Sully Erna, the lead singer of the band, has announced that a new album is on the way. This upcoming release will feature new members after longtime drummer Shannon Larkin and guitarist Tony Rombola officially retired from the band. Erna shared this exciting news on Kylie Olsson’s Life In Six Strings show. He mentioned, “I think there will be a new album. I said there wasn’t going to be, and at least I know there won’t be with the original members. [Shannon and Tony] have retired very honorably, and we’re still really good friends. There’s no drama there.”
Erna is currently auditioning musicians to fill the vacant spots. “I’m putting some new people in place. I’m still in some trial periods, but we have some plans coming in 2026 that we’re excited about,” he said. Just a year ago, he had stated that no new material would be released, but his perspective has changed since the lineup shifted.
The band has an impressive history, with 27 Top 10 singles and 11 reaching number one over three decades. Their latest album, *Lighting Up The Sky*, was released in February 2023, following their gold-certified 2018 record, *When Legends Rise*.
Larkin and Rombola left the band in April after years of touring. Larkin joined in 2002, bringing experience from Wrathchild America and Ugly Kid Joe, while Rombola has been the lead guitarist since the mid-1990s.
The band recently wrapped up a spring 2025 European tour with guest musicians. Will Hunt from Evanescence played drums, and Sam Koltun from Dorothy handled guitar. They are set to headline several European festivals in summer 2026, including Leyendas Del Rock in Spain on August 6, Vagos Metal Festival in Portugal on August 7, and Dynamo Metal Fest in the Netherlands on August 16.
Erna expressed excitement about the band’s future, saying, “We’re coming into the height of our career. All these years later, we’re hitting another moment where we’re doing our best attendance.”
