NIGHT LASER will release their fifth studio album, Rats In The Cradle, on September 25 via Steamhammer/Open. The Hamburg-based glam and sleaze metal outfit has also unveiled the album’s first single, “Heart Of The Desert Rose,” accompanied by an official music video.
Following the momentum of 2024’s Call Me What You Want and extensive touring across Europe with AXEL RUDI PELL, NIGHT LASER return with what the band describes as its most ambitious and stylistically diverse release to date. Blending elements of rock, metal, blues, and funk, Rats In The Cradle reflects a collaborative songwriting process that brought every member’s creative vision into the studio.
Vocalist Benno Hankers said the band has finally become the version of NIGHT LASER they always envisioned, describing the new record as one without limitations. Bassist Rob Hankers added that the album represents the moment the band truly discovered its own unique identity.
Rats In The Cradle was produced and arranged by Eike Freese, whose previous work includes collaborations with DEEP PURPLE and SAGA. During pre-production, the band also received support from GAMMA RAY bassist Dirk Schlächter. According to the group, every song was developed collectively in the rehearsal room, with each member contributing to the album’s final sound.
The lead single, “Heart Of The Desert Rose,” is a blues-infused power ballad featuring guest vocals from Johnny Gioeli of HARDLINE and AXEL RUDI PELL. The song serves as a tribute to resilient women, celebrating strength, love, courage, and hope.
The album features several guest appearances, including Sebastian Zierof, Sascha Paeth, Johnny Gioeli, and Lars Rettkowitz across its eleven-track runtime.
Rats In The Cradle Track Listing
- “S.T.F.U.”
- “Make You Mine”
- “Defenders” (feat. Sebastian Zierof)
- “Blueberry Gin” (feat. Sascha Paeth)
- “Heart Of The Desert Rose” (feat. Johnny Gioeli)
- “Rats In The Cradle”
- “Into The West”
- “19CR490”
- “Get Out” (feat. Lars Rettkowitz)
- “Goddess Of The Sky”
- “You And Me”
Rats In The Cradle will be available as a CD Digipak with poster, a marbled green/yellow and black double LP, exclusive CD and vinyl bundles with shirts through the Steamhammer shop, and on digital streaming platforms.
In support of the release, NIGHT LASER will perform a series of festival appearances before joining AXEL RUDI PELL as special guests on a European tour throughout late September and October. The band has also announced additional headline performances extending into 2027.