Shields To Release New Album "Death & Connection" In January

Acclaimed British metalcore band Shields have announced their new album, "Death & Connection," to be released 30th January, 2026, via Long Branch Records.

"'Death & Connection' is a body of work born from the absence of the people who no longer hold space in our lives," comments Shields. "This record was created from a necessity to express and soothe our deepest losses; however, that was never the intention — we simply set out to make an album we wanted to hear."

In conjunction with today's album announcement, Shields have also released their new single "Wolfskin," featuring Left To Suffer's Taylor Barber, who contributed guest vocals.

Watch the video to "Wolfskin (ft. Taylor Barber, Left To Suffer)" below.

Founded in 2012 by primary songwriters Joe Edwards (vocals) and Samuel Kubrick Finney (guitar/vocals), Shields quickly made an impact in the heavy music scene with their viral single "I Just Feel Hate" - a track they re-released in a newly reimagined version in April 2025.

Their EP "GUILT" cemented their refined sound, blending brutal instrumentation with poignant, emotionally driven lyrics. With this release, they demonstrated an aggressive adaptability to the ever-evolving alternative music landscape, winning over fans from across adjacent genres. The momentum of their powerful breakthrough led to tour cycles alongside acts such as Loathe, Ice Nine Kills, and Escape the Fate.

Shields’ debut full-length album "Life In Exile" (2018) received critical acclaim for its raw honesty and musical maturity. However, the album cycle was tragically cut short by the sudden passing of guitarist George Christie - an event that ultimately led to the band’s untimely and abrupt disbandment.

Now, several years later, Shields are back - a bold decision, given the tragic circumstances surrounding their 2018 split. Yet, Shields re-emerged with the powerful single "Abuser" (released via Long Branch Records), inviting audiences to witness the next evolution of their sound - matured, refined, and fearless. This new chapter is supported by a fortified lineup, featuring founding members Joe Edwards and Samuel Kubrick Finney, now joined by Alastair Wain (drums) and Krishan Pujara (bass).

Tracklisting:

1 This Is Not A Dream
2 Abuser
3 Kill
4 Parasites
5 Lacerate (ft. Harvey Freeman from Graphic Nature)
6 Womb
7 Brother's Lament
8 Red & Green
9 Wolfskin (ft. Taylor Barber from Left To Suffer)
10 Loser
11 Death & Connection (ft. Jonathan Finney)
12 Miss Me