Twenty One Pilots Achieve Landmark Success on Rock Chart, Surpassing Tool’s ‘Fear Inoculum’
Twenty One Pilots has accomplished an impressive feat by securing the number one spot on the Billboard 200 chart with their latest album, Breach. This achievement marks a milestone as the first rock album to claim the top position since Tool’s Fear Inoculum did so in 2019. The band’s eighth studio album, Breach, was released on September 12, 2025, and serves as the culmination of a conceptual series that includes Blurryface (2015), Trench (2018), and Scaled and Icy (2021).
Frontman Tyler Joseph expressed his emotional response to the accomplishment in a heartfelt message to fans. He mentioned how the album’s success had a profound impact on him, revealing that he teared up as he saw Breach reach number one. Joseph reflected on the band’s journey, highlighting how their approach shifted from chasing chart positions to creating music for their fans and themselves. He credited their loyal fanbase for the album’s success, recognizing their support through various means such as buying vinyl, attending listening events, streaming, and spreading the word.
Joseph’s pride in the band’s achievement was evident as he acknowledged how the industry was taken aback by their success. He emphasized that Twenty One Pilots’ fans played an essential role in propelling the album to the top of the charts. Beyond the significance of claiming the number one spot, this accomplishment underscores the band’s impressive commercial trajectory and rock music’s current status in mainstream charts.
The album’s commercial performance has been outstanding, with Breach debuting with 200,000 album-equivalent units in the US. The album’s first week sales included 169,000 pure album sales and 40.68 million on-demand streams, marking the band’s most successful opening week. Notably, Breach also set a record for the largest vinyl sales week for a rock album in the modern era, indicating the enduring appeal of physical media among their dedicated fanbase.
The international success of Breach is equally remarkable, with the album reaching number one in Scotland and the Netherlands, along with top three rankings in the UK and Australia. This global reach emphasizes Twenty One Pilots’ expanding influence and ability to connect with audiences worldwide. The album’s comprehensive impact is evident in its track-by-track performance, with all thirteen songs charting in the top 40 of the US Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart. This widespread recognition showcases the cohesive strength of the album and the deep engagement of their fanbase with their music.
In the larger context of mainstream charts dominated by pop and hip-hop, Twenty One Pilots’ achievement with Breach stands out as the biggest week for a rock album in six years, highlighting the rarity of rock acts achieving such commercial success. This milestone not only demonstrates the band’s enduring appeal and creativity but also signifies a resurgence of rock music in mainstream consciousness.