Shinedown is gearing up for a major announcement! In a recent interview, drummer Barry Kerch revealed that the band will unveil the title and release date of their highly anticipated new album this month, following the success of their 2022 album, 'Planet Zero'. But here's the twist: this new record will be a departure from their recent concept albums.
A concept album no more! Kerch expressed relief that the upcoming LP won't be another concept record, having already explored that territory with 'Attention Attention' and 'Planet Zero'. Instead, the band aims to create a collection of songs that are simply fun and reminiscent of old-school rock and roll. And this is where it gets interesting: fans can expect a diverse range of sounds, with some songs surprising and others showcasing the signature Shinedown intensity.
The band has already released several singles, including 'Three Six Five', 'Dance, Kid, Dance', 'Killing Fields', and 'Searchlight', but these only scratch the surface of what's to come. Barry assures fans that these songs don't define the album's overall sound, promising a unique experience for each track. And this is the part most fans are eager to discover!
'Searchlight', written by Brent Smith, Eric Bass, and Dave Bassett, showcases the band's emotional depth and anthemic power, while also introducing new sonic elements. The song's music video, directed by Andrew Donoho, captures the band's live energy and features them playing various instruments, including a steel pedal guitar and banjo.
2025 was a landmark year for Shinedown. 'Searchlight' followed their global hit 'Three Six Five', which dominated radio charts, and the band also released two more No. 1 singles, 'Dance, Kid, Dance' and 'Killing Fields'. With these releases, Shinedown solidified their record-breaking streak on the Billboard and Mediabase charts, claiming the most No. 1 songs on both.
The band's achievements didn't stop there. They sold out Madison Square Garden for the first time during their 'Dance, Kid, Dance' tour and donated a portion of ticket sales to Musicians On Call, raising $300,000. Shinedown also took home multiple iHeartRadio Awards, cementing their status as a force in the music industry.
Looking ahead, Shinedown has announced their inaugural curated festival, Lunatic Ball Beach Weekend, set for October 2026 in Florida, featuring a diverse lineup of artists. Additionally, they will headline the renowned Sonic Temple festival in Ohio in May 2026, sharing the stage with iconic acts like My Chemical Romance and Tool.
Are you a Shinedown fan? What do you think about their shift away from concept albums? Let us know in the comments, and stay tuned for the big album reveal this month!
