US Rockers Styx Shared the First New Music From their Upcoming New Album, Circling From Above, Releasing a Video for New Single Build And Destroy…
Legendary American rock band Styx has returned with new music, releasing the hard-hitting single “Build And Destroy,” the first taste of their upcoming studio album Circling From Above. The track arrived alongside a dynamic new music video, reigniting excitement among fans for the band’s first full-length studio effort since 2021’s Crash of the Crown.
“Build And Destroy” captures the classic Styx essence — a powerful blend of progressive rock energy, soaring harmonies, and introspective lyricism — while exploring new sonic territory. The song opens with a thunderous riff, soon giving way to layered vocals and a propulsive rhythm section. Lyrically, it delves into the cyclical nature of human behavior, industry, and even civilization itself — the perpetual tension between creation and destruction.
The video, directed by longtime collaborator Lucas Keller, features the band performing in a stark industrial landscape intercut with dramatic imagery of collapse and rebirth. Explosions, crumbling buildings, and scenes of reconstruction mirror the song’s central theme. The visuals are both literal and metaphorical, emphasizing Styx’s knack for marrying storytelling with musical drama.
Speaking about the new track, guitarist and vocalist Tommy Shaw said, “Build And Destroy is about that universal human instinct — to innovate and grow, but also, sometimes, to tear down what we’ve made. Whether that’s on a personal level or in society, it’s a cycle we all witness. This song felt like the perfect way to reintroduce Styx in 2025.”
Circling From Above, due out August 16 via Universal Music, promises to continue the band’s tradition of concept-driven rock, with early reports suggesting that the album tackles themes of time, resilience, and legacy. Recorded over the past two years, much of the album was developed while the band was on tour, lending a live energy to its sound. It was produced by Will Evankovich, who also helmed their previous two records, and features the full current lineup: Tommy Shaw, James “JY” Young, Lawrence Gowan, Ricky Phillips, Todd Sucherman, and returning bassist Chuck Panozzo.
The band has teased several other tracks, including titles like “Midnight Warnings,” “Glass Horizon,” and “The Circle Remains,” suggesting a cohesive thematic journey. Longtime fans can expect the signature Styx formula — complex arrangements, dual lead vocals, philosophical lyrics — but with modern production and a fresh urgency.
Formed in Chicago in the early 1970s, Styx became known for their unique fusion of progressive rock and arena-friendly anthems. With iconic hits such as “Come Sail Away,” “Renegade,” and “The Grand Illusion,” they’ve built a career on both sonic ambition and relentless touring. Despite lineup changes and shifts in the musical landscape, Styx has maintained a loyal global fanbase.
As they approach their sixth decade as a band, “Build And Destroy” shows that Styx is not content to rest on past laurels. Instead, they’re looking ahead — circling from above, as it were — offering both a reflection and a rallying cry for the present moment.
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