This Week in Music News 23.10.26
"U2" released "The Greatest Show On Earth" on October 15, the third single from their new album "Carnaval De Luz", due on November 13. Co-written with Brian Eno, the song follows a couple trying to hold on to their faith in one another and in their relationship. The video was directed by longtime collaborator Anton Corbijn and filmed in the Californian desert. It portrays the band as the leaders of a religious cult, in a satire in which the women do all the heavy lifting.
"Metallica" are finally sharing footage from the spectacular event that is their SPHERE residency. This time, they have released a live performance of "Welcome Home (Sanitarium)", filmed on October 3, 2026, during their second show at Sphere in Las Vegas. Originally featured on 1986's "Master of Puppets", the song was performed as part of "Life Burns Faster", a residency that pairs the band's music with visuals created for the venue's enormous screens. Giant eyes and images of doctors surrounded the musicians during the performance. The shows follow the "No Repeat Weekend" format, with different setlists across each weekend's two performances and no songs repeated.
"The Rolling Stones" released "Who You Callin’ Crazy" on October 20, from the expanded edition "Foreign Tongues - Loose Lips", due on November 27. Mick Jagger and Keith Richards wrote the song, Andrew Watt produced it, and Courtney Pine guests on saxophone. The edition adds five recordings to "Foreign Tongues", which came out in July. This is an expansion of the existing album, rather than an announcement of another studio album.
"The Smashing Pumpkins" released "Black Stars" on October 16, written for the soundtrack to "The Hunger Games: Sunrise On The Reaping". Frontman Billy Corgan initially began writing it as a solo song, before the opportunity to include it in the film turned it into a band recording. Corgan, James Iha and Jimmy Chamberlin reunited with producer Butch Vig for the first time since 1993's "Siamese Dream".
"The Pretty Reckless" released another version of "About You" on October 16, with Dave Grohl joining Taylor Momsen on vocals. The song originally appeared on the band's fifth album, "Dear God", released earlier this year, and the collaboration is presented as a bonus version. It is a new collaboration on an album track, rather than another new album. Grohl also plays drums and guitar, with Pat Smear contributing guitar.
"My Chemical Romance" released "Someone Out There Loves You (Live From Hoboken)" on October 16. The recording comes from a 2007 show at Maxwell’s in New Jersey. The performance previously appeared without an official song title in the concert film "The Black Parade Is Dead!", and now receives a standalone digital release and an official name. The release precedes the 20th anniversary edition of "The Black Parade", which came out on October 23.
Belgian band "dEUS" return with a new single, "Keptman", released on October 15, 2026.
It is the band's first new song since their eighth album, 2023's "How To Replace It", and offers a first taste of another studio album currently in progress, with no title or release date announced yet. The song grew out of a sketch singer Tom Barman recorded in Portugal and was later developed in the studio in Antwerp. According to the band, it explores dependency and an almost addictive attraction to beautiful things.
"Kings of Leon" have released "KOYSAR", the third single from their tenth album, "O My Beloved", due on November 6, 2026, around two and a half years after 2024's "Can We Please Have Fun". The title stands for "Kick Off Your Shoes and Run", and the song explores childhood memories, family and the things that matter in life. Frontman Caleb Followill said the idea began with a phrase he sang to himself at home, taking him back to his carefree childhood.
"Lacuna Coil" are marking the 20th anniversary of "Karmacode" with "Fragile XX", a new recording of "Fragile". Singer Andrea Ferro said the song had been part of the band's live repertoire even before the album came out, and that its message about vulnerability and finding the strength to carry on remains relevant to them today. Alongside the new version, the band have released a SWARM remix of "I Wish You Were Dead", from 2025's "Sleepless Empire".
"Machine Head" surprised fans on October 20 with "Sutures", their first new material since 2025's "UNATØNED". The song arrives shortly after Robb Flynn reflected on the touring cycle that accompanied the album. At this stage, the band have not announced a new album featuring the track.
Eyal Har-Noy released his new single "This Is Me" on October 16. Har-Noy wrote, performed, produced and mixed the song himself, with distribution through NMC United. He describes it as a pop-rock song about facing obstacles and making room for the person we have become. An official lyric video accompanies the release.
"HotBox" released their new EP "Out Of Spite" today through The Artery Foundation, in partnership with Skull & Palm Music. The Israeli band, now based in Los Angeles, worked with producer Elliot Polokoff. The EP features five songs - "Smile", "Not My Time", "Hate Me", "POSER" and "Wasted". Several were released as singles ahead of the EP, while "Hate Me" received its radio premiere on idobi Howl. According to the band, the writing reflects their determination to keep creating and moving forward despite those who doubted them.
For Listening: Spotify
Tony Iommi released "From The Dark" on October 23 through BMG. The album features eight songs, all with Norwegian singer Jorn Lande, who also contributed to the writing. Bassist Becky Baldwin and drummer Karl Brazil complete the lineup, with production shared by Iommi and longtime collaborator Mike Exeter. The album includes the singles "World Alone" and "Stormwatcher", while the expanded CD edition adds "Scent Of Dark" and an extended version of "Deified".
For Listening: Spotify
"Polyphia" released their fifth album, "BE NOT AFRAID", on October 23 through Rise Records, four years after "Remember That You Will Die". The album features 12 songs, including "CAN YOU FEEL IT" and "POWER IN THE BLOOD". This time, the musicians changed their approach by writing together in the same room, rather than mainly assembling ideas developed separately. Tim Henson said some guitar lines began as melodies he sang aloud before translating them to the instrument.
For Listening: Spotify
"Stand Atlantic" released their fifth album, "GODBREATH", on October 23 through Virgin Music Group. Following 2024's "WAS HERE", the album features 11 songs, including "LUCID", "Velcro", "EDGE OF VEGAS" and "NEXT2U". According to the band's announcement, the sessions emphasized playing together and a more direct approach to Bonnie Fraser's songwriting. Their Australian tour is also due to begin the same day, with "Knuckle Puck" and "Nightlight".
For Listening: Spotify
"Insomnium" released their tenth album, "Netherworlds", on October 16 through Century Media. The album features ten songs across approximately 54 minutes, with "Gleam In The Black" and "Arch Of The Sky" among the tracks shared ahead of its release. According to Niilo Sevänen, the lyrics continue the band's exploration of loss and searching, this time through a dark love story and the atmosphere of wandering through a forest at night.
For Listening: Spotify
"The Flower Kings" released "HOPE", their 18th studio album, on October 23 through InsideOut Music. Following 2025's "LOVE", the album features ten tracks. At its center is "The Gods Of Rome", a chapter-based piece running close to half an hour. Roine Stolt is joined by Hasse Fröberg, Michael Stolt, Mirko DeMaio and Lalle Larsson. According to the label's announcement, the writing explores power, conflict and the possibility of retaining compassion and hope.
For Listening: Spotify
"Forbidden" released their self-titled album on October 23, their first since 2010's "Omega Wave" and their sixth studio album overall. The 11-track release marks Norman Skinner's first full-length album as the band's vocalist. Craig Locicero and Chris Kontos produced it with Zack Ohren, who also handled recording at Sharkbite Studios in Oakland. "Mastodon" drummer Brann Dailor guests on "Sycophantasy".
For Listening: Spotify
"Stoned Jesus" released "Songs To Moon" on October 16 through Season Of Mist. It is the second part of the album trilogy that began with 2025's "Songs To Sun", and features seven tracks. Igor Sydorenko handled production, vocals, guitars, bass and keyboards. The sessions took place with Andy Rosczyk at Goblin Sound in Cologne, with mixing and mastering by Karl Daniel Lidén in Sweden.
For Listening: Spotify
"Entheos" released "Empty On The Inside" on October 23 through Metal Blade. The ten-track album follows 2023's "Time Will Take Us All" and the 2024 EP "An End To Everything". Vocalist Chaney Crabb and drummer Navene Koperweis continue to lead the band, with Mark Lewis co-producing and Justin Shturtz handling mastering. Guests include Michael Lessard of "The Contortionist", who appears on "Tomblight".
For Listening: Spotify
"Caspian" released their self-titled sixth album on October 16. It is the Massachusetts post-rock band's first studio album since 2020's "On Circles", and their first for Wax Bodega. Recorded with producer Brett Romnes, it features six pieces across approximately 39 minutes, including the advance tracks "Remain" and "Far Country". The band are supporting the release with a tour of Europe and the UK.
For Listening: Spotify
"Aerosmith" shared rehearsal photos this week ahead of their two "California, Dream On: Aerosmith & Friends" shows at the Hollywood Bowl, confirming that Joey Kramer has also returned behind the drums. Ross Halfin's photographs show all five members of the classic lineup together. The shows take place on October 29 and November 1, with "Guns N' Roses" appearing at both. Other announced guests include "The Black Crowes", "Heart", Sammy Hagar and Tom Morello.
Robert Plant revisited the loss of his son Karac in 1977 in a new interview with "The Times", describing how the tragedy changed his relationship with life in "Led Zeppelin". He said that after his son's death, he no longer felt he needed the band in the same way. The interview also explores the quieter life he has chosen and his enduring connection to folk and blues through "Saving Grace", away from expectations that he should keep returning to that celebrated past.
Lita Ford has signed with Frontiers Music Srl and announced that her new single, "Dracula", will arrive on October 27. Gary Hoey produced the song, Max Norman handled the mix, and Bobby Rock plays drums. Ford is working toward a follow-up to 2012's "Living Like A Runaway", expected to include collaborations with Doro Pesch and Jean Beauvoir. The announcement did not reveal an album title or release date.
"Burn Eternal", the project featuring Howard Jones and Adam Dutkiewicz, have signed with Metal Blade Records ahead of their debut album. The pair are making music together again years after their shared time in "Killswitch Engage", where Jones was the vocalist from 2002 to 2012. In the signing announcement, they said the album was already finished and that new music would arrive soon, but did not share a release date or unveil a first single.
"The Offspring" guitarist Noodles announced on October 21 that he would take a break from performing to address a sudden and significant health issue. He did not disclose further details, but wrote that his bandmates supported him and would continue performing in his absence. No replacement had been announced at the time of his statement. We wish him a speedy recovery and a return to the stage when his health allows.
Alice Cooper has reached number one on "The Sunday Times" nonfiction bestseller list with his memoir "Devil On My Shoulder". The achievement was reported on October 20, after the book had already been released earlier in the month. In the United States, it entered "The New York Times" list at number four. The book explores the relationship between Vincent Furnier, the man behind the makeup, and the stage persona he has developed throughout his career.
Liam Gallagher has reignited discussion about a possible new album from "Oasis". Responding on X on October 20 to a reference to the band's seven albums, he wrote that there were eight if the new one was included. This is a hint from Liam, rather than an official album announcement: no title, release date or tracklist has been revealed. The band's most recent studio album remains 2008's "Dig Out Your Soul".
Drummer Gil Moore is leaving the door open to new music from "Triumph". In an interview with "Metal Express Radio", published on October 20, he said he had learned not to rule anything out when asked about new material. Moore also explained that the family circumstances that previously kept him away from touring had changed. His comments come amid the band's return to the stage, but do not constitute an announcement of an album or the start of recording sessions.
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