GHOST AVENUE – Full Throttle

Norwegian hard rock / heavy metal band Ghost Avenue are preparing to release their fifth studio album, Full Throttle, on June 19, 2026, through their own independent label. It is the follow-up to 2020’s Even Angels Fail. The reason behind the band’s formation alone is enough to be intrigued, showcasing the band’s confidence, yet what also can be perceived as arrogance. Can’t fault them for thinking that there was a lack of good new bands playing traditional hard rock and heavy metal, though. The music industry, especially in the U.S., has become the nonstop machine for ordinary and bland pop music, forcing hard rock and heavy metal lovers to search deeper for new music to save themselves from the overconsumption of popstar madness. Formed in 2002, Ghost Avenue have released four studio albums and one EP thus far, and have been working their butts off for years to establish their live reputation. Produced by the band and mixed and engineered by Øyvind Voldmo Larsen, the lineup that plays on Full Throttle includes Kim Sandvik on lead vocals, Petter Christopher Lein on drums, Magnus Liseter on bass guitar, André Berger on guitars and backing vocals, and Øystein Wiik on guitars and backing vocals.

Riding Into the Sunset

The songs on Full Throttle align with the album’s theme of riding free and giving zero care whatsoever. Sandvik has a European flair to his voice that resembles Klaus Meine from the Scorpions, which is a strange thing to say because Sandvik is South Korean. Actually, he’s the only member of Ghost Avenue that’s not from Norway. The band was heavily inspired by ‘80s hard rock and heavy metal, which is quickly established with the opening track, “Killer,” with piercing guitar melodies and a tough-as-nails attitude. “Highwayman” is wild and free-spirited, and makes for a great driving song. The tempo change for the chorus creates a stomping groove that works to the band’s favor. The title track is a groove fest with a thumping bass line and dirty guitar melodies.

“Freedom Fighter” and “Coast to Coast” are both excellent tracks. The former is an anthemic number with insatiably catchy vocal melodies that calls for unity, and the latter is an adrenalized and blood-pumping headbanger led by a driving bass line. Both songs could’ve been chopped by a minute and a half because they don’t need a lot of time to get their messages across, but that’s a minor complaint. “Ride the Night” is the perfect album closer that gives the vibe of riding into the sunset and seeing where the path takes them. The vocal harmonies for the chorus are excellent, and the guitar solo is gorgeous.

Final Assessment

The guitars sound amazing on the album with the right amount of distortion, and the production has that sweet in-between spot. Not too raw, but not too polished either. The bass playing is also worth praising, but there’s a good amount of groove on Full Throttle, and it would’ve been nice if the bass guitar was a tad bit louder in the mix to beef up the songs. Still, the album is a concise and cohesive listen; the album is 35 minutes long. Plus, the album cover is striking and appealing to look at, with a skull-faced motorcycle rider out for blood. For those who are interested in old-school hard rock and heavy metal, give Ghost Avenue’s Full Throttle a chance!

Album Tracklist

1. Killer
2. Highwayman
3. Full Throttle
4. Wild and Free
5. Freedom Fighter
6. Coast to Coast
7. Seas of Thunder
8. Ride the Night

Band Lineup

Kim Sandvik – lead vocals
Petter Christopher Lein – drums
Magnus Liseter – bass guitar
André Berger – guitars and backing vocals
Øystein Wiik – guitars and backing vocals

Check out the lyric video for “Seas of Thunder” from Ghost Avenue’s Full Throttle album!