Remember when hard rock didn’t shy away from emotion? When bands could break your heart and blow your mind with a blistering solo in the same breath? That’s the sweet spot XDB hits with their new single “When the Love Is Gone.” It’s a big, bold, melodic metal statement straight from the heart—and straight from Pittsburgh’s rising hard rock juggernaut.
Led by powerhouse vocalist Rob Kane and shred wizard Xander Demos, XDB walks the line between classic and contemporary with swagger, soul, and the kind of songwriting that would feel right at home on a mixed tape between Whitesnake’s 1987 and TNT’s Intuition. But make no mistake—this isn’t a nostalgia trip. “When the Love Is Gone” is a modern rock anthem with both polish and punch, tailor-made for fans who still believe in the power of the guitar solo and the glory of the big chorus.
The track opens with atmospheric keyboards courtesy of Brendan Callahan, setting a moody, cinematic tone before launching into a hard-edged riff that sets the table for what’s to come. The production is crisp but not sterile—there’s air around the instruments, space for the melody to move, and plenty of bite where it counts. Emily Stroup on bass and Guy Cole on drums provide the kind of muscular rhythm section that keeps things grounded while letting the song soar.
Rob Kane’s vocal performance is the emotional centerpiece here. His delivery is raw but controlled, channeling pain without melodrama. There’s a maturity in the way he navigates the lyrics—“We can’t fly on broken wings… Save me, sister mercy”—that makes it clear he’s not just singing about lost love. He’s lived it. And that honesty gives the track its staying power.
Of course, no discussion of XDB would be complete without talking about Xander Demos. The guy has chops for days, but what sets him apart is his ability to make those chops serve the song. His solo here is a masterclass in melodic phrasing—equal parts flash and feel. It lifts the track without overpowering it, like all the best guitar work from the golden age of metal. Think Doug Aldrich meets Reb Beach with a touch of Malmsteen fire.
What makes “When the Love Is Gone” work so well is the balance—between heavy and heartfelt, technical and accessible, old school and now. It’s a rock ballad with grit, a modern anthem with roots, and a bold step forward for a band that clearly knows where it’s been and where it’s going.
XDB’s upcoming album Gods of Aliens is set to drop later in 2025, and if this single is any indication, it’s going to be one of the year’s standout melodic rock releases. These guys are veterans, yes—but they’re playing like they’ve still got something to prove. And in a genre that sometimes forgets how to evolve, that energy is everything.
So if you’re tired of cookie-cutter hard rock and hungry for something with real emotion, real hooks, and real musicianship—look no further. “When the Love Is Gone” is the kind of track that makes you turn up the volume, sing like nobody’s watching, and remember why you fell in love with this music in the first place.
Crank it, feel it, and get ready—XDB is just getting started.