Anberlin Announces New Album 'Currency' with New Lead Singer Matty Mullins
Anberlin, the alternative rock band that rose to prominence in the 2000s, is entering a new chapter. On Nov. 11, the group will release "Currency," its ninth studio album and the first full-length record to feature new lead singer Matty Mullins of Memphis May Fire, as announced by the band and reported by multiple outlets.
The lineup change comes after original frontman Stephen Christian stepped away from the band in 2023, announcing an indefinite hiatus from music. Christian, who now serves as a full-time pastor, reflected on his departure in an interview with New Noise Magazine, expressing no regrets about leaving. "For us, we were so thankful to have the chance to succeed, there wasn't much left to do," he said. "The simple fact is I have two beautiful toddlers and I get the chance to come home and sleep two doors down from them. I have a wife who I'm in love with who I get to sleep next to every night. For me, that's the new standard of not only normal, but of success."
Following Christian's exit, Mullins joined Anberlin, bringing with him years of experience as the frontman of metalcore band Memphis May Fire. According to reports, Mullins began touring with Anberlin in 2023 and contributed to two tracks on the band's 2024 album, "Vega." He also re-recorded versions of Anberlin favorites, including "Feel Good Drag" and "Paperthin Hymn."
The transition appears to have been remarkably smooth. In an interview with Buzz Music, the band said, "It felt like we needed to make an album that let us embrace the roots of the band and truly 'reset' with Matty to make something that we would love and our fans would recognize." They added, referring to Memphis May Fire's well-established processes: "So I didn't envy him coming into a new situation with guys that have done the same in our completely different way. It went so smoothly that you would've thought we'd already doing this together a hundred times. Neither of us had to change much at all."
The band credited the ease of collaboration to a shared vision. "I think that's all it comes down to: having a shared vision of what the results will be size," they said. "During our writing process we saw no egos clashing, no big dramas, just everyone communicating and working toward the same goal."
"Currency" was produced by Kellen McGregor, who also works with Memphis May Fire. The album features 11 brand-new tracks, all with Mullins on lead vocals, including the new single "Neverafter," which has a music video. The rest of Anberlin's current lineup includes Christian McAlhaney (guitar, vocals), Joseph Milligan (guitar), Deon Rexroat (bass), and Nathan Young (drums).
A Look Back at Anberlin's Legacy
Anberlin's roots run back to Florida in 2002, where the band formed as an alternative rock act. They first gained recognition with 2005's "Never Take Friendship Personal," an album released on Tooth & Nail Records that featured "The Feel Gaddy," a song that would become one of their signature tracks. The band later signed with Universal Records and scored gold with 2008's "New Surrender."
Decades on, Anberlin's back catalog continues to resonate with a sizeable audience. Their music averages close to a million monthly listeners on Spotify, and act remains a staple of the Warped Tour scene, having performed on the festival numerous times.
The announcement of "Currency" comes amid a busy stretch for the band. They are scheduled to play the Vans Warped Tour stop in Mexico City on Sept. 12, according to a report that notes the date. Additional dates include the Vans Warped Tour and a run of shows with rock act Switchfoot.
Matty Mullins on the Band's Future
Beyond album details, the band offered insight into what fans can expect. With Mullins at the helm, Anberlin said they were "happy with the result every time." They noted that the new record continues to capture the spirit of the band while incorporating a fresh dynamic.
"The period of growth was fun after going through the creative process together," they said. "We were excited to be able to bring these new vibes to our fans."
The new album's title, "Currency," could symbolize a new era of exchange between the band and its audience, as they venture onward with a new voice. As the band puts it, they hope fans will recognize the roots as well as the innovation.
Perspectives
Band: Matty Mullins and Anberlin
The band views this new album as a "reset" that honors their roots while moving forward with Mullins, noting a seamless integration and a lack of ego or drama in the process.
Stephen Christian, former frontman
Christian, who now focuses on his family and his role as a full-time pastor, sees his departure as an natural evolution. He emphasizes the importance of personal fulfillment over career achievements.
Fans and Legacy
VICE reflects broader question about whether a band remains the same after replacing its lead singer, framing Mullins' addition as a reconstruction that starts fresh while maintaining connections to the band's historic Warped Tour identity.