It’s almost hard to believe that it’s been nearly four years since the release of Paramore. That album, and the singles it produced, had a long tail, with “Ain’t it Fun” blasting through radio speakers for almost two years after its release. Even now, well over a year removed from any sort of touring, Paramore still feels like one of the most relevant bands in the rock scene.

Nevertheless, as with almost any break between Paramore albums, the past couple of years have brought their wear and tear. Gone is bassist Jeremy Davis in a messy divorce that spilled into the courtrooms. Another painful departure is certain to have provided fodder for Hayley Williams and Taylor York, who, nearly inconceivably, rejoined with original drummer Zac Farro to record the band’s follow up.

Paramore has overcome adversity in the past with flying colors, continuing to up the ante with each release the band puts out. At this point, though, Paramore has become more of a brand than anything. Still, it’s a brand we trust to create emotive artwork that spills through our speakers with the sounds of Williams’ heralded voice. No matter who follows her into battle, it’s easy to rest assured of the outcome.

The last time we waited for four years for a Paramore release, the band followed up Brand New Eyes with their self-titled album – a behemoth of a record that garnered the band another platinum plaque. Here’s to the anticipation of what we believe will be yet another stellar album from one of America’s most fun bands.

by Kiel Hauck

Kiel Hauck is the editor in chief at It’s All Dead. Over the past decade, he has been a contributor for multiple online and print publications and was most recently an editor at PopMatters. Kiel currently resides in Indianapolis, IN with his wife and their imaginary pet, Hand Dog. You can follow him on Twitter.