Generation-defining punk rock godfathers Billy Talent have today announced their fifth studio album ‘Afraid Of Heights’, due for release on 29th July 2016 via Atlantic Records. Recorded at the band’s studio in Toronto through 2015, ‘Afraid Of Heights’ sees drummer Jordan Hastings stepping in for Aaron Solowoniuk, who has been temporarily side-lined due to a relapse of MS.

As a taster for the upcoming album, Billy Talent have unveiled first track ‘Afraid Of Heights’, a huge and bombastic track, perfectly summing up why the band have been so influential within their lane for almost 2 decades.
Ben Kowalewicz has to say on the record:

“This record is about struggle, both within ourselves and within the society we live. It’s about asking questions. It’s about friendship and loyalty, and it’s about choosing not accept things that don’t apply to us, that don’t represent us. It’s about believing in the person that’s reflected in the mirror and taking responsibility. It’s about the pressures that society creates and how we’re all trying to figure out where we fit in. It’s about following your dreams and knowing that when you get knocked down you have to get back up. It’s about listening to our planet and learning to respect her. It’s about love and loss and life… but more importantly it’s about the power of ROCK ’N ROLL”

The band have also announced their first UK tour in over 4 years, kicking off in Norwich on 12th October, and taking in Bristol, Manchester, Glasgow, Newcastle, Birmingham, Leeds, Nottingham, London’s Roundhouse on 24th October, Cardiff and finishing up at Southampton’s Guildhall on 26th October. Tickets go on pre-sale on 18th May, and general sale on 20th May. Tickets available here – http://billytalent.seetickets.com/tour/billy-talent
Those who order through the band’s webstore will have access to a host of additional package options, including a limited-edition custom Klipsch Groove portable Bluetooth® speaker, with album artwork on the front grill. Go to billytalent.com for more details. Furthermore, all physical copies of the album will come with a unique download code that allows fans to access a special Mastered for Headphones edition of the album.
In addition to the new album, the band have also been running a promotion with their fans through their website, encouraging fans to create something artistic from their interpretation of the lyrics for ‘Afraid Of Heights’. One lucky winner will be selected to win a signed guitar, a custom Klipsch Groove portable Bluetooth® speaker system, and a chance to meet the band on a future tour stop in their city.
Since the release of their self-titled debut in 2003, Billy Talent have cemented themselves as a one of the most important, influential rock bands in the past decade. Boasting nearly one million albums sold in Canada alone and nearly 3 million albums sold internationally, the band hold one of the most stellar live reputations going, having played incredible shows at Reading & Leeds Festivals in the UK, and selling out London’s Brixton Academy multiple times in the past decade