SAMAEL Plans to Release New Album in 2026 Featuring Increased Guitar Presence

Many Samael fans have been eagerly anticipating the release of a new album, especially considering that Hegemony was unveiled back in 2017. Frontman Michael “Vorph” Locher recently hinted that the wait might soon be over, as the band is in the final stages of production.

During an interview with Chaoszine, Vorph revealed, “The album is pretty much recorded. It’s done, but Xy’s still doing some adjustment with editing.” He further explained, “We are looking for the mix. I mean, we were supposed to start mixing in January, but it didn’t happen. So it’s gonna be before the summer, I will imagine, then mastering.” The plan is to release at least one song this year and most likely the entire album next year.

While some patience may be required, the upcoming material is expected to build upon the foundation set by Hegemony while exploring new territories. Vorph elaborated, stating, “Well, it will have a strong bond to Hegemony, but it’s not the same. We kind of try to take advantage of the fact that we’ve done different things throughout the years.” The band aims to innovate within their established sound.

Regarding potential experimentation on the new album, Vorph clarified that although there won’t be any groundbreaking changes, fans can expect a heavier, guitar-driven sound. “Some of the crowd, they enjoy when a band sticks to a formula – you know what you’re gonna get. With us, it’s a bit different,” he shared. “But it won’t be a total surprise.” The emphasis on guitars in the upcoming music is one of the key distinctions from their previous work.

In terms of live performances, Samael’s plans for 2025 include standalone shows rather than extensive tours. Vorph mentioned, “We haven’t planned any tours this year. It’s just gonna be standalone shows.” The band will be making appearances at various locations, prioritizing the completion of the album above all else.

The extended timeline for the album is partially attributed to the writing process coinciding with the pandemic. The band utilized this time to refine and perfect their ideas. Vorph stated, “It took us forever, but it happened during COVID, so we had a lot of time.” This allowed them to collectively mold the music to its full potential.

However, excessive fine-tuning can come with risks. Vorph acknowledged this, noting, “It’s definitely risky. I mean, all the work that Xy’s doing now, for me it is not that important.” This attention to detail can sometimes slow down the process unnecessarily. Yet, the band remains focused on delivering a quality album that truly represents their vision.

In conclusion, Samael fans have much to anticipate with a new album in the works, and despite potential delays, the band’s commitment to delivering a fresh yet authentic sound remains unwavering.