Some albums arrive quietly.
Some albums politely tap you on the shoulder.
And then there are albums like Full Throttle by Ghost Avenue — bursting through the wall like a leather-clad Viking armed with a Flying V and enough riffs to level Oslo itself. 😈🎸
After six long years away from the studio album battlefield, Norway’s masters of classic melodic heavy metal are finally back with their fifth full-length release, and by the sounds of things, they haven’t spent those years sitting around sipping herbal tea and discussing acoustics.
No chance, butt.
They’ve been loading the cannons.
🇳🇴 THE RETURN OF NORWAY’S MELODIC METAL WARRIORS
For those unfamiliar with Ghost Avenue, the Oslo-based outfit have spent years flying the flag for traditional heavy metal with a sound soaked in the glorious spirit of the ‘80s while still carrying enough punch to flatten modern audiences.
Think huge choruses.
Think twin guitar harmonies.
Think sweat-drenched club shows where every fist in the room is in the air.
Ghost Avenue aren’t trying to reinvent heavy metal.
They’re here to remind everyone why it ruled the world in the first place. 🔥
Their upcoming album Full Throttle arrives on 19th June 2026 via the band’s own independent label, following on from 2020’s critically acclaimed Even Angels Fail.
And judging by the band’s own words, they knew exactly what they wanted this record to be:
“The focus is on the songs, the riffs and the choruses. We tried to capture a live vibe recording them and think you can hear that when listening.”
Music to our ears, mun. 🤘
🎛️ RECORDED IN OSLO — BUILT FOR THE OPEN ROAD
The album was recorded at Lionheart Studio in Oslo, with engineering manager Øyvind Voldmo Larsen once again behind the desk handling drums, engineering, and mixing duties.
Mastering was handled by Markus Teske of Bazement Music Production in Germany — and if the early singles are anything to go by, this thing sounds HUGE.
Not overproduced.
Not plastic.
Not polished into oblivion.
Just proper melodic metal with grit under its fingernails and petrol running through its veins.
Exactly how it should be.
🎥 FIRST SINGLE “KILLER” ALREADY UNLEASHED
The first taste of the new album came in the form of “Killer”, released on 24th April 2026, and it absolutely rips.
Big hooks.
Sharp riffs.
Arena-sized energy.
The kind of tune that makes you want to speed down the motorway at sunset wearing sunglasses you absolutely shouldn’t be wearing at night. 😎🔥
Next up is “Seas Of Thunder”, a more atmospheric and varied track arriving later this month alongside a brand-new video.
And honestly? If the title alone doesn’t sound like the soundtrack to a biker gang riding through a lightning storm, we don’t know what does.
💿 FULL THROTTLE TRACKLIST
Here’s what Ghost Avenue have lined up for us this summer:
- Killer
- Highwayman
- Full Throttle
- Wild And Free
- Freedom Fighter
- Coast To Coast
- Seas Of Thunder
- Ride The Night
Look at those song titles.
That’s not a tracklist.
That’s a leather jacket playlist. 😈
👊 THE BAND BEHIND THE RIFFS
Ghost Avenue’s current lineup is:
- Kim Sandvik – vocals
- Petter Christopher Lein – drums
- Magnus Liseter – bass
- André Berger – guitar and backing vocals
- Øystein Wiik – guitar and backing vocals
Together, they’ve built a reputation for energetic live performances packed with classic heavy metal spirit — and if this album captures even half of that live intensity, fans are in for something special.
🎨 ARTWORK, ATTITUDE & OLD-SCHOOL METAL SPIRIT
The album artwork and illustrations were created by Christian Wallin, while band photography comes courtesy of Ivica Mijatovic.
And honestly, everything about this release screams authenticity.
No gimmicks.
No trend-chasing.
No TikTok dance routines.
Just riffs, choruses, solos and enough denim-and-leather attitude to make every old-school metalhead grin like they’ve just found a mint-condition Judas Priest vinyl in a charity shop.
🔥 WHY FULL THROTTLE COULD BE ONE OF 2026’S MOST FUN METAL RECORDS
There’s something refreshing about bands like Ghost Avenue.
In a world where some artists disappear so far up their own concept albums they need a sat nav to find the chorus again, Ghost Avenue remember the magic ingredient:
Heavy metal is supposed to be FUN.
It’s supposed to make you crank the volume until the neighbours start banging on the walls.
It’s supposed to soundtrack road trips, festival beers, air guitar disasters and sweaty gigs where everyone leaves with tinnitus and a stupid grin.
And from everything we’ve heard so far, Full Throttle sounds like exactly that kind of record.
The kind of album you throw on during a summer drive and accidentally end up doing 90mph while pretending you’re in a forgotten ‘80s metal video.
Not that we’d recommend that, obviously. 👀🍻
⚡ FINAL RIFF REPORT VERDICT
Ghost Avenue aren’t here to follow trends.
They’re here to keep the sacred flame of classic melodic heavy metal burning bright — and by Odin’s mighty battle vest, they’re doing a proper job of it.
If you love:
✅ Huge riffs
✅ Massive choruses
✅ Twin guitars
✅ Old-school metal energy
✅ Songs about highways, freedom and riding through the night
…then Full Throttle deserves to be firmly on your radar.
Get ready to bang your head, annoy your neighbours and possibly grow an invisible denim jacket.
Ghost Avenue’s Full Throttle arrives 19th June 2026 on vinyl and all digital platforms.
And honestly?
We’re already revving the engine. 🤘🔥
