Royal Blood talk new album ‘Dead Company’ at Reading 2026: “It’s pretty relentless”

Royal Blood have discussed their forthcoming fifth album, ‘Dead Company’, after performing a secret set at Reading 2026. The duo said the record is designed to be intense and live-focused, reflecting their return to playing together after a two-year break.

The album, previewed by single ‘Ten Over Ten’, is due on 13 November. Mike Kerr described it as “relentless” and said there is little respite across its tracks, while Ben Thatcher said it combines the energy of their debut with the experience gained over four albums; the band also recalled feeling intimidated but excited by their first Reading appearance in 2014.