As the calendar turns to Jan 1, 2026, rock fans have more to look forward to than nostalgia tours and anniversary reissues. Several major rock acts are signaling that new chapters are coming, whether through studio hints, recent interviews, or the natural momentum following acclaimed releases earlier in the decade. While not every album below has a firm release date yet, each represents a credible, highly anticipated release that could help define the sound of rock in the year ahead.
5
Foo Fighters
The Foo Fighters appear poised to enter a new creative era following But Here We Are in 2023, an album shaped by grief as well as resilience. Dave Grohl has spoken openly about continuing to write and move forward, and the band’s recent activity suggests that momentum has not slowed. Any forthcoming Foo Fighters album would carry added weight—not just as new music, but as a statement of evolution. Fans are eager to hear how the band translates recent experiences into a next chapter that still honors their legacy.
4
Paramore
Paramore’s This Is Why marked one of the most confident reinventions of their career, blending post-punk energy with sharp social commentary. Since then, the band has remained creatively active, with Hayley Williams hinting that writing has continued behind the scenes. A follow-up would be expected to build on that sonic shift rather than retreat from it, and given Paramore’s ability to evolve without losing their core audience, a new album could be one of the year’s most talked-about rock releases.
3
Arctic Monkeys
After the cinematic, lounge-leaning tone of The Car, Arctic Monkeys fans have been watching closely for signs of what comes next. Recent studio sightings and quiet social activity have fueled speculation that another album cycle may be on the horizon. Whether they continue down their moody, orchestral path or pivot again entirely, Arctic Monkeys remain one of the few modern rock bands capable of redefining expectations with each release, which is exactly why anticipation runs so high.
2
Queens Of The Stone Age
Queens of the Stone Age have a reputation for returning with albums that feel both abrasive and meticulously crafted. Josh Homme has alluded to new material in recent conversations, and the band’s live energy suggests another studio chapter is approaching. With their ability to blend heavy riffs, dark humor, and experimental textures, a new QOTSA album would immediately command attention, particularly following the intensity of their most recent era.
1
Muse
Muse have remained active since Will of the People, and their cryptic hints often precede ambitious new projects. Known for blending arena-sized rock with political themes and futuristic production, Muse rarely return without something big to say. If a new album arrives, expectations will be high—not just for spectacle, but for how the band responds creatively to the current global climate.
