Jerry Cantrell Says ALICE IN CHAINS May Release New Album In 2026

Multi-platinum grunge legends Alice In Chains are looking toward 2026 for their next chapter. In a new interview with Cleveland.com, the band’s vocalist/guitarist Jerry Cantrell discussed potential plans for a seventh studio album and reflected on how their 2025 touring schedule was disrupted after drummer Sean Kinney faced a health scare earlier this year.

Those circumstances left the band with a single 2025 performance, taking place at the ‘Back To The Beginning’ live sendoff for Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath this past July. Discussing what 2026 might hold, Cantrell—currently touring in support of his solo album I Want Blood—shared:

“We’re just wrapping the ‘I Want Blood‘ chapter, then I’ll take the winter off and see where we’re at. We intended to work but had a little bit of a health scare with Sean, so we had to cancel some shows.

We also had a tour planned for, like, right now that kind of fell through. So we had some bad luck; we planned on doing much more this year, but it just didn’t work out. We’ll take a look at it again probably early next year and figure out what we’re gonna do, whether go in and make another record or do some shows — or both.”

Cantrell also reflected on performing at Osbourne’s farewell show:

“I mean, what a beautiful thing, and I’m so happy we were able to witness that and partake in it a little bit and just watch that happen for those guys. For (Osbourne) to will himself to do it for Sharon and the band and Tom Morello, and for everybody to organize it and for all of the great bands… I mean, we’re all Sabbath heads and Ozzy fans. That’s seminal. None of us would really exist without them.

There’s such strong DNA from Sabbath and Ozzy in all of us — and rightfully so, earned. It’s one of the greatest bands of all time, and to have been able to do that — now, especially, in light of Ozzy passing — it’s just kind of a magical thing. You couldn’t write that; I remember one of Ozzy’s own quotes about himself was, ‘You couldn’t make me up. I wouldn’t believe it, my (expletive) life.’ So he got to close it out exactly how he wanted to. How many people get to have that sort of a closing chapter in their life?”

Alice In Chains fans can expect the band to regroup in early 2026, potentially for new music, live shows, or both.

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