Lalu set to drop “A Mythmaker’s Demise” studio album on July 31, 2026
Vivien Lalu teams up once again with longtime partner Joop Wolters on guitars and bass. The duo crafted the songs from the ground up, focusing on organic, dynamic arrangements with no overproduction – just raw, honest performances.
“We wanted this record to feel alive. No drum samples, next to no EQ, just real performances captured in their natural state,” explained Vivien Lalu.
Guitarist Joop Wolters added: “There has always been undeniable musical synergy between Viv and myself. This album came together very naturally, and locking in with the real, unedited live drums by Simon Phillips in the final stages was the icing on the cake. It truly feels like a real band, just like back in the good old days.”
The album was mixed to preserve a live, open sound, capturing the human energy of each take. A key guest appearance comes from keyboard virtuoso Jens Johansson (Stratovarius, Yngwie Malmsteen), who delivers explosive solos across three tracks. His presence carries particular significance, having been one of Vivien’s earliest influences and a contributor to both “Atomic Ark” and “Paint the Sky”.
The evocative title “A Mythmaker’s Demise” reflects on the fading light of human imagination in the age of artificial intelligence. The striking artwork by Mattias Norén portrays a writer dying at his desk, while his creations struggle to escape into a world that no longer values them – a visual metaphor for the album’s deeper message.
“A Mythmaker’s Demise” isn’t just an album – it’s a time capsule of progressive rock’s soul, 20 years in the making.
The tracklist includes songs like “Tears of the Muse”, “EKO”, “I Am the One”, “Mayacama” as an instrumental, “Prince With the Swift Warning”, “Learning to Fly”, “A Drop of Water” as an instrumental, “Fhloston Paradise”, “Cordal Weaves”, and “Midnight Ink”.
The lineup consists of Vivien Lalu on keyboards, Joop Wolters on guitars and bass, Martin LeMar on vocals, and Simon Phillips on drums.
Excitement fills the air as fans await the release of “A Mythmaker’s Demise” on July 31st, 2026. With its deep thematic elements, powerful performances, and dedication to the essence of progressive rock, Lalu’s latest offering promises to be a testament to the enduring spirit of artistic expression and collaboration in music.