TEMPLES ON MARS – to release new album in October

London-based alternative progressive rock outfit Temples on Mars unveil their long-awaited new full-length album – a sonically expansive and emotionally charged collection that marks a bold evolution in the band’s sound. Building on the foundations of their critically acclaimed self-titled debut and the darker, electronic explorations of Parallels V.1, the new album pushes boundaries further than ever before.

Recorded between studios in London and Los Angeles over the past few years, the album presents 10 tracks that showcase a band confidently honing their identity. The result is a dynamic blend of crushing heaviness, warm electronics, and hook-laden songwriting — a style the band describes in five words: “accessible, heavy, atmospheric, warm, hooks.”

For a taste of the album, watch the video for “Smile”

“We’re always creating, so there wasn’t a single lightbulb moment,” explains frontman James Donaldson. “This album just happens to be the 10 tracks that felt the most cohesive and represented a real step up from our last record.”

Featuring Josh Freese (Foo Fighters, A Perfect Circle, Nine Inch Nails) on drums for several tracks, the album dives deep into themes of awareness, mortality, and self-reflection. “Be aware of what’s going on around you — at all levels,” the band urges. “Open your eyes, ask questions, appreciate the moment, and live.”

From the anthemic urgency of “Sleepwalking into Extinction” to the soaring introspection of “Daydreamer” — both of which broke into the Radioscope Top 40 Rock Charts in Donaldson’s native New Zealand — and the grungy existential weight of third single “Smile”, this record resonates with immediacy and depth. Its lyrical undercurrent asks the listener: what would you do if you only had one day left to live?

Musically, Temples on Mars made the conscious choice to tune lower and enhance their electronic textures, exploring a heavier yet more accessible sonic palette. The songwriting process drew from a vault of stockpiled demos, curated down to the most compelling pieces that fit a shared emotional and sonic thread. “Each track was individually inspired,” says the band. “We even left a few songs off that felt more suited to the next direction we’re heading.”

The majority of the album was recorded in London, with drums tracked in both Los Angeles—featuring Josh Freese—and in London with Dean Gibb. Mixing was handled by Darren Carikas, who also co-produced the record alongside James Donaldson. Vocal production and engineering were managed by Paul Matthews in collaboration with Donaldson, while mastering was completed by Grammy Award-winner Ted Jensen at Sterling Sound in Nashville.

Temples on Mars have previously earned acclaim for their festival appearances at Download UK, Radar Festival, Euroblast, and Planet Rock Winter’s End, as well as a headline tour of South Africa. With this release, the band further cements their place in the global rock scene, combining progressive ambition with arena-ready hooks and atmospheric depth.

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