LES CARLSEN – Free Will [Collector’s Edition CD] (2026) HQ *Exclusive*

320_1 /// 320_2 /// HQ 1 /// HQ 2

Originally privately available last year via Kickstarter, now Girder Records is releasing “Free Will“, the new album by BLOODGOOD frontman LES CARLSEN. Musically obviously taking elements of his main band ranging from metal to hard rock but also adding a melodic sheen to some songs, the album is varied and punchy for the most part. Mastered at Sterling Sound by Grammy award winner Ted Jensen, “Free Will” not only rocks – it’s quality rocking stuff.
The title track kills. “Free Will” was co-written with guitarist Paul Jackson, continuing the songwriting legacy both started in BLOODGOOD. This song has hooky riffs, a relentless groove and harmonies that blend together so well that sometimes it’s hard to distinguish between Les’ vocals and his wife Joyce, who also performs vocals on the record.
Jackson delivers his usual excellent brand of hard rock guitar work. Craig Church (Bloodgood, Screams of Angels) also contributes guitar on a couple of tracks. The low end is anchored by the man with one of the greatest bass player names ever, Juan Van Dunk (Reign of Glory). Dan Needham, who has recorded with artists ranging from Kenny Loggins to Jeremy Camp, holds down the drum throne.
The name Les Carlsen will always be associated with Christian metal pioneers and Hall of Fame inductees BLOODGOOD. “Free Will” has many BLOODGOOD elements, with the singer adding a melodic rocking feel on a couple of tracks, and some light progressive on others, rounding up a complete album.

The production on this record is stellar, clean, and expansive. The vocals sit up front, while the guitar remains clear and present in the mix. Each instrument is well separated, making every part easily discernible. Kudos to Les and Joyce for their discipline in learning the ropes of high-quality modern production and engineering. Joyce handled the engineering, while she and Les partnered on production.

Melody rules on ”Free Will”, and few singers can emote like Les Carlsen. His voice rings true and clear, with that trademark rasp lending a distinct hard rock edge. Joyce, who also has an outstanding voice, takes the lead on “Bite My Tongue,” the album’s seventh track.
The record walks the line between sophistication and raw power. It’s grounded in classic hard rock DNA, but injected with a modern aggression. Carlsen, as ever, vocally performs as if in his Bloodgood prime, while guitar team of Jackson and Church, not to mention the Van Dunk (bass) and Needham (drums) rhythm section are up to standard as well.
Highly Recommended

01 – Truth and Love
02 – Free Will
03 – He’s God
04 – Epic
05 – Make Way
06 – Everyday
07 – Bite My Tongue (feat. Joyce Macek Carlsen)
08 – He Loves Deep
09 – Keep Pushin’
10 – Come To Me

Les Carlsen – vocals
Paul Jackson – guitar
Craig Church – guitar
Juan Van Dunk – bass
Dan Needham – drums
Joyce Carlsen – harmony vocals

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