POP EVIL on Writing Material For Ninth Studio Album: ‘We’re Excited’, Says LEIGH KAKATY

Pop Evil is gearing up to write their ninth studio album, with frontman Leigh Kakaty confirming the band will dive into the creative process within the next few weeks ^*. Speaking with Ronni Hunter from 99.7 The Blitz at Sonic Temple festival in Columbus, Ohio, Kakaty expressed excitement about the upcoming writing sessions with what he considers the best lineup in Pop Evil's history ^*. The band just dropped their eighth record, *What Remains*, in 2025, and celebrated its first anniversary this past March with *What Remains (Midnight Edition)*, which includes fresh material called *The Decay* and a cover of the '80s classic "Don't You (Forget About Me)" ^*.

While Kakaty has traditionally handled most of Pop Evil's songwriting throughout his career, the current lineup—featuring bassist Joey "Chicago" Walser and drummer Blake Allison—brings a new dynamic to the table ^*. Allison has been holding down the kit for almost five years now, and Kakaty had actually discussed potential songwriting collaboration with both Walser and Allison back around 2018, before band member changes brought them officially into the fold ^*. The chemistry is clearly there, and the frontman seems ready to tap into what this crew can create together.

Kakaty described *What Remains* as a more personal effort, focused on his own experiences rather than writing for the fans, but now it sounds like Pop Evil is ready to channel that energy into something new ^*. With the Midnight Edition barely in the rearview mirror and festival season in full swing, the band isn't wasting any time getting back to work on album number nine.

Source Articles:
^* Pop Evil preparing to write ninth studio album — Blabbermouth, 2026-05-17 — https://blabbermouth.net/news/pop-evil-is-about-to-start-writing-material-for-ninth-studio-album-were-excited-says-leigh-kakaty