It’s been a hell of a ride for French progressive metal outfit Gojira. They won a Grammy last year for their Olympics opening performance and track that broke the damn internet. They’ve toured all over the place off the back of that success and now, with the world remembering just how damn good the Duplantier brothers and company are, they’re eyeballing their follow up to their 2021 album Fortitude.

While speaking with Bloodstock TV (as transcribed by Blabbermouth), Gojira drummer Mario Duplantier shared a little bit about the band’s current writing and recording process, including how far along they are in the studio.

“We already did record some drums and guitars and basses. It took us a long time. We needed that time, I think, just to make sure we are all on the same page, make sure what is Gojira is bringing next is strong enough.

“Also, we don’t have that much pressure. We are not a young band anymore. We’re not like Sleep Token or Lorna Shore where the next album is so important. We’ve been a band for 30 years, so Gojira is already an established band. It doesn’t mean that we can be lazy — it doesn’t mean that — but it’s very crucial to take the time to bring something fresh and new and powerful.”

Earlier this month, while speaking with the French media, Duplantier said the band’s sound in the next album was going to feature “big guitar riffs and a more metal, but more modern, sound,” which should excite every Gojira fan out there. This time around at Bloodstock, he doubled down on the fact that it would be a heavy hitting release before stating when he thinks it will finally be in the public’s hands.

“For the new songs, we took so much time just to make sure everything is fine and powerful enough and — I don’t know — smart enough as well. But it’s on the way, it’s on the way. 2026, for sure.”