See Craig Owens return to the studio for the second D.R.U.G.S. album

Craig Owens is furthering teasing the new Destroy Rebuild Until God Shows (D.R.U.G.S.) album this week.

On Friday, he shared the first photo of him in the studio working on new D.R.U.G.S. music.

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D.R.U.G.S. originally dissolved back in 2012 after releasing just one album and a live EP when bassist Adam Russell left. Following this, Owens announced he would be returning to Chiodos. Shortly after Owens’ announcement, lead guitarist Matt Good, rhythm guitarist Nick Martin and drummer Aaron Stern all ended up announcing their departures as well.

At the time of all of this, they were working on a new album just a year after releasing their debut record. Over the years, rumors swirled that a reunion may be the works, but nothing ever materialized.

Then, earlier this year, Owens surprised dropped the first new D.R.U.G.S. song in nine years called “King I Am.” Along with the powerfully cathartic hit, Owens also confirmed that he’s working on a follow up to the project’s debut self-titled album.

“I am writing the next D.R.U.G.S. album. I started writing it in early December. This song [“King I Am”] was written in early December. It was produced by my friend Hiram Hernandez. I’ve been working really hard on the album and that’s where my focus is.”

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Now, Owens is offering an inside look into the recording process of the second D.R.U.G.S. album. On Friday, he shared a behind-the-scenes photo of him tracking vocals for the new record.

In a recent interview with Blunt Mag, he revealed that the album probably won’t be released until 2021.

“It won’t be until next year, for sure.”

As well, he shared that the album’s sound will reflect back to what D.R.U.G.S. fans have previously heard from the project. Amongst Chiodos and badXchannels, Owens found it difficult to switch back into the writing headspace for D.R.U.G.S.

“It was a head trip leading into it,” he says. “To start writing D.R.U.G.S. again was like, ‘Okay. I know exactly what to do. I know exactly what this needs to sound like, what kind of record it needs to be.’ And until you have that epiphany as an artist, you’re kind of just chasing other people’s vision or a past vision, and I would never just phone in a project ever, because I want to leave a legacy.”

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For now, Owens plans to keep D.R.U.G.S. a solo project. He previously said that he is keeping his options open to adding members in the future.

“I do think that I’ll introduce members later on, but right now my focus is just like it was when the first album was written,” Owens said. “The music matters the most. That’s where my focus is at. After that, I’ll start to figure out how to present it live. I don’t want this to just be about me. It’s about the music. That’s all I really care about, and that’s all I’ve ever cared about.”

As well, Owens also revealed that he has intentions of eventually taking D.R.U.G.S.’ new music on the road. However, due to the coronavirus pandemic, those plans have been put on hold.

“There will most definitely be shows and tours,” he shared. “I’m not sure exactly how it’ll roll out, but I’m currently building my team around it. Once the album is written and done, then I’ll move forward.”

CORONA NEEDS TO HURRY SO I CAN ANNOUNCE THIS NEW D.R.U.G.S. TOUR

— Craig Owens (@craigowens) April 26, 2020

To further add to the D.R.U.G.S. nostalgia, Owens also brought back some iconic merch from 2010 including the classic D.A.R.E. shirt.

“King I Am” is available to stream below.

Are you ready for a new D.R.U.G.S. album? Let us know in the comments below.