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Godsmack Confirm New Album in Works, Lineup Shifts Highlight Evolution of the Band
At the March 2026 Rocklahoma festival in Pryor, Oklahoma, Godsmack frontman Sully Erna announced that the band is already writing new material after the release of 2023’s Lighting Up the Sky. In a conversation with Rock 100.5’s Cameron Buchholtz, Erna outlined a plan to finish touring through New Year’s Eve, take a brief hiatus, and then dive into studio work. He added that fans can expect fresh Godsmack tracks by the summer of 2027.
The announcement comes amid a period of significant personnel shifts. In early May 2026, drummer Shannon Larkin and guitarist Tony Rombola declared they were stepping away from touring duties, citing a desire to retire from live performance. Wade Murff was hired as a temporary replacement but resigned later that month, leaving a void that was quickly filled by former Dream Theater drummer Mike Mangini. Mangini made his live debut on June 12 at the Morton Amphitheatre in Riverside, Missouri, and Erna praised the new rhythm section as “two monsters” – Mangini and guitarist Sam Koltun – and said the band feels “just as strong, if not stronger, than ever.”
The band’s latest release, Live At Mohegan Sun, was issued as a tribute to the classic lineup of Rombola, Merrill, Larkin, and Erna. Erna explained that the album serves as a respectful farewell to Larkin and Rombola, who wished to retire from touring, while he and bassist Robbie Merrill remain eager to play. He emphasized that the new lineup will carry the group forward while honoring its legacy.
A hallmark of Godsmack’s concerts is the “Battle of the Drums,” a high‑energy duel that began in the mid‑1990s when Erna was still a drummer. The segment evolved into a full‑blown drum battle after Larkin joined the band, featuring two complete kits, revolving risers, and displays of technical prowess. Erna said the battle “has always been a pivotal point of the show” and that he and Mangini are still learning from each other. He described the routine as a mix of structured parts and improvisational “holes” that allow each drummer to showcase their style.
When asked whether Mangini is a permanent member, Erna replied that he has no reason to replace him and that the drummer is a “high‑level player” who is already integrated into the group. He also addressed the use of backing tracks, stating that Godsmack has never used, and will never use, pre‑recorded layers to fill out the sound. Erna believes that musicians who have spent thousands of hours practicing should perform their music live without electronic augmentation, contrasting this approach with EDM artists and other genres that rely on computer‑generated backing.
The band’s current touring schedule runs through the end of 2026, with a planned break before the new album’s writing sessions. While no official release date has been announced for the forthcoming studio project, Erna’s statement that new music will arrive by summer 2027 provides a clear timeline for fans.
In summary, Godsmack is moving forward with a new lineup that features Mike Mangini on drums, while continuing to honor its legacy through releases like Live At Mohegan Sun. The band’s commitment to live musicianship and its tradition of the “Battle of the Drums” remain central to its identity. With a new album slated for 2027, the group is poised to return to the studio after a period of extensive touring and lineup consolidation.
The announcement comes amid a period of significant personnel shifts. In early May 2026, drummer Shannon Larkin and guitarist Tony Rombola declared they were stepping away from touring duties, citing a desire to retire from live performance. Wade Murff was hired as a temporary replacement but resigned later that month, leaving a void that was quickly filled by former Dream Theater drummer Mike Mangini. Mangini made his live debut on June 12 at the Morton Amphitheatre in Riverside, Missouri, and Erna praised the new rhythm section as “two monsters” – Mangini and guitarist Sam Koltun – and said the band feels “just as strong, if not stronger, than ever.”
The band’s latest release, Live At Mohegan Sun, was issued as a tribute to the classic lineup of Rombola, Merrill, Larkin, and Erna. Erna explained that the album serves as a respectful farewell to Larkin and Rombola, who wished to retire from touring, while he and bassist Robbie Merrill remain eager to play. He emphasized that the new lineup will carry the group forward while honoring its legacy.
A hallmark of Godsmack’s concerts is the “Battle of the Drums,” a high‑energy duel that began in the mid‑1990s when Erna was still a drummer. The segment evolved into a full‑blown drum battle after Larkin joined the band, featuring two complete kits, revolving risers, and displays of technical prowess. Erna said the battle “has always been a pivotal point of the show” and that he and Mangini are still learning from each other. He described the routine as a mix of structured parts and improvisational “holes” that allow each drummer to showcase their style.
When asked whether Mangini is a permanent member, Erna replied that he has no reason to replace him and that the drummer is a “high‑level player” who is already integrated into the group. He also addressed the use of backing tracks, stating that Godsmack has never used, and will never use, pre‑recorded layers to fill out the sound. Erna believes that musicians who have spent thousands of hours practicing should perform their music live without electronic augmentation, contrasting this approach with EDM artists and other genres that rely on computer‑generated backing.
The band’s current touring schedule runs through the end of 2026, with a planned break before the new album’s writing sessions. While no official release date has been announced for the forthcoming studio project, Erna’s statement that new music will arrive by summer 2027 provides a clear timeline for fans.
In summary, Godsmack is moving forward with a new lineup that features Mike Mangini on drums, while continuing to honor its legacy through releases like Live At Mohegan Sun. The band’s commitment to live musicianship and its tradition of the “Battle of the Drums” remain central to its identity. With a new album slated for 2027, the group is poised to return to the studio after a period of extensive touring and lineup consolidation.
