As you can see by the names listed below, rock is a broad term that encompasses so many different styles and subgenres. 2019 promises to bring unreleased material from some of the biggest and most beloved names in everything from radio-friendly pop-rock to old-school '90s stars to groups who don't so much sing their lyrics, but scream them. That diversity, coupled with the sheer amount of music coming this year, should excite any music fan. Here's a look at eight of the most anticipated rock albums coming in 2019.
The 1975 - Notes on a Conditional Form
The British band’s latest full-length was only released in November, but they are already hard at work on their next project. In fact, before The 1975 released A Brief Inquiry into Online Relationships, the group revealed that the collection was to be quickly followed by a second installation, which is already slated for release in May of 2019.
Bastille
The alternative act from the U.K. seems to be on track to release their third full-length studio album in 2019, and though details are scarce, this era could be not only one of their biggest, but one that seems them going in a different direction stylistically. As frontman Dan Smith worked on the fourth installment of the group’s mixtape Other’s People’s Heartbreak (which was released in December 2018), the band was still riding high thanks to their latest hit, “Happier,” which was a partnership with EDM powerhouse Marshmello. If that electro-pop smash lands on the next Bastille record, it’s going to surprise many fans, as it sounds nothing like their previous material.
Bring Me the Horizon - Amo
Perhaps the first major rock release of the year, Bring Me The Horizon’s sixth album Amo is slated to arrive at the end of January, and this era is already a major one for the outfit. Lead single “Mantra” recently scored the British band (2019 may wind up belonging almost entirely to rockers from the U.K.) their first Grammy nomination, and it has performed well on genre-specific charts all around the world. Seeing as their last record stalled at No. 2 in both their home country and the U.S., Amo could find a way to grab the No. 1 spot.
Coldplay
When the world-famous pop-rock band wrapped the promotion of their most recent album A Head Full of Dreams, frontman Chris Martin more than hinted that it would be the last from the group...but now that seems like that might not actually be the case. Coldplay, or, the musicians who comprise it, quietly released new music on the Global Citizen EP, a collection of tunes recorded for charity, under the name Los Unidades. Many fans missed that, but they may have more new music in 2019...but what name will it be shared under?
Hootie & the Blowfish
After lead vocalist Darius Rucker left the band that made him a star to pursue solo efforts (first in R&B and then in country, which turned out to be much more lucrative), many fans of the incredibly successful ‘90s rockers assumed there would never be any new songs from the group...but that’s going to change in 2019. Hootie and the Blowfish are slated to reunite for a tour celebrating the 25 year anniversary of their debut album Cracked Rear View, and probably in the first half of 2019, they will also share at least a new single, if not a complete record.
The Raconteurs
It has now been just over a decade since Jack White’s side project (one of his many) The Raconteurs released an album, and those who have been holding on to see if he will ever return to the group are sure to be glad they held out hope in 2019. First up for the band is a re-release of their sophomore effort Consolers of the Lonely, which will feature a handful of new tunes. Those cuts were reportedly recorded during the same sessions as a complete new album, which might drop at some point this year.
Slipknot
One of the biggest bands in the rock world, Slipknot always delivers something big, and this latest phase of their career seems like it will follow suit. Their last album came out back in 2014, so fans have been very patient when it comes to new music, and it seems like they might not have to wait much longer. Slipknot dropped a new single entitled “All Out Life” on Halloween, and they have been letting on that a new album should arrive in 2019 at some point, though when exactly is tough to say.
Vampire Weekend
According to Vampire Weekend’s frontman, the band’s hotly-anticipated fourth album is already done...so where is it? They last graced fans with a full-length in 2013, and since then, a lot has happened when it comes to the members, but as an act, they’ve been mum when it comes to new releases. Member Rostam Batmanglij left the band to pursue his own creative endeavors, and current players Chris Tomson and Chris Baio both completed solo albums under the names Dams of the West and Baio, respectively. Vampire Weekend’s fourth LP should come out in 2019, and it’s unclear why the group has been holding on to the project.
Look Out For
2019 might be one of the most exciting years in recent memory (or perhaps ever) for hard rock and metal enthusiasts, as both recently established talent and longstanding favorites are set to return with new collections. High-profile bands like Gojira, Baroness, Tool, Rammstein, Megadeth, Lamb of God, Korn, Killswitch Engage and Deftones have all either set titles and tentative release dates or simply mentioned the possibility of new music. If even half of those artists end up following through, 2019 is going to be huge for their respective genres.
In addition to those working in the harder spaces of rock, mainstream names like Weezer and Tame Impala will also unveil new albums. Some who have been going for decades, like The Cure, Pearl Jam and Smashing Pumpkins could also deliver new projects. And, while he just finished a historical and award-winning run on Broadway, Bruce Springsteen might give his fans a new studio collection, though he’s made it clear he needs some time off before touring again.
