After 15 years between releases, Social Distortion is back with a new studio album, Born to Kill, arriving May 8. The album features 11 tracks and marks the band’s eighth full-length and their first since 2011’s Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes. It also stands as their first project since frontman Mike Ness was diagnosed with tonsil cancer in 2023.
A press statement describes the release as “11 songs of pure, unadulterated rock ‘n’ roll fury, joy and catharsis, all imbued with the signature blend of defiance and world-weariness that has made founder Mike Ness a poet and sage to the dispossessed for more than 40 years.” It also notes, “The first Social Distortion album since Ness’ recovery from a bout with cancer, Born To Kill brims with aggressive optimism. The album wastes no time letting the listener know where its heart is, with its title track and mission statement dropping nods to Lou Reed (‘Rock ’n’ Roll Animal gonna come your way!’) and Iggy and the Stooges (‘The agenda is yeah to Search and Destroy’) and an homage to David Bowie (“It’s a Rock ’n’ Roll Suicide”) following a few songs later on ‘Partners in Crime.’”
Social Distortion is previewing the album with the released of the title track, “Born To Kill,” along with an official music video. In support of the album, the band will headline a North American tour beginning August 25 in Phoenix and wrapping October 3 in San Diego. Descendents and The Chats will serve as support on tour.
Tickets are available via Ticketmaster.
Album pre-orders, including vinyl and CD editions, are available through the band’s official website.
Preorder the digital version of ‘Born to Kill’ – HERE.
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