Guitar powerhouse Jared James Nichols returns June 5, 2026 with Louder Than Fate, his fourth studio album and most fully realized statement to date. The announcement arrives alongside new single “Pretend”, a gritty track that channels chaos through pumping drums and razor-sharp guitar chugs.
“‘Pretend’ hits like a live wire – gritty, pumping drums and guitar chugs that scream on the edge of chaos,” Nichols explains. “Sometimes a relationship is all smoke, no fire; it’s just a borrowed desire.”
Louder Than Fate finds Nichols pushing beyond his established blueprint. “I’m beyond excited for this record. I’ve been counting down the days until its release like it’s a personal holiday,” he says. “If the singles are any hint for you, there are plenty of riffs ripping through the speakers like a buzz saw. But going deeper into the record, there are tons of different emotions and sounds that I have yet to explore as a singer/songwriter. I am personally thrilled to share different shades of myself on this record, giving so much more depth and insight to the listener.”
Produced and mixed by Jay Ruston (‘Anthrax’, ‘Stone Sour’, ‘Amon Amarth’) with additional production from Roger Alan Nichols (‘Larkin Poe’, Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown), the album balances muscle and melody across ten tracks. Songs like “Bending or Breaking” and “Killing Time” expand the sonic palette with subtle keyboards and cinematic strings, adding depth without sacrificing power.
Since his debut, Nichols has built a reputation as one of his generation’s most electrifying guitarists and performers. Known for his unmistakable tone and commanding stage presence, he’s toured extensively across the US and Europe, sharing stages with rock’s biggest names. Louder Than Fate captures an artist at peak creative confidence – raw, unapologetic, and deeply rooted in blues-driven hard rock lineage.
This isn’t just an album. It’s a declaration of resilience, conviction, and the unstoppable force of an artist who plays every note as if it matters. Loud, honest, and deeply human – this is Jared James Nichols at his absolute best.
‘Louder Than Fate’ Track List:
1. Let’s Go
2. Ghost
3. Way Back
4. Bending Or Breaking
5. Killing Time *
6. Dust N’ Bones
7. Show Me *
8. Looks Like That Felt Good *
9. Runnin’ Hot
10. Pretend
Killing Time (acoustic version) Bonus Track Japan
The Death Of Love (bonus track Digital)
Produced & Mixed by Jay Ruston
Except * Produced & Mixed by Roger Alan Nichols
Upcoming Live Appearances:
Friday, Jan 23, 230pm – Anaheim, CA @ The NAMM Show / DR Strings
Saturday, Jan 24, 2pm – Anaheim, CA @ The NAMM Show / Blackstar Amplification
Pre-Order HERE
