "Empowered Emotions," (with Don Airey on keyboards) which adds a sense of grandeur and atmosphere, as well as the epic "Dark Water," a dramatic and emotive centerpiece that expands the album's sonic scope and features a guitar solo by Michael Schenker.

The album is enriched by an impressive roster of more guest musicians, including Brian Tichy, Barry Sparks, Tommy Denander, and others, all contributing to a record that feels both classic and vital.

Empowered Emotions is a cohesive, melodic, and powerful statement-an album that celebrates classic hard rock values without sounding nostalgic.

With strong songwriting at its core and a commanding vocal performance throughout, it stands as one of Gary John Barden's most focused and compelling releases to date.»

Artist / Band: Gary John Barden
Video: "Hit The Ground Running"
Album: "Empowered Emotions"
Type: Full length
Release date: September 18th, 2026
Label: Frontiers Music srl
Format: CD, Vinyl, Digital

Track listing:
01. Barden's Overture
02. Maasai Enkai
03. Hit the Ground Running
04. Empowered Emotions
05. Burning Wind
06. Dark Water
07. Ride Horsemen Ride
08. This Phoenix's Gonna Burn Ya
09. Let the Children Play
10. The Ruling Class
11. Walk Away
12. We'll Meet Again

Line-up:
Gary John Barden - Vocals
Gereon Homann - Drums
Michael Voss - Guitars, Bass, Keys, Backing Vocals

Guests:
Michael Schenker - Lead Guitars on "Dark Water"
Tommy Denander - Lead Guitars on "Maasai Enkai"
Brian Tichy - Drums on "Walk Away"
Don Airey - Keyboards on "Empowered Emotions"
Barry Sparks - Bass on "Maasai Enkai"
Alen Brentini - Lead Guitars on "Ride Horsemen Ride"