In a candid interview conducted amidst the electrifying atmosphere of this year’s Rocklahoma festival in Pryor, Oklahoma, Godsmack frontman Sully Erna has officially confirmed that new music from the veteran hard rock outfit is in the works. Speaking with Cameron Buchholtz of Rock 100.5 The KATT FM, Erna revealed plans to begin writing and recording a follow-up to the band’s 2023 studio album, "Lighting Up The Sky." While a definitive release date remains tentative, Erna anticipates that fans can expect to hear fresh material by the summer of 2027.
"Oh, yeah, yeah. It’s gonna happen for sure," Erna stated, transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET. "We’re gonna finish this year out. We have a pretty busy schedule all the way up to New Year’s Eve, and then I’m gonna take a minute off, and then we’re gonna start writing a new record. And I’m sure you’ll hear some new Godsmack by the summer of ’27."
This announcement signals a continued creative drive for Godsmack, a band that has consistently delivered powerful rock anthems for over three decades. The confirmation of new material comes at a pivotal time for the group, marked by recent significant changes in its lineup and the release of a poignant live album.
The Evolving Sound of Godsmack: A New Drummer and a Refreshed Dynamic
Erna also addressed the current configuration of Godsmack, which now features himself on vocals and guitar, bassist Robbie Merrill, guitarist Sam Koltun, and the highly acclaimed drummer Mike Mangini. Mangini, formerly of the progressive metal giants Dream Theater, made his live debut with Godsmack on June 12th at the Morton Amphitheater in Riverside, Missouri. His integration into the band follows a series of departures that reshaped the rhythm section.
The drumming position saw a rapid succession of artists. Wade Murff briefly stepped into the role in early May, replacing longtime drummer Shannon Larkin. Larkin, along with guitarist Tony Rombola, announced their departure from Godsmack in late 2024, citing a desire to step away from extensive touring. This marked the end of a significant era for the band, as Larkin and Rombola had been integral members for many years.
"Live At Mohegan Sun": A Fond Farewell and a Bold New Beginning
The band’s recently released live album, "Live At Mohegan Sun," serves as a powerful testament to Godsmack’s classic lineup, featuring Erna, Larkin, Rombola, and Merrill. Erna views the album as a fitting tribute and a symbolic closing of a chapter.
"It was the perfect way to retire [Larkin and Rombola] as they wanted to and kind of close that chapter," Erna explained. "But me and Robbie had a conversation. We were, like, ‘We’re not ready to give it up yet. We still feel young. We still feel good. We wanna play music. We love it.’ We got two monsters in the band now – Mike Mangini and Sam Bam Koltun. And I gotta tell you, the band’s just as strong now, if not stronger than ever. So I’m happy."
This sentiment underscores the enduring passion and commitment of Erna and Merrill to continue Godsmack’s musical journey. The addition of Mangini, a drummer renowned for his technical prowess and musical depth, alongside the dynamic guitar work of Koltun, suggests a revitalized and potentially more complex sonic landscape for the band.
The "Battle Of The Drums": A Timeless Tradition Reimagined
A cornerstone of Godsmack’s live performances for decades has been the "Battle Of The Drums." Originating in the mid-1990s with Erna himself behind the kit, this segment evolved into an elaborate rhythmic duel after Shannon Larkin joined the band. What began as Erna playing congas alongside early drummers eventually transformed into a high-octane spectacle featuring two full drum kits, rotating risers, and a display of precision and power that has captivated rock audiences worldwide.
Erna shared his experiences performing this iconic segment with Mike Mangini, noting that the transition has been overwhelmingly positive. "It’s been great," he said. "I mean, he’s still settling into it, and we’re still finding each other. But it’s going really well, man. And he’s very fun to play with, very fun to watch. I’m learning things from him because he has a whole different angle on stuff sometimes, and I’m, like, ‘Okay, nice one, dude.’"
He further elaborated on the improvisational nature of the drum solo, a deliberate choice made with Larkin to allow for creative freedom. "When we and Shannon built the solo, we built it so it has its foundation and the parts that we kind of stick to that are staple parts. But then we always left these big holes where you have the freedom to improvise. But we did it that way because we wanted to be off the leash once in a while and just create. And it’s pretty cool ’cause once in a while you nail this amazing riff, and then once in a while you stumble or you drop a stick, and it’s a mess. And watching Mangini come into the same thing – there’s some nights where he does this brilliant fill, I’m, like, ‘Wow, dude, that was amazing.’ And then some nights, he chokes a little bit and knuckles up, and I’m, like, ‘Welcome aboard, dude.’"
This candid acknowledgment of both the triumphs and occasional stumbles highlights Erna’s embrace of the raw, live energy that defines Godsmack’s performances. It also speaks to the challenging nature of filling Larkin’s shoes, a feat Erna believes Mangini is more than capable of.
"Well, that goes to show you how good Shannon was, and is, because you need someone at Mangini’s level to be able to cover what Shannon does. There it is," Erna commented, emphasizing the high caliber of talent required to execute such intricate drum passages.
Mangini’s Future with Godsmack: A Permanent Fixture?
When asked about Mike Mangini’s status as a permanent member, Erna expressed confidence in his continued presence within the band. "I can never predict the future, but I can’t see him going anywhere," he stated. "We love him. He’s an old friend of mine. He’s doing great. He’s a high-level player. I have no reason why I need to replace the guy." This assurance likely provides considerable relief to fans eager to witness the new era of Godsmack.
A Stance Against Backing Tracks: Preserving the Integrity of Live Rock Music
Beyond lineup discussions, Erna also shared his strong opinions on the use of backing tracks in live performances, a practice he vehemently opposes within the rock and metal genres. He expressed his inability to comprehend why musicians who dedicate years to honing their craft would rely on pre-recorded tracks to supplement their live sound.
"No, never. And we never will," Erna declared. "I can’t wrap my head around that. EDM, sure. But musicians who spend tens of thousands of hours practicing to get great, and then they record a record, and then they go out and play computers so they can fill up the sound? No. That doesn’t fly with me. I’m sorry. It’s never going to."
Erna elaborated that while he respects artistic choices across genres, he believes that for rock and metal, the integrity of live performance should be paramount. "I try to have a mutual respect for all artists, but when it comes to rock, comes to metal, those kind of things, I really feel like if you’re layering your music that much, then you shouldn’t be either performing the song or you shouldn’t layer the album so much that you have to run track with you. Especially if you’re that good of a player."
He contextualized his perspective within the legacy of rock music, drawing parallels to iconic bands from the 1970s and 1980s. "Listen, that’s just my opinion. Everybody has their own opinion," Sully clarified. "I come from an older school, ’70s, ’80s background of music. We’re just groomed a different way, and we’re groomed to play our instruments and practice our ass off until you get it right. That’s just where I come from. That’s what it’s supposed to be. And that’s what it’s always gonna be for us, and the Foo Fighters, and Metallica and the [Red Hot] Chili Peppers, and all the people that come from that same era."
While acknowledging that some bands may opt for backing tracks to achieve a fuller sound or compensate for a lack of musicians, Erna remains resolute in his commitment to a pure, live performance ethos. "There’s still bands out there that they just – I don’t know – they wanna sound perfect, or they wanna sound fuller, or they don’t have enough musicians to fill up the extra layers they put on the album. So I understand it; I just don’t agree with it. There’s ways around that stuff." This unwavering stance reflects a deep-seated respect for the artistry and dedication involved in playing music live, a philosophy that has undoubtedly contributed to Godsmack’s enduring appeal.
"The Rise Of Rock" Tour Continues: Godsmack’s Global Ambitions
In tandem with the confirmation of new music and discussions about the band’s evolving dynamics, Godsmack has also announced additional dates for its extensive "The Rise Of Rock" world tour. The tour is slated to include newly added U.S. dates throughout the fall of 2026. Special guest Dorothy is set to join as direct support for the October leg of the tour.
The freshly announced October run commences on Friday, October 9th, in Airway Heights, Washington, at the Northern Quest Resort & Casino. The tour will traverse major markets across the United States, with planned stops including Idaho Falls, Lincoln, Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Cincinnati, Atlantic City, and a return to Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville on Saturday, October 24th. These added dates underscore Godsmack’s continued commitment to connecting with their global fanbase and delivering their signature high-energy live performances. The sheer scale of this tour, coupled with the ongoing creative output, suggests a band that is far from finished, despite its long and storied career. The integration of new members and the promise of fresh material indicate a forward-looking approach, eager to build upon their impressive legacy.
