Look, if you’re a Sublime fan, you’ve spent the last thirty years in a weird sort of mourning. We all have. Bradley Nowell died in 1996, right before the band’s self-titled album turned them into the biggest thing on the planet. For decades, the "Sublime" name was trapped in legal limbo, side projects, and that whole "Sublime with Rome" era that, honestly, felt more like a very high-end tribute act than the real deal. But everything shifted at Coachella 2024. Seeing Jakob Nowell up there with Bud Gaugh and Eric Wilson? It didn't just feel right. It felt like a glitch in the Matrix had finally been patched.
Now, we’re actually talking about a Sublime album release with Jakob Nowell. It’s not just a rumor or a "maybe" anymore. This is happening.
The new record is officially titled Till the Sun Explodes, and it’s slated for a 2026 release. If that feels like a long wait, you haven't been paying attention to how much heavy lifting has already been done. In 2025, the band’s single "Ensenada" didn’t just trickle onto the charts—it sat at the top of the Billboard Alternative Airplay chart for seven weeks. That’s the longest run at number one for any alternative track in 2025. People are hungry for this, and Jakob isn't just "filling in." He’s reclaiming a seat at the table that’s been empty since before he could walk.
The "Skin Bible" and How They’re Making New Music
One of the coolest—and kinda nerdier—details about this recording process is something Jakob calls the Skin Bible.
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Basically, Jakob and producer Jon Joseph went full-blown musical archaeologists. They didn't want to just "guess" what Sublime sounded like. They dissected every single chord progression, every weird vocal tic, and every drum fill from the original 90s tapes. They tracked the DNA of the band’s sound to make sure whatever they wrote in 2024 and 2025 felt like it belonged in the same universe as 40oz. to Freedom.
Jakob’s been pretty vocal about the fact that he isn't trying to be his father. He’s 28 now—the exact same age Bradley was when he passed. That symmetry isn't lost on him. But when he’s in the studio with Travis Barker (who’s been helping produce and write some of this new material), even Barker says it’s "chilling" how much Bradley’s spirit comes through.
They’re using the old tapes, too. We already got a taste of this with the 2024 track "Feel Like That," which featured a mix of Bradley’s archival vocals and Jakob’s new verses. It was a literal father-son duet from across the grave.
Why This Isn't Just "Sublime With Rome 2.0"
Honestly, the biggest difference here is the "vibe." Bud Gaugh, the original drummer who famously left Sublime with Rome because it didn't feel authentic, is back in the fold. When Bud and Eric Wilson are locked in, that’s the Sublime rhythm section. There’s no replacing that.
Jakob spent years trying to avoid this. He had his own band, LAW, and his solo-ish project Jakobs Castle. He was "beach-y internet music" and indie-rock. He didn't want to be the legacy kid. But after those first few rehearsals, he admitted that something clicked. He told People magazine that making this record felt "very healing."
It’s not a cash grab. If it were, they would have done this ten years ago. They’re taking their time because they know the 30th anniversary of the self-titled album in 2026 is the ultimate deadline.
What to Expect from Till the Sun Explodes
We’ve already heard "Ensenada," and it’s basically a masterclass in sunshine-soaked ska-punk absurdism. Lines about hiring strippers for the presidential cabinet? Yeah, that’s the Sublime we remember. It’s raw, it’s a little reckless, and it doesn't sound like it was produced in a lab to be "radio friendly," even though it dominated the radio anyway.
Here is what the timeline looks like for the Sublime album release with Jakob Nowell:
- 2024: The Coachella reunion and the "Feel Like That" single.
- 2025: "Ensenada" drops and breaks records. The band tours relentlessly (Warped Tour, Sea.Hear.Now, Boston Calling).
- Early 2026: More singles are expected to drop to build the hype.
- April 17-18, 2026: The legendary two-night stand at Red Rocks. They’re playing the 1996 self-titled album in full for the first time ever on night one.
- Mid-2026: Till the Sun Explodes finally hits streaming and vinyl.
The Reality of the "Epilogue"
Jakob has been very careful with his words. He’s called this upcoming album an "epilogue." He’s realistic. He knows the self-titled 1996 record was the definitive end of a specific era. This new music is a way to say goodbye properly, something the band never got to do because of the tragedy in San Francisco all those years ago.
Is it going to be exactly like the old stuff? No.
And that’s a good thing.
Jakob’s voice is eerily similar to Bradley’s, but his phrasing is his own. He grew up on different influences. He’s bringing a bit of that modern alternative edge into the mix. But with Bud and Eric behind him, the foundation is solid. It's the same house, just a different person living in it now.
Actionable Steps for Fans
If you want to stay on top of the release and actually snag tickets before the scalpers get them, here is what you need to do:
- Watch the Red Rocks Sale: The April 2026 shows at Red Rocks are going to be the "center of the universe" for the fan base. If you missed the initial Nov 2025 sale, keep an eye on verified resale—these are the "spiritual" shows Gaugh talked about.
- Follow Sublime Recordings: The band started their own label. They aren't through a major anymore. This is where the most "raw" updates and behind-the-scenes "Skin Bible" clips are going to live.
- Listen to Jakobs Castle: If you want to understand Jakob's personal style, check out Enter: The Castle. It’ll help you distinguish between what he brings to the table and what is "classic" Sublime.
The wait is almost over. For the first time in thirty years, there’s actually a reason to be excited about a new Sublime record without having to add an asterisk to the name.
Next Steps:
Go listen to "Ensenada" right now. If you like the grit of that track, you're going to love what's coming on the full LP. Keep an eye out for the next single release, which is rumored to drop right before the 2026 spring tour kicks off.