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After years of anticipation following 2021’s The Bitter Truth, Evanescence is shaping up for one of its most intriguing creative chapters yet. In a new interview with Mark Strigl, drummer Will Hunt offered the most comprehensive update on the band’s forthcoming record — and his excitement is palpable. 

Speaking candidly about where the band stands, Hunt didn’t hold back: he described the new album as “beyond my expectations,” suggesting that the material they’ve been working on this cycle has pushed the group into fresh territory. This isn’t the typical promotional hype so often attached to in‑studio chatter — Hunt, known among fans as a straightforward and honest voice, emphasized that the band has been experimenting and challenging themselves throughout the process. 

Rather than relying solely on one producer, Evanescence have mixed things up in the studio this time around. Some tracks were developed with longtime collaborator Nick Raskulinecz, who worked on Evanescence’s 2011 self‑titled album and The Bitter Truth, while others involved Jordan Fish (formerly of Bring Me The Horizon) and Zakk Cervini, who is handling the full mix for the project. Hunt says of this diverse creative team: “And this was originally the idea, by the way, for the last record, but Covid had other plans, so we weren’t able to bounce around.” He pointed to their collaboration as a big reason the record feels so dynamic.

This approach aligns with the band’s emerging strategy of blending classic strengths with bold new influences. Hunt noted that working with multiple producers has opened doors creatively, and with Zakk Cervini mixing the entire album — including the single “Afterlife,” which premiered via the Devil May Cry Netflix series — the group seems focused on refining both their sound and their reach. 

Frontwoman Amy Lee also recently shared her perspective on the album’s progress: while she has a few more lyrics to write, she’s “really excited” about how things are shaping up and stressed that the band is in a productive, creative phase. Prior comments from Lee indicated that the album was more than halfway completed and entering a phase of fine‑tuning and lyric work. 

For fans wondering about the timeline, both Lee and Hunt reaffirmed that the band aims for a release sometime in 2026, though an exact date hasn’t been announced yet. The fact that the record is being mixed and finalized with seasoned collaborators — and that members are openly describing it as exceeding their own expectations — is fueling excitement across the rock world. 

With the band also set to tour extensively this year, including a lineup of support acts like Spiritbox, Poppy, and K.Flay on parts of the itinerary, Evanescence’s next era appears poised to balance studio precision with powerful live momentum. Tickets can be found HERE!

Hunt’s full interview with Mark Strigl can be seen below.