Multi-platinum rock band Styx has just released their 18th studio album, *Circling From Above*, on July 18th. The album features 13 tracks and runs for 41 minutes. All seven members of the band contributed to the record, including founding guitarist and vocalist James “JY” Young, guitarist and vocalist Tommy Shaw, original bassist Chuck Panozzo, drummer Todd Sucherman, keyboardist and vocalist Lawrence Gowan, guitarist and vocalist Will Evankovich, and bassist Terry Gowan.
The album was produced by Evankovich, who has worked with the band on their last two records and became an official member in 2022. The songwriting team of Shaw, Evankovich, and Gowan collaborated on all 13 songs. Gowan noted, “There’s a real effort to make sure everyone’s got a smile on their face at the end of it.” Evankovich added, “We all know that the institution of Styx is the most important thing.”
Shaw shared that writing an album starts with a spark of inspiration, turning into a story. He believes a good song is like a straight road that leads you to the next destination.
Currently, Styx is on their “Brotherhood of Rock” tour with The Kevin Cronin Band and special guest Don Felder. CDs of *Circling From Above* have been available at all tour stops since May. Later this year, the band will headline “Rockin’ in Paradise: STYX + Friends,” a three-day music event from October 9th-11th in Miramar Beach, Florida. For ticket info and to buy *Circling From Above*, check out Styx’s website.
