[2025] The State of Western Hard Rock Today: A Roundup of Notable Tracks

Come OnBuckcherry

Buckcherry – “Come On” (Official Lyric Video)

Buckcherry, the popular band devoted to glamorous hard rock, has released a new track from their 11th album, Roar Like Thunder.

With vocals seasoned by bluesy richness reminiscent of Aerosmith and disciplined guitar riffs inherited from AC/DC, they’ve crafted a sophisticated sound that updates hard rock for today.

The song itself sings of the courage to move forward, and the band’s unwavering cry of the soul resonates deeply.

North American heavyweight producer Marti Frederiksen took part in the songwriting, brilliantly embodying the world of Roar Like Thunder, which is slated for release on June 13, 2025.

California Dreamin’Dirty Honey

Dirty Honey – California Dreamin’ [Official Video]

A track by Dirty Honey that has earned steadfast support from longtime hard rock fans and shot to wider recognition after opening for Guns N’ Roses.

Featured on their debut album “Dirty Honey,” its catchy guitar riffs and slightly loose groove are the kind of classic American hard rock that will hook you from the intro if you’re into that sound.

The straightforward arrangement makes the vocals stand out even more, showcasing the band’s solid chops.

It’s a number that reminds you just how cool hard rock—a genre rarely heard in Japan these days—can be.

PeacefieldGHOST

Ghost – Peacefield (Official Music Video)

Opening Ghost’s album “Skeletá,” released in April 2025, this piece is a melodious track sung by the band’s new stage persona, Papa V Perpetua, featuring an impressive, grand introduction that begins with a children’s chorus.

Its appeal lies in a richly textured sound that skillfully weaves together multiple genres, including hard rock and pop metal.

And remarkably, the album “Skeletá,” which includes this track, reached No.

1 on the U.

S.

Billboard 200—an achievement unmatched by a Swedish artist since Ace of Base! This song harmonizes a hopeful message with theatrical musicality, making it a truly outstanding work.

My ChampionAlter Bridge

Alter Bridge – My Champion (Official Video)

Alter Bridge is a rock band formed in Florida in 2004.

This refreshing track was released as a single in 2017 from their fifth album, The Last Hero, which was a hit around the world.

It reached No.

18 on the U.

S.

charts.

Fire to FightDynazty

DYNAZTY – Fire to Fight (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO)

This is the February 2025 release from Swedish melodic metal band Dynazty, themed around struggle, rebirth, and self-confrontation, resounding with grand melodies and powerful riffs.

Majestic symphonic sound, razor-sharp technical performances, and Nils Molin’s passionate vocals blend seamlessly, resulting in a gem that awakens the courage to face the fire within.

Produced as a centerpiece for the album “Game of Faces,” the track is also slated to be performed on tour with support from Italian metal band Nanowar of Steel.

Fans of melodic hard rock and power metal will be moved by its overwhelming expressiveness and universal message.

Killing FloorSlash feat. Brian Johnson

Slash feat. Brian Johnson – “Killing Floor” (Official Music Video)

A legendary figure known as the guitarist of Guns N’ Roses and a successful solo artist in his own right, Slash has teamed up with none other than AC/DC’s vocalist Brian Johnson for a cover that’s generating major buzz.

This track turns a classic blues number into a gritty, hard-rock assault and appears on Orgy of the Damned, his first solo release in 14 years.

The original song explores themes like life’s choices and regrets, but through their performance, those emotions come across even more directly to the listener.

The album also features an all-star roster of guest artists, delivering a thrilling set that reimagines blues classics through a modern lens.

Experience the electrifying hard-rock sound with riffs that explode from the speakers.

EmergenceSleep Token

Sleep Token – Emergence

Sleep Token, the enigmatic masked band from the U.

K.

, has released a lead single from their upcoming album “Even in Arcadia,” due out on RCA Records in May 2025.

Building on their signature fusion of alternative metal and indie pop that has captivated longtime listeners, the new track charts fresh territory with the addition of saxophone by Gabi Rose of Billmuri.

The release is drawing major attention worldwide, landing high on charts across multiple countries and reaching No.

57 on the U.

S.

Billboard Hot 100.

Known for their performances in mysterious masks and cloaks, the band is also set to embark on a North American arena tour in fall 2025.

Don’t miss the striking contrast of ethereal melodies and weighty sonics—experience it for yourself.