NAPNET Presents: Most Anticipated Albums of 2026
2025 was a pivotal year in terms of new music releases - from bands that have been around for years, to up-and-coming artists bringing a fresh, new sound to the scene. With the turn of a new year, could 2026 possibly top the music drops of 2025? The NAPNET crew speculates on what’s to come in anticipation of the coming year.
Contributions by: Devon, Becca, Kanan, Jezzie, Lisa, Swemo, CZB, Robb
Edited by: Catherine/CZB
Devon of Imperfect Dads Podcast
The Format - Boycott Heaven January 23
I loved the first two Format albums in high school. I loved Interventions and Lullabies more than Dog Problems, but when Nate Ruess released music as Fun! His ambition and the style of Dog Problems made a lot more sense.
I never got a chance to see The Format live and I’m excited to finally hear these songs live.
I’m most excited to hear what style the new album is. Is it infectious acoustic indie pop songs? Is it massive pop songs? Is it both?
I’m so excited to see what Sam Means comes up with on guitar and how much Nate Ruess’ vocal parts get stuck in my head.
BeccaOnRepeat
TX2
TX2 have been speed-running their new era this year. In 2025 alone they have released multiple songs including Hostage, Nice Guy, and Feed. On December 3rd, they released The End of Us, a slower, vulnerable song straying from their normal self deprecating vibe, featuring Black Veil Brides (and produced by Matt Good of From First To Last). Currently opening for Ice Nine Kills on their European tour, TX2 have fully carved out their place in the scene, constantly proving their viral success. If this is what 2025 looked like, I can't wait to see what's in store for 2026 - I have high hopes for an album telling a great story with all these singles and more.
Huddy
Huddy has fully committed to his alt era this year. Starting with Vendetta, then getting my heart ripped out with the emotional Fragile, and most recently Burn the Ballroom Down (co-written with Vic Fuentes!) released on December 5th. With every release, Huddy continues to raise the bar (and grow into one of my personal favorites). I am sure his sophomore album will be as emotional and raw as these singles and wreck me in the best way. Huddy is an artist to watch - I fully think his sound may pave the way for the new era of alt, the same way Tickets To My Downfall rebooted the pop-punk revival.
Motionless In White
Motionless In White have taken the opposite approach from the other artists on this list - they have been radio silent on releases. After their 2022 album Scoring The End of The World, they have stayed active touring but haven't dropped any new music. Finally at their hometown show on November 13th, they officially confirmed their next single will arrive on January 28th, with their seventh album following later in the year. Twenty years of Motionless in White and they still keep evolving - who knows what this next album will sound like, but I'm here for it.
Bad Omens
Bad Omens were lurking in the shadows for the first half of 2025, then came in swinging during the second half with FOUR singles - Specter, Impose, Dying to Love, and Left For Good back to back to back. No album has been officially announced, but they're doing their first US arena headline tour in the spring, so I'd bet they have something up their sleeve. Judging by how some of their past releases have happened? They'll probably drop the album on a random Tuesday at 2pm with zero warning, and we'll all be scrambling to learn the lyrics before the tour and cursing them for making us love them so much.
Kanan
The Maine
The Maine remain some of the hardest-working musicians in the scene. Known for releasing music at a rapid pace, under their own independent label, 8123, they show no sign of slowing down. Following their 2023 self-titled album, they dropped Dyed (2008-2023) in 2025, a collection of re-recorded tracks pulled from every era of their career.
A festival mainstay, The Maine have long been frontrunners of the genre. They were generous enough to take a brief break from their packed schedule to join the Jonas Brothers onstage for fan-favorite track, “Black Butterflies and Déjà Vu,” proving once again that they can effortlessly blur music boundary lines.
Now, as they approach their monumental tenth studio album, the band states that there is “still a lot to be discovered”, leaving eager fans guessing as to what will happen next. When Rocksound magazine caught up with the Phoenix quintet at When We Were Young festival, the band had expressed that the new album was “eighty percent done”, stating that all that was left to complete were John’s (O’Callaghan’s) vocals. To me, The Maine embodies romance, longing and adventure; I hope that world stays intact as they craft their upcoming record.
And if history tells us anything, it is that The Maine truly can’t stop, won’t stop.
Waterparks
Waterparks’ next album (still untitled, though fans are aptly calling it ‘Parx6’) is set to drop in 2026. What do we know about this upcoming release? Well, not much. We do have a slew of new singles: “Red Guitar,” “If Lyrics Were
Confidential,” and “Any Minute Now,” as well as live-premiering songs such as “Prowler” (and probably more upcoming, just a prediction).
Most likely stylized with the all-caps era from their fifth album Intellectual Property, “Parx6” does not seem to be committing to a certain color palette (yet), unlike Parx albums of the past.
This could also be reflected in Awsten Knight’s blond locks (with recent pink streaks), possibly hinting at or contributing to a future color-palette that this era will eventually adopt.
We also know that after an independent break following their run with Fueled by Ramen, Parx have recently signed with BMG. What can we expect from this new Parx era and album? New sounds, new inspirations, more introspective, lyrically
and sonically pushing themselves, perhaps? And hopefully providing the positive vibes that Awsten Knight has been seeking.
Hilary Duff
Hilary Duff is slated to make one of the biggest musical comebacks of the decade. It has been over ten years since Hilary dropped 2015’s Breathe In. Breathe Out, and fans have been going absolutely feral for her inevitable return. On November 6, 2026, our wish finally came true; Hilary dropped her new single, “Mature,” and the internet erupted. The introspective track finds Hilary speaking to her younger self, earnestly singing, “she looks like all of your girls but blonder, a little like me just younger.” Co-written with her husband, songwriter and Winnetka Bowling League frontman, Matthew Koma, truly a pairing made in heaven.
Then, on November 21, 2025, she announced her upcoming album Luck…or Something, set for release on February 20, 2026. Thematically, Hilary has stated to Variety that this album is all about the journey, reminiscing about times that can be viewed as simpler, but also complicated in ways in which you are not fully sure or confident in yourself. Hilary reflects on her story as “some of it being luck, and some it being me.”
After announcing a mini intimate tour run for 2026 entitled Small Rooms, Big Nerves, Hilary will hit the Voltaire theater inside Las Vegas’ Venetian hotel for a limited residency.
August Burns Red
In September of this year, metalcore masters August Burns Red announced that they are in the studio recording their 10th album, coming in 2026. Though an official date has not been announced, they were “in the studio” as of September 29, and recently announced a North American tour with Amity Affliction, Boundaries, and Heavens Gate kicking off in April 2026. Let me do a little math here - September 29 announcement + April 2026 tour date = album before April? As someone heading to Christmas Burns Red on December 11, my fingers are crossed for a sneak peek performance of some new material.
Lamb of God
After releasing 3 new singles in 2025 and announcing a 2026 tour with Kublai Khan, Fit for an Autopsy, and Sanguisugabogg, I can’t help but speculate that there’s a new album in the works for Lamb of God. LOG has not released a full album since Omens in 2022, but the band has kept busy since then - collaborating on singles with other bands including Mastodon (Floods of Triton) and Lacuna Coil (Hosting the Shadow). They hit several major music festivals in 2025 (Louder than Life, Inkcarceration, Aftershock), and hosted their third Headbanger’s Boat cruise on the high seas in November of this year. Somewhere in between all of these engagements, guitarist Mark Morton released his own solo album, and lead singer Randy Blythe published his second book. So the question is: will we get more new music from LOG in 2026? Despite no announcement, my bets are on a full album, despite how busy the crew has been.
JezzieJo
The Academy Is..
She said.. all right, all right we are finally getting new music
At Riot Fest 2025 The Academy is.. performed two new songs and confirmed they will be releasing a new album in 2026. No official date has been announced yet for the new album but they have announced a North American tour to celebrate their album “Almost here” turning 20 years old. The Chicago Based Pop punk band hasn’t released an album in over 18 years. The band has put out 3 albums making this their 4th studio album. I’m excited to hear what they have in store for us. They have that iconic early 2000s pop punk sound but a unique writing style that always made them different and left me wanting more.
Gym Class Heroes
In August 2025 Gym Class Heroes’ front man Travie McCoy announced at a baseball game that the band will be releasing their first album in over 14 years in 2026. The band became wildly popular in 2005 with their debut album The Papercut Chronicles and hit song Cupid’s Chokehold / Breakfast in America. There hasn’t been an official tour announcement yet but it’s been speculated we might hear a new single in early 2026. So maybe we will get a summer tour?? In my opinion they helped pave the bridge between alternative and hip-hop and I’m excited to hear the mix of the two genres once again in a climate where genres don’t matter as much… I guess Class is back in session.
New Found Glory
Longtime favorites, New Found Glory, will be releasing their 12th studio album February 20th under a new record label, Pure Noise records. Currently there are three singles available to listen to on all streaming platforms. I can’t scream enough how excited I am about this. They may not have created the genre but the way they have inspired today’s pop punk is unlike any other pop punk band. It’s bands like New Found Glory that blur the lines between pop punk and emo with their upbeat instrumental and emotional lyrics. There’s been a lot of changes and health scares the past few years, and as quoted by Gilbert, “We wanted to make something that really focused on how lucky we are.” And after listening to the three current singles that’s exactly how it feels... to keep going even in the tough times.
Story of the Year
They wrote one of the most wildly known anthems within the scene “Until the day I die” and back again with their eighth studio album set to release February 2026 A.R.S.O.N by Story of the year. This is one of those bands where I can’t stress enough, go listen to more of their discography. I truly get disappointed that people only remember them for that one song.. their first two studio albums are two of my favorite albums in the post hardcore scene. This will be their second studio album release with Sharptone records and in my opinion, has been such a great fit for the band. The label has literally allowed them to stop chasing trends and just be who they are …distorted guitars and Dan’s iconic vocals that switch between screaming and melodic vocals. Their current single gasoline is probably one of the heaviest songs they have ever released and I really am looking forward to listening to the rest of the album.
No Pressure
The Angsty Pop punk band “No Pressure” is anticipated to drop their second studio album sometime in 2026. No information has been provided on a date release or title of the upcoming album but the band did drop two new singles in November 2025. No pressure is a project of Parker Cannon, front man of The Story So Far, and has more of that raw hardcore pop punk elements. I’m excited and I think others will be excited for this drop especially seasoned pop punkers and the direction in which the future of pop punk may be headed.
Swemo
Poppy - Empty Hands releases January 23rd
Look this little android girl turned metal queen stole my heart back when she was singing “get me get me bloody, please get me bloody.” We’ve come a long way since people were saying “did you know the creepy YouTube girl makes music?” Poppy will be looking to expand upon her genre redefining sound that combines pop, electronic, industrial, and metal. Working again with super producer Jordan Fish, Poppy’s seventh studio album comes out January 23rd
Daisy Grenade
While Daisy Grenade has not announced an official release in 2026, the writing seems to be on the wall. Daisy Grenade has appeared primed to take the next big step in their career and claim their status as a headliner. They released a wave of three singles in 2025 but haven’t had a proper release since 2023’s Cult Classic EP. For a group considered by many to be the next big thing, seems like 2026 would be a good year to kick the door down.
Lisa of Stereo Therapy
Sincere Engineer
My most anticipated record has to be from Sincere Engineer! I spoke with Deanna Belos on my show and couldn't believe she spilled the beans about going into the studio before it was said anywhere on the internet. It was truly special to see the light in Deanna’s eyes as she spoke about entering the studio and what it feels like to have those special moments while recording music and how music overall is a cathartic experience. Cheap Grills offered such fun, energetic, passionate and angsty songs such as Anemia, Inside My Head and Fireplace and I truly can’t wait to hear what Sincere Engineer has in store for us! This band became one of my favorite bands and Chicago Royalty . Don’t miss Sincere Engineer on the second leg of the Motion City Soundtrack/Say Anything tour kicking off January 23rd at Revolution Live in Fort Lauderdale, Florida! I’ll see you all at the Starland show in the front row singing my lungs out until we hear this new record!
Sweet Pill
I have been screaming into the void about Sweet Pill since I can remember and I feel next year people may finally wake up. Sweet Pill is a band that checks all the boxes of needing music that understands, comforts, and provides catharsis to the never ending cycle of life. Vocalist Zayna Youssef appeared on Zane Lowe which is a huge milestone of being the first band on The Hopeless Record’s Roster to appear on the cover for New Music Daily. Sweet Pill released “No Control” and if this track is any indicator for what we are in store for in 2026, LET’S GO!
Robb Laffoon of Emo Kids Anonymous
Joyce Manor
Since 2012, Torrance based trio Joyce Manor have been one of the most influential bands in the scene. Albums like 2014’s Never Hungover Again and 2016’s Cody are some of the most highly regarded albums to come out of the world of punk and emo in the 2010s and now the band is back and they feel bigger than ever. Their new album I Used To Go To This Bar comes out on January 30th, and if the first two Brett Gurewitz produced singles are any indication, JM have a massive opportunity to become the next big rock band. These songs sound so tight and polished they make me believe the band would fit right in as the sub-headliner for your local radio stations summer music festival.
RED SUN
Okay so full disclosure I have already heard Red Sun’s debut album At Their Very Best (out on Jan 23 via Wax Bodega) and lemme just say this record is absolutely SCREAMIN’. They just dropped the first single “Slayce”, but it’s the track right after it that will blow your mind. This will sound ridiculous but trust me c Ruff Ryderz is one of the greatest pop punk songs of the millennium. It’s like the best of Midwest emo coming together with the best of pop punk, and then for some reason some sick motherfucker comes along and tosses horns in that bitch. Look for Red Sun to follow in the footsteps of fellow Wax Bodegans Hot Mulligan (or fellow Okies Ben Quad) and absolutely blow TF up.
Leisure Hour
Leisure Hour went dummy mode on the scene in 2025, releasing a slew of singles with each being better than the last. A couple weeks ago they announced their signing to Counter Intuitive Records along with the upcoming release of their debut album …and to think on Jan 30 of next year. the first single “Jobs” is an undeniable earworm that belongs on rock radio. The record will have a good handful of songs already released so I’m curious to see if these are rerecordings or just a way to package them all up properly. Either way, I can’t wait to see what Isaiah, Grace and Reagan are cooking up.
Combat
Combat’s last album, 2024s Stay Golden is a critically acclaimed masterpiece. A near perfect work that feels urgent and sporadic, yet carefully curated. Given the fact that Holden wrote most of those songs while still a teenager, it almost feels like the emo equivalent of watching LeBron James back when he was in HS. Clearly a generational talent, but still growing into their skin and refining their skill set. Will 2026 mark the much anticipated follow up album? Or were they telling us something in the final track of Stay Golden with the line, “this band might not be playing in a year?”
Dear Cincinnati
These Tallahassee boys had a helluva rookie year in 2025, releasing two EPs produced and mixed by names like Derek Berry and Billy Mannino. Rumor and innuendo has it that 2026 will see the first full length from Dear Cincy, with possibly an even bigger name attached to it. If you could bet on bands, I’d take Dear Cincinnati against the spread every day.
Origami Angel
Over the last near decade, very few bands in our scene have been quite as prolific as Gami. Each year since their inception, the band has released at least an EP, if not a couple and/or an LP. 2025 only saw the release of one new song (“Back To Life”) from the DC duo, albeit it’s one of their best. That being said it’s not like they’ve been slumming it. The band spent most of the year on tour both as a headliner and as a supporting act for bands like Taking Back Sunday and The Story So Far, gathering new fans in every city along the way. Can the band parlay these new fans into forever fans with another classic album in 2026?
Riley!
Riley! (the mf band!) spent much of 2025 touring in support of 2024’s Keep Your Cool, opening up for both Arm’s Length and Saturdays At Your Place. It looks like the first part of 2026 will be spent the same way as they were recently announced as a support act on the Ben Quad tour. That being said, I did reach out to Riley! Management and I was told that we will get SOMETHING in 2026. Their only new track in 2025 was “We Only Say It Out of Habit Now” from the Counter Intuitive Records compilation but if this song is any indication of what a new Riley! record might sound like, then Riley! might be the next band up in the world of emo.
