Overview
Circling from Above is the eighteenth studio album by American rock band Styx. The album was released on July 18, 2025, by Universal Music Enterprises. This is the first album to feature Will Evankovich and Terry Gowan as full-time members. It was ranked by Goldmine as one of the 11 top prog albums of 2025.
Background
On March 20, 2024, Styx announced via social media that Ricky Phillips would be leaving the band to spend more time at home and away from the road. On March 22, 2024, Lawrence Gowan's younger brother Terry debuted as the new touring bass player for Styx at their show in Wallingford, Connecticut. On May 17 he was announced as an official member. On May 28, 2025, Styx announced their eighteenth studio album, Circling from Above, set for release on July 18 via Alpha Dog 2T/UMe. Produced by Will Evankovich, the 13-track album explores themes of human ambition, technology, and nature, and features contributions from all seven current members of the band. The lead single, "Build and Destroy," was released alongside an AI-generated music video, and physical copies of the album will be made available ahead of the digital release during the band's 2025 Brotherhood of Rock tour.
Personnel
Credits adapted from the album's liner notes.
Styx
*Tommy Shawacoustic guitar, electric guitar, mandolin, vocals *James Youngelectric guitar, vocals *Chuck Panozzobass guitar *Todd Suchermandrums, percussion *Lawrence Gowanpiano, B3 organ, synthesizers, Mellotron, harmonium, vocals *Will Evankovichacoustic guitar, electric guitar, mandolin, harmonica, synthesizers, soundscapes, vocals, production, engineering (all tracks); string arrangements (tracks 6, 8, 9, 11) *Terry Gowanbass guitar, upright bass
Guest musicians
* Stevie Blackestrings, string arrangements (6, 8, 9, 11) * Jeff Coffinclarinet solo (9) * Aubrey Hayniefiddle solo (8)
Technical personnel
* Alan Hertzmixing, engineering * Scott Rottlerengineering * Austin Brownengineering * Channing Watkinsmixing assistance * Ted Jensenmastering * Mark Petrocellidrum technician * Josh Grahamart direction, design, imagery * Caitlin Layneband photography, video * Jason Powellband photography, video