ENTER SHIKARI RELEASE SURPRISE NEW ALBUM

Credit: Kate Hook

In a move that completely bypasses the traditional industry cycle of teasers and promotional campaigns, Enter Shikari have stunned their fanbase today by surprise-releasing their latest full-length album. Titled Lose Your Self and arriving via So Recordings, the record consists of 12 expansive tracks that delve into profound themes of desolation, futility, and a pervasive sense of despair regarding the current state of our world, though these darker elements are carefully balanced by persistent glimmers of optimism and hope.

While global icons such as Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, and Justin Bieber have famously utilized the "drop" method for digital releases over the last decade, Enter Shikari have distinguished themselves by coordinating a simultaneous physical launch. This means that as of midnight on Friday 10th April, this ambitious and clever body of work is not only available for immediate streaming but can also be purchased worldwide on CD and vinyl formats.

Reflecting on the nature of the release, frontman Rou explains, "We’re delighted to present LOSE YOUR SELF, and give people the chance to hear a Shikari record like never before - as a cohesive whole. We want people to go on a proper journey with this album, and see where it takes them. No lead up, no singles, and no explanation. Forcing the listener to actually listen, without being drip-fed ideas out of context, or spoon-fed explanations. We simply present it all, for the listener to immerse themself in. Releasing in this way was also a decision to not be distracted by chart races, or accolades and “things”. We got the No.1 album on our last record. This is simply about the music being presented in a natural way. Despite turning out to be one our darkest and heaviest albums to date, it also preaches hope and offers answers. Shikari will always offer hope, because without hope there is no action. We’ll just always offer it with a dose of realism.”

To complement this unexpected drop, the band has also revealed a series of incredibly intimate album release performances scheduled for later this month. Fans will have the rare opportunity to witness the band in small-scale settings, starting at The Cavern in Liverpool on 23rd April, followed by a show at The Fighting Cocks in Kingston on 24th April, and concluding at Signature Brew in London on 25th April. These performances represent the first time the new material will be performed live and offer a stark contrast to the massive stages the band usually inhabits. Tickets for these exclusive dates will become available on 15th April, with full details regarding specific set times found via the band's official links.

These intimate shows serve as a precursor to an already packed international touring schedule for 2026. Earlier in the year, Enter Shikari confirmed their most expansive headline arena tour to date across the UK and Europe for November, in addition to headline runs through Australia in May and North America in June. The European leg is set to begin on 3rd November at the Sporthalle in Hamburg and features their largest German headline appearance yet at Düsseldorf’s Mitsubishi Halle, which holds 7500 people. The UK portion of the tour commences in Nottingham at the Motorpoint Arena on 13th November, visiting cities such as Cardiff, Hull, Glasgow, and Manchester before culminating in a double-header at London’s Alexandra Palace on 20th and 21st November. Support for both the European and UK dates will be provided by Holding Absence and The Callous Daoboys, with all ticketing information currently available online.

Furthermore, Enter Shikari continue their commitment to the UK’s independent music scene by ensuring every ticket sold for the November arena dates includes a £1 donation to the Music Venue Trust. This initiative is designed to support grassroots venues facing the threat of closure, a cause the band has championed as the first artists to implement such a scheme. Their pioneering efforts with the 2024 tour set a precedent in the industry, encouraging major acts like Sam Fender and Coldplay to adopt similar charitable structures for their own large-scale tours.

This upcoming November trek marks the group's return to the arena circuit following their highly successful A Kiss For The Whole World tour in 2024. That era was a landmark moment for the four-piece, as the titular album secured them their first-ever UK Number 1 on the Official Charts after a career that already boasted six Top 10 entries. The 2024 run was highlighted by a massive debut at Wembley Arena, which was captured for the Live At Wembley release. That performance is currently available to stream or watch in full, featuring innovative cinematography from the first FPV drone ever flown live at the venue, and was supported by a strictly limited vinyl run sold at only four select record stores across the globe.

Throughout their storied and influential career, Enter Shikari have earned a vast collection of awards from prestigious outlets like NME, Kerrang!, Rock Sound, and the Heavy Music Awards. Their reputation as a premier live act is backed by a history of more than 3000 performances worldwide, including three separate UK headline arena tours and high-profile support slots for legendary bands like The Prodigy and Linkin Park. Their festival resume is equally impressive, with standout appearances at Glastonbury, Reading & Leeds, and Download, as well as a triumphant headline slot at Slam Dunk in 2023.