ENTHEOS will release their new studio album, Empty On The Inside, on October 23, 2026, through Metal Blade Records. First single “Golden Crown” is available now on digital platforms, with vocalist Chaney Crabb outlining the years of revisions and the destructive attachment behind the song in the announcement supplied by Earsplit PR.
The chorus dates to 2020, before work began on the album. Crabb says the band kept returning to the song until its finished arrangement made it their choice for the first single. Its writing drew on their favorite bands and influences from the 1990s.
“When writing this song, we channeled a lot of our favorite bands and influences from the ‘90s — we were aiming to write a ‘heavier’ version of a ‘90s rock song that included creepy synths, huge chorus and an explosive breakdown,” Crabb says.
Her explanation of the lyrics centers on the conflict between attachment and personal identity. “Lyrically, the song is about losing yourself in a deeply destructive attachment that feels both empowering and imprisoning,” she says. “The formed relationship has become inseparable from your identity.”
Crabb identifies the line “I’ve worn you like a golden crown year after year” as a burden that is destroying someone while also becoming how they define themselves. That lyrical premise accompanies a musical approach the band connects to its broader intentions for Empty On The Inside.
“From the start, our goal was to capture the raw, visceral energy that made ’90s rock and metal so impactful and timeless by prioritizing authentic performances and our individual voices as musicians over hyper-polished modern production,” ENTHEOS state. The announcement describes an emphasis on tighter songwriting, stronger hooks and a deeper melodic presence alongside the band’s progressive musicianship.
The credited lineup comprises Crabb on vocals and lyrics, Navene Koperweis on drums, guitar and synth, Michael Stancel on guitar and synth, and Scott Carstairs on guitar. The source identifies Koperweis as formerly of Animals As Leaders and Animosity, Carstairs with Fallujah, and Stancel with Allegaeon. Crabb also voices Jill Valentine in Dead By Daylight.
Mark Lewis produced the album, and Justin Sturtz mastered it at Sterling Sound. Zac Shiffer created the cover artwork. “Tomblight” features a guest appearance by Michael Lessard.
The ten-track running order is “Hell Is A Part Of Me,” “Empty On The Inside,” “Hollow,” “Call My Name,” “Golden Crown,” “Undone,” “Tomblight” featuring Michael Lessard, “Pale Faith,” “Never Let Me Go” and “The Earth Will Move.”
Empty On The Inside will be available digitally, on jewel-case CD and on gatefold LP with an insert. US vinyl editions include Bloodlust Red, Grey w/ Black Splatter and the Metal Injection-exclusive Neon Green + Yellow Marble. European editions include Green + Blue Marble, White w/ Red Splatter and Neon Pink w/ Black Dust, with a band-exclusive Fluorescent Pink variant also announced.
