18th Studio Album discussion
- Thread starter Siddharth
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Probably in the first months of 2026.
Kalata
Out of the Silent Planet
Next year, but when, we don't know. But we do know that he can record not all in once, although with his solo band we can't be sure if they'll record in parts. There's a timeframe for another solo tour, I like to think he'll prioritize a Maiden album. They will imo. Even if Maiden release it in the next two years, Bruce will want a good promotion for his again and not in the same year. So if Maiden release it in 2027, Bruce could release it in 2028 (but no solo tours in the next 2 years... not sure at all; Adrian and Steve are different, although who knows, to save some solos songs?) between the legs of a Maiden tour again, no time in 2026 unless it's announced later this year. 2026 for one, 2027 for the other. Beyond that, idk. Bruce probably won't do a solo tour without a new album to promote, like a Hits tour or a special History one, so let's see. The next two years are key.
I think that having the RFYL tour run until the end of 2026, there is no chance Bruce or Maiden release a new album in 26. Then if Maiden are to release a new album it will be in 27. Otherwise Bruce might release one in 27. Who knows. We have to wait for at least 2 more years for a new album, if that happens.
I think the RFYL Tour is planned to be one of the most spectacular in the band's history, if not the most spectacular tour people are talking about. In the press kit, they've stated Iron Maiden's going to play at some of the biggest venues in the band's history, so they tend to attract more people than usual. I think 2026 is the year the band plans to play even more dates in different territories around the world - probably in the second half of the year 'til the last weeks of December, with 55 - 58 shows combined. If the band is about to record and release their 18th studio album, they must enter the studio between March and June 2026 (after S/K solo dates and first IM shows). The new album should be released in 2027 (May or August) when the rising wave after the RFYL tour and documentary screenings is still significant.
IF there is a new album. They might just announce another history tour, like a "reunion tour" or another legacy-style tour. Nobody knows if they plan to release another album. Also, they might not care at all about the timings and just release an album, when they have good material.
Ben Beast
Educated Fool
If releasing documentary in autumn (supposedly) close to North America dates announcement to generate high ticket sales for NA leg, then why wouldn't it be (the best) smart move to release album number 18 in 2026 autumn to generate high album selling numbers in North America? So just after the NA leg has ended ( or ending) in North America, would be the best time to hype new album.
Does it sound impossible? I think it's the most logical outcome, recently Maiden has released albums in autumn.
Does it sound impossible? I think it's the most logical outcome, recently Maiden has released albums in autumn.
Not immposible, they should record album between March and June and release this one after the whole Tour, in 2027 maybe in March. I don't think the band will release a brand new music during completely different Tour, it doesn't make a sense at All.
Patrick92
Ancient Mariner
I was thinking the same thing. Maiden are doing a massive 2025–2026 tour, selling tons of tickets and getting a lot of buzz. They’re also releasing a new book and a documentary to celebrate 50 years of Maiden. To me, it would make perfect sense to release a new record alongside all of this—it would really tie into the 50-year celebration and capitalize on the momentum surrounding the band right now. Plus, 2026 marks five years since Senjutsu, so the timing feels just right
Kalata
Out of the Silent Planet
New info - Bruce will record his next solo album early next year and said he'll probably release it in 2027. He mentioned that Jan-April is a free zone for him. So we now know his plans. We only don't know if he's planning to tour next year. I doubt it, with Maiden's big leg next year. And he also said that this year's solo shows are half the amount on purpose.
Bruce will record the album early next year (he has 4 months free, exactly what Maiden needs for a new album), he's working fast, but Adrian said he'll also do some solo shows then. At least one month, right. So it's not easy to guess. Maiden to record in the fall after the tour (like 2014)? Or early 2027 (more likely now)... before a potential 3rd leg. Can they cram all the activities in the first 4 months next year? With Bruce's promotion. Idk. Could they release their albums in one year, like Adrian and Maiden? Again, not sure. It's either before (2026 during the tour? doesn't make sense at all) or after Bruce's album, so 2028? 7 years later?? Um, wow, but with a potential 3rd leg, who knows.
The options are: recorded in 2026, release in 2027 - or - recorded in 2027, release in 2027. Early 2028? Idk what to think about. I thought Maiden album will be prioritized... it's sad. Btw, it seems he still doesn't know Maiden's plans for 2027, so it's complicated to say.
Bruce will record the album early next year (he has 4 months free, exactly what Maiden needs for a new album), he's working fast, but Adrian said he'll also do some solo shows then. At least one month, right. So it's not easy to guess. Maiden to record in the fall after the tour (like 2014)? Or early 2027 (more likely now)... before a potential 3rd leg. Can they cram all the activities in the first 4 months next year? With Bruce's promotion. Idk. Could they release their albums in one year, like Adrian and Maiden? Again, not sure. It's either before (2026 during the tour? doesn't make sense at all) or after Bruce's album, so 2028? 7 years later?? Um, wow, but with a potential 3rd leg, who knows.
The options are: recorded in 2026, release in 2027 - or - recorded in 2027, release in 2027. Early 2028? Idk what to think about. I thought Maiden album will be prioritized... it's sad. Btw, it seems he still doesn't know Maiden's plans for 2027, so it's complicated to say.
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Randalf
Ancient Mariner
They can and could, but the thing is... do they want to? Is it something the whole band is ready to commit for? I remain doubtful!
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andreljbernardo
Nomad
It's a shame they still keep on focusing on their solo projects and albums when they clearly could record a new Maiden album, but it seems that they just don't want to do it now. Probably they all (or even just Bruce and Adrian) know that a new Maiden record is a much more demanding project, including have to deal with the differences of each other in writing methods and with Steve directions, and keep avoiding it as much as they can. But it's really a shame, 'cos the amount of their recent solo works, when put together, is really far from the greatness of any album we know Maiden is capable to record.
PhantomOfTheOpera
Ancient Mariner
It would be interesting to know, is there any sort of demos or ideas around for the next album?
I really, I mean I really hope that they will do album #18 and I've always been under that impression that Senjutsu just wouldn't be their last.
I really, I mean I really hope that they will do album #18 and I've always been under that impression that Senjutsu just wouldn't be their last.
Vaenyr
Ancient Mariner
Given how they write music nowadays (as in, the last couple of decades) the only one who'd produce any kind of demo would be Adrian. That's how we got Satellite 15 for example, which is literally a demo of his with some vocals slapped on. That's why it uses digital drums instead of Nicko playing the intro.
Doesn’t every guitarist demo ideas and then Steve pieces things into songs? Every album since at least TFF seems to have at least one Harris song that originated from before the writing sessions as well. So I’m sure if they still write in their own time there’s material they can use if they decide to make another album.
Vaenyr
Ancient Mariner
Maybe they're doing it like Kirk Hammett and records hundreds of riffs on their phones (only to end up losing it)
Ruflux
Ancient Mariner
Bruce also does. That's how we got the intro to IESF for example.
(okay, to be fair it wasn't meant for Maiden use in the first place, but it was too good of an opportunity to pass up commenting on the second time they slapped a fucking rough take demo on an album, as the very intro even)
Abas
Jester with no tears
Didn't it also happen to Adrian Smith sometime at the start of the 2010s?Maybe they're doing it like Kirk Hammett and records hundreds of riffs on their phones (only to end up losing it)
Vaenyr
Ancient Mariner
To clarify my previous comment, I wasn't trying to say that the others don't collect ideas in some way. We know that Steve and Janick do so, for example. I was mostly talking about producing actual demos, rather than just whistling a tune or recording a single guitar or anything like that. I think Adrian and Bruce are the only ones doing more elaborate demos like that.
Could be, I don't quite remember.
matic22
Ancient Mariner
Yes, but it was returned to him before the album. Apparently there were a lot of underpants riff demo videos on there and H was pretty ashamed.