Godsmack are planning another studio album, and Sully Erna is looking toward new music in 2027. With guitarist Sam Koltun and drummer Mike Mangini now playing alongside Erna and bassist Robbie Merrill, the frontman wants to find out what this version of the band can create.
Speaking on the October 21 episode of The Mistress Carrie Podcast, Erna gave two reasons for making another record. He said his contract still requires one, and he’s interested in writing with the new musicians.
“I wanna do a record with these guys, ’cause I’m curious to see where it goes,” he said.
That plan follows an album presented as an ending. When Lighting Up the Sky arrived on February 24, 2023, BMG described it as Godsmack’s final studio album. Erna now says his comments were intended to describe the last new material from the lineup with guitarist Tony Rombola and drummer Shannon Larkin. He told Carrie that he knew they were preparing to retire and was trying to explain the situation without revealing their decisions prematurely.
Godsmack publicly confirmed those departures in April 2025. The band said both musicians wanted quieter lives away from touring and had left on good terms. Erna and Merrill continued, eventually arriving at the current combination with Koltun and Mangini.
The new players have already given Erna reasons to trust them with the existing songs. He praised Mangini for respecting the detailed drum arrangements he and Larkin developed, explaining that their parts depend on specific placements that cannot simply be improvised around. Koltun earned similar praise for preserving Rombola’s guitar parts instead of using the songs to showcase his own technique. Erna said Nuno Bettencourt had recommended the guitarist.
Writing together presents a different opportunity. Erna acknowledged that, as a listener, lineup changes can alter his relationship with a band, particularly when the singer changes. He believes his continued presence gives Godsmack a familiar foundation while allowing the new musicians to contribute their own approaches.
“Hopefully we’ll have some new textures,” he said. “These guys are different kind of players.”
Erna had already discussed the prospect of more Godsmack material during a May appearance on Loudwire Nights. At that point, he said preparing the new musicians for touring was his immediate priority, while also expressing interest in where the band might go creatively. His latest comments put another album firmly in his plans, with new music targeted for next year.
An album title, recording schedule and firm release date have not been announced.
