Yes announces release of new album “Aurora” and title track.
Yes is set to release their 24th studio album, titled Aurora, on June 12, 2026, through InsideOut Music and Sony Music. This announcement comes alongside the unveiling of the album’s title track, also called Aurora, which is accompanied by a new video that introduces the musical and conceptual themes of the record. The release of Aurora marks the second studio album from the current lineup of Steve Howe, Geoff Downes, Jon Davison, Billy Sherwood, and Jay Schellen.
Following in the footsteps of their recent albums “The Quest” (2021) and “Mirror To The Sky” (2023), Aurora signifies Yes’s dedication to creating new music rather than relying solely on past hits for their live shows. The band has honed in on long-form compositions, intricate orchestral arrangements, and collaborative songwriting across different countries to craft their sound.
Lead guitarist Steve Howe took charge of production duties for Aurora, shaping the album’s overall direction and structure. According to Billy Sherwood, the band’s creative momentum received a boost from Howe’s guidance, leading to an accelerated workflow post their Classic Tales Of Yes tour. The collaborative songwriting process within the band, as described by Howe, emphasizes group development over individual authorship, creating a cohesive sound for the album.
Aurora serves as the central piece in a trilogy that began with “The Quest” and continued with “Mirror To The Sky,” showcasing a seamless progression in Yes’s musical evolution. Keyboardist Geoff Downes highlighted the album’s focus on progressive structures and intricate musicianship, emphasizing the band’s foundational roots in the genre. The early selection of the title Aurora influenced the artistic direction of the project, with visual collaborators Roger Dean and Freyja Dean incorporating the album’s themes into the artwork.
The album features a mix of concise tracks and extended compositions, with songs like “Countermovement” showcasing the entire band’s writing prowess in a nearly 14-minute piece. The collaboration with the Czech National Symphony Orchestra on the title track further emphasizes Yes’s penchant for blending symphonic elements into their rock sound. With a history spanning over five decades, Yes has established itself as a hallmark of progressive rock, evolving through various lineup changes while retaining their core musical identity.
Aurora’s release aligns with the trend of legacy progressive acts returning to the studio to create new music, incorporating modern technologies and orchestral collaborations to expand their sonic palette. Despite comparisons to their earlier works, Yes’s continuous output is seen as vital in propelling the genre forward within the progressive rock community. The presence of former members pursuing solo projects underscores the diverse creative endeavors within the larger Yes ecosystem.
With Aurora set to debut in June 2026, Yes continues to push boundaries in their late-career recording phase, proving their commitment to innovation in long-form composition and orchestral integration.