German guitar virtuoso and longtime metal icon Axel Rudi Pell has announced the release of his new studio album Ghost Town, arriving March 20, 2026 via Steamhammer. The album is available for pre-order now, and Pell has unveiled the title track along with an official lyric video that showcases the record’s melodic power and classic metal spirit.
For more than 35 years, Axel Rudi Pell has built a reputation for crafting music that blends soaring melodies with hard-hitting riffs. His signature style remains fully intact on Ghost Town, brought to life by his seasoned bandmates: vocalist Johnny Gioeli, drummer Bobby Rondinelli, bassist Volker Krawczak, and keyboardist Ferdy Doernberg. Known for consistently strong songwriting across his catalog, Pell once again presents eleven new tracks that expand his legacy.
One of the album’s standout moments is “Breaking Seals“, a dramatic duet between Johnny Gioeli and German metal icon Udo Dirkschneider. This marks the first collaboration between Pell and Dirkschneider and highlights the respect Pell commands within the heavy music community.
Pell produced the album himself, supported by engineer and mixer Tommy Geiger, known for his work with Blind Guardian and Helloween. Recording took place at the Blind Guardian Studios in Grefrath, resulting in a polished and dynamic sound.
The first single, “Ghost Town”, serves as an ideal introduction to the new record. The track delivers a haunting yet energizing atmosphere reminiscent of early Rainbow, driven by Pell’s melodic guitar work and Gioeli’s soaring vocals. The accompanying lyric video is available to watch now.
Ghost Town – Tracklisting
- The Regicide (Intro)
- Guillotine Walk
- Breaking Seals (feat. Udo Dirkschneider)
- Ghost Town
- Holy Water
- The Enemy Within
- Hurricane
- Sanity
- Towards The Shore
- Steps Of Stone
- Higher Call
Ghost Town will be released worldwide through Steamhammer in multiple formats, including:
- CD DigiPak with poster
- CD Jewel Case
- 2LP Gatefold on 140 g black vinyl with padded inner sleeves and colored insert
- Exclusive CD and 2LP bundles with shirt and special vinyl editions available through the Steamhammer shop
- 2LP Gatefold exclusive colored editions available through the Napalm shop
- 2LP Gatefold exclusive colored editions available through the EMP shop
- Digital download and streaming
Axel Rudi Pell online