DOMINO DRIVE – Cosmic Theater (2026) *Exclusive*
320 ///
Formed in Uppsala, Sweden, in 2014, DOMINO DRIVE made a striking impression with their debut album released in 2023. Since then, the band had become a dynamically cohesive unit and now return with sophomore CD “Cosmic Theater“, to be released on September 18, 2026 through Pride & Joy Music.
On the upcoming album, the band expands its classic melodic hard rock sound with a heavier, more punchy approach and modern production, while maintaining its signature blend of catchy anthems and atmospheric songwriting. New lead guitarist Jonatan Berg (LIPZ) brings added technical skill and fresh energy, and we find a guest appearance by Fredrik Folkare (Eclipse).
There’s a welcome variety in the songwriting, with expanded arrangements that avoid a one‑dimensional sound and the usual clichés.
“Cosmic Theater” brings us 10 tracks that are most definitely ’80s influenced European Melodic Hard Rock, but there are a number of elements and influences in the mix here, and that all adds to the interest for us – it’s an album that I think you can listen to ten times and pick out different new things each time, always a bonus in our eyes.
There are certainly elements of progressive rock / pomp AOR in there, perhaps a little Euro metal here and there, Jonas Tyskhagen wonderful vocals can obviously traverse many areas.
Founding member Sebastian Okupski layered keyboards are prominent throughout and we think the sheer quality of the musicians involved here elevates this one above the norm – all are former members of reputed Swedish bands.
DOMINO DRIVE is definitely a name to keep an eye on, this upcoming new album is really good, very well put together, musically interesting and with a singer that pulls you in with that ability to tell a story. You can hear their evolution, both in songwriting and musicianship.
This is a band doing something fresh, inspired by the classics, but with their own identity.
Highly Recommended
01. Time For Change
02. Dancing On Water
03. Dandy Cool (feat. Stefan Fernquist)
04. Together Apart (feat. Fredrik Folkare)
05. Terra Utopia
06. Femme Fatale
07. Heart To Heart
08. The Ocean And The End Of Time
09. Universal Genesis Metamorphoses [Chapter I]
10. Wondermaker
Jonas Tyskhagen – Vocals, Guitar
Sebastian Okupski – Keyboards
Jonatan Berg – Guitar
Jonas Söder – Bass
Alvaro Svanerö – Drums
Pre order:
www.grooves-inc.com/domino-drive-cosmic-theater-pride-joy-music-cd-pZZa1-2101952139.html
