News 18th Studio Album discussion

[BQOBD]

I have yet to read a convincing explanation as to why a band that only wants to tour would organize such a strenuous, long tour in one year and then do nothing the next, instead of splitting the tour up, e.g., the European part in 2027.
There would still be enough time for solo activities for the rest of the year 2027.
But it is normal and common practice in the music industry to scale back touring activities to focus on writing and recording new music.

Yes this makes sense - the only reason to squeeze such a (relatively) extensive tour into 2026 is to spend 2027 recording.
Otherwise, the European festival 2026 leg would surely have been scheduled for 2027.

But….

Then again, they could also have spent the early summer of this year recording, and then scheduled the 2027 European festival leg for 2027 as a promo for the new album.