Styx has officially announced their highly anticipated first LP since the release of Crash of the Crown in 2021. This new album, titled Circling From Above, features an engaging avian-themed concept and is scheduled to be released on July 18 across various streaming platforms. Fans are encouraged to mark their calendars for this exciting date, as Styx continues to innovate and create music that resonates with their audience.

For those who prefer physical formats, compact discs and vinyl records are now available for purchase at StyxWorld.com. This is a fantastic opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts to add this new release to their music libraries. Below, you can find a complete track listing and listen to the advance single titled “Build and Destroy,” which showcases the band’s evolving sound.

Tommy Shaw, a passionate birder and a key creative force behind the album, expressed that many of the songs reflect deeply personal themes and experiences. “You’re writing about your experiences in life, and things that you love and enjoy, or challenges you’ve faced,” he shared in a conversation with UCR. “So essentially, it becomes like writing a book in small, digestible sections.” This approach not only enriches the songwriting process but also strengthens the emotional connection with listeners.

DISCOVER MORE: Explore the Top Tommy Shaw Songs with Styx

Initially, Shaw had concerns about whether Styx’s label representative would embrace the avian theme. However, he was pleasantly surprised to find that the representative shared a passion for birdwatching, exclaiming, “Oh, we’re birders!” Shaw later reflected on the risk associated with theming the album around birds, but the overwhelming enthusiasm surrounding the concept made it clear that they were headed in the right direction. “Sometimes in life, things just go your way – and this went our way,” he added, highlighting the serendipitous nature of their creative journey.

The recording sessions for Circling From Above mirrored the organic writing process, according to Shaw. Every song on the 41-minute album, which consists of 13 tracks, was the result of collaborative efforts among Shaw, producer Will Evankovich, and singer/keyboardist Lawrence Gowan. This teamwork allowed for a rich blend of ideas and styles, contributing to the album’s unique sound.

“I think we just stumbled upon a way of doing it,” Shaw explained to UCR. “Will and I have been collaborating on songwriting for a decade or more. When we create something we love – Will is much more organized than I am and keeps everything on a hard drive. Over the years, we’ve accumulated a plethora of songs.” This method has allowed them to refine their craft and produce music that resonates with their fans.

To support the release of Circling From Above, Styx will embark on an extensive summer tour alongside Kevin Cronin of REO Speedwagon and former Eagles guitarist Don Felder. The lineup will feature founding guitarist/vocalist James “JY” Young, bassist Chuck Panozzo, longtime drummer Todd Sucherman, and bassist Terry Gowan, ensuring an unforgettable live experience for fans.

A concept video for the single “Build and Destroy” is set to drop later today. Lawrence Gowan shared his thoughts on the song, stating, “That little melody kept resonating with me, and I found myself singing ‘Build and Destroy.’ Even though we don’t vocalize over that segment, I felt it would serve as a fitting title. It’s thematic, and the melody evokes a sense reminiscent of Star Trek or Twilight Zone — it’s like a brief tag that reinforces the title.” This creative vision illustrates the band’s dedication to artistic storytelling.

This upcoming release marks Styx’s third new album within the last eight years, a testament to their enduring creativity and relevance in the music industry. Evankovich, who produced their previous two albums, officially became a member of the band in 2022, further solidifying their collaborative spirit.

Complete Track Listing for Styx’s Circling From Above
1. “Circling From Above”
2. “Build and Destroy”
3. “Michigan”
4. “King of Love”
5. “It’s Clear”
6. “Forgive”
7. “Everyone Raise a Glass”
8. “Blue Eyed Raven”
9. “She Knows”
10. “Ease Your Mind”
11. “The Things That You Said”
12. “We Lost the Wheel Again”
13. “Only You Can Decide”