Shinedown has revealed details of its upcoming eighth studio album, EI8HT, set for release on May 29 via Atlantic Records, along with a new single 'Safe And Sound.' The band also confirmed the Dance Kid Dance Act II World Tour, spanning 53 dates across 11 countries. Frontman Brent Smith shared insights into the album's creation and personal inspirations behind it.
Shinedown, the Jacksonville, Florida-based rock band, announced its eighth studio album, EI8HT, on February 17, 2026. The 18-track record, a follow-up to 2022's Planet Zero, is scheduled for release on May 29 via Atlantic Records. It includes previously released singles 'Three Six Five,' 'Dance, Kid, Dance,' and 'Killing Fields'—all number-one US radio hits—as well as 'Searchlight,' which debuted at the Grand Ole Opry. The new single, 'Safe And Sound,' accompanies a lyric video and is described by frontman Brent Smith as 'about reminding the competition what they are dealing with one by one.'
Smith, in interviews, emphasized the album's intensive production process, noting it took over a year and involved pushing creative boundaries with bassist and producer Eric Bass. 'This album is over a year in the making. Without question as a band we pushed ourselves like never before,' Smith said. He highlighted the record's mix of arena rock, introspective lyrics, and varied styles, including dance-rock in 'Burning Down the Disco,' ballads like 'Dizzy,' and folk elements in 'The Pilot.' Smith also confirmed no AI was used in its creation.
The announcement coincides with the Dance Kid Dance Act II World Tour, starting May 13 in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and covering North America, the UK, and Europe with support from acts including Coheed And Cambria, Black Stone Cherry, Those Damn Crows, From Ashes to New, and DJ Rock Feed on select dates. North American tickets go on sale February 20, with European and UK sales on February 27. Additionally, the band plans Shinedown’s Lunatic Ball Beach Weekend festival October 23-25, 2026, in Miramar Beach, Florida, featuring performances by Bush, Hanson, Flyleaf with Lacey Sturm, and others.
Smith reflected on personal challenges during production, including the January 19 death of his mother, Patricia, at age 72, and losses faced by bandmates. He stressed themes of unity and life's preciousness, drawing from conversations with his son Lyric for tracks like 'Wide Open.' Shinedown, comprising Smith on vocals, Zach Myers on guitar, Eric Bass on bass and production, and Barry Kerch on drums, has amassed over 8.3 billion global streams and 10 million albums sold.
