Michael Sweet...Another Supergroup (Iconic)

Looks like Michael has joined another "super-group" by the name of "Iconic" they have an albums worth of material that Sweet was involved in writing.  Sounds like they are expecting to release some videos in the near future.  Strangely enough I don't think Michael will be the lead singer on this one.  Here's who is in the group (guessing it will be a more "secular" project).

Michael Sweet guitars (and I'm guessing some background vocals at least)
Nathan James vocals (from Inglorious, TSO)
Joel Hoekstra guitars (Night Ranger, Whitesnake, Joel Hoekstra's 13)
Marco Mendoza bass (Blue Murder, John Sykes, Black Star Riders, The Dead Daisies, etc., etc.)
Tommy Aldridge drums (Black Oak Arkansas, Pat Travers, Gary Moore, Ozzy, MARS, Whitesnake)

So all rather well seasoned veterans (except the young upstart from Great Britain, Nathan James).  I'm interested to see how this sounds, and if the band sticks it out for more than one album.

And not to rag on Mike's new band before they truly get started but their is another American band (cover band from Florida) already using the less than stellar name of "Iconic".  From what I can see (just looking at their web presence the original Iconic has been around since at least 2017.

https://www.thebash.com/cover-band/iconic-the-band

Quite the lineup, I'll be checking it out.

What, Dale Thompson isn't in this band as well????

Through The Dark Radio wrote:

What, Dale Thompson isn't in this band as well????

  I was just surprised that Michael wasn't going to be the lead singer.

I will say this, in the last two years every time I hear about a melodic metal release coming out from a newer "Christian" band I cringe for just a second and hope it isn't Dale singing for yet another band... more than half the time it seems to be him.

I think this band could be something to check out.

If Mike isn't writing the lyrics, though, I wouldn't count on it being Christian in any form or fashion.  I would hope his influence would at least keep it clean.

alldatndensum wrote:

I think this band could be something to check out.

If Mike isn't writing the lyrics, though, I wouldn't count on it being Christian in any form or fashion.  I would hope his influence would at least keep it clean.

According to Sweet himself he "co-wrote" on the album with the main Frontiers Records songwriter and two of the other band members.

From Band's Facebook post wrote:

I co-wrote the album with Joel Hoekstra, Alessandro Del Vecchio, and Nathan James, and if you like Whitesnake “1987”, you’re gonna love this. Of course the incomparable Tommy Aldridge is drumming and Marco Mendoza is playing bass.
I’m very blessed to be a part of it and to be able to work with the best of the best.
When I return, I sing the new Stryper album! It’s sounding absolutely stellar! Our best yet!! I’m very grateful for all that I’m allowed to do and never ever take it for granted"
- Michael Sweet

First single from the band.  It looks like Michael does quite a bit of singing on this track but Nathan's vocals are pushed forward in the mix.  I didn't notice anything offensive in the lyrics (but I wasn't listening too hard).  At first listen I kind of dig it, but this is pretty much my favorite style of music.

That's a pretty kickin' song.  The main riff reminds me of something that I just can't put my finger on.

I really like it!

Another new song/video from the band...this one also seems to be about running 
This time we get a shared lead vocal with Nathan and Michael.  Also a double solo with Michael and Joel.

What's with the eye patch?

topshot rhit wrote:

What's with the eye patch?

Michael had to have surgery for a detached retina.  He did not do well with it and have to have it redone.  During the healing process, he has had to wear an eye patch.

alldatndensum wrote:

topshot rhit wrote:

What's with the eye patch?

Michael had to have surgery for a detached retina.  He did not do well with it and have to have it redone.  During the healing process, he has had to wear an eye patch.

Interesting, I did not know this. I just thought he was going for the pirate look.

MikeInFla wrote:

Interesting, I did not know this. I just thought he was going for the pirate look.

+1

He wasn't wearing it Tuesday so maybe he's healed or just wears it as needed now.

3rd song released to video.  A little slower pace (kind of a ballad) for this one.  I'm really digging this track.  I think I'm going to have to get this album.

This album releases tomorrow, but for some reason you can stream the entire album right now on Youtube.  I'm not sure if they are going to leave this up for long or not.  But you can listen to all of it (try it before you buy it), if you want.

here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2nEwJLMmLk

I may be a little late on this, but I was listening to this today. What a great album. There are times when it reminds me of Whitesnake, or a band Watchmen from Argentina. I really hope they put out another album

Especially this track






And this is the band Watchmen....I think they sound a lot like this

Oh yeah, heavy Whitesnake influence on both Watchmen and Iconic (I'm really digging that Watchmen song).  It probably helps that Joel Hoekstra (guitar) and Tommy Aldridge (drums) have both played with David Coverdale's Whitesnake for the last decade or so.

Staybrite wrote:

Oh yeah, heavy Whitesnake influence on both Watchmen and Iconic (I'm really digging that Watchmen song).  It probably helps that Joel Hoekstra (guitar) and Tommy Aldridge (drums) have both played with David Coverdale's Whitesnake for the last decade or so.

Probably doesn't hurt