Whitesnake/ex-Black Sabbath/Symphony X Members Bring ’80s Revival on ‘Finish Line’ by Joel Hoekstra’s 13

Joel Hoekstra's 13 is a supergroup (sorry, we're calling it that!) comprised of former Black Sabbath and Dio drummer, Vinny Appice, Symphony X and Adrenaline Mob singer Russell Allen, bassist Tony Franklin (whose credits are exhaustive) and keyboardist Derek Sherinian (Sons of Apollo, ex-Dream Theater) in addition to the Whitesnake guitarist for which the band is named after. A music video for "Finish Line" has just been released and it should greatly appeal to fans of ripping '80s metal and stomping melodic rock.

What's best about this song, which leads the band's Running Games album due Feb. 12, is that it's never egregiously overstepping its obvious nods to so many elements headbangers love about arena-enthused heavy music. There's a little bit of that same feeling you get when you hear the chorus to Journey's "Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)" and it's great to hear the muscle-armed Appice back in the saddle, pounding away with that unmistakable thunder.

Some similarities to classic Dio riffs are also a heartwarming way to ensure Ronnie's memory and music lives on.

"Years ago, I released three solo albums that were mainly instrumental guitar music. With Joel Hoekstra's 13, I have started to work on something that showcases my production, writing, and playing in the genre that I'm known for, which is melodic hard rock," said Hoekstra, who has also enjoyed time in Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Cher, and Night Ranger, of his ambitions.

Of the song and the diversity of the album, the guitarist added, "Like 'Dying to Live,' 'Running Games' can be described as Dio'ish at it’s heaviest, but also is influenced by the blues- based sound of Whitesnake as well as melodic bands like Foreigner, Journey. ‘Hard to Say Goodbye’ definitely represents the more melodic sound of the album, but rock fans can also look forward to some aggressive tracks."

Pre-order Running Games, which will be released through Frontiers Music SRL, here and watch the video for "Finish Line" below. See the album art and track listing further down the page as well.

Joel Hoekstra's 13, "Finish Line" Lyrics

I have met the heartless and I have held the pain
I have known the darkness the evil thoughts inside my brain

Ooh ooh ooh ooh
What does it mean if I run away
Ooh ooh ooh ooh
Feeling the burn of the acid rain
coming down on me
coming down on me

Drowning in this broken heart of mine
I can feel it slipping through the broken hands of time
I know it’s real but
I can’t ever get away from what it is I know
I’m still running running for the finish line that I can never find

I believe in Heaven cause I have been through Hell
I will show you wonders of a soul that lived to tell

Ooh ooh ooh ooh
God give me wings let me fly away
Ooh ooh ooh ooh
plotting the dreams of another day that will
open up for me
open up for me

Sounding in this aching heart and mind
I can feel it cutting through my will to live at times
I know the fear but
I can’t ever get away from what it is I know
I’m still running running for the finish line that I can never find

Oh there’s something on my mind
you know it’s true yeah
It’s all the time and heartbreak cause of you
and through the years that heartbreak took its toll
Lord take pity on this soul

Ooh ooh ooh ooh
What does it mean if I run away
Ooh ooh ooh ooh
Scene after scene everlasting pain
coming down on me
coming down on me

Drowning in this broken heart of mine
I can feel it slipping through the broken hands of time
I know it’s real but
I can’t ever get away from what it is I know
I’m still running running for the finish line that I can never find

I can never find
Oh, I can never find
Never ever never ever find
Never ever oh never ever find

Joel Hoekstra's 13, Running Games Album Art + Track Listing

01. "Finish Line"
02. "I’m Gonna Lose It"
03. "Hard to Say Goodbye"
04. "How Do You"
05. "Heart Attack"
06. "Fantasy"
07. "Lonely Days"
08. "Reach the Sky"
09. "Cried Enough for You"
10. "Take What’s Mine"
11. "Running Games"
12. "Lay Down Your Love" (Bonus Track – Digital)