Sublime has released its first album in three decades, marking a significant moment in the band’s evolution with Jakob Nowell stepping in as the new lead vocalist. The album, titled "Until the Sun Explodes," was completed earlier this year in a studio near Long Beach, California, close to the band’s original roots. The project represents both a continuation of the band’s signature blend of punk, reggae, hip-hop, and ska, and a fresh chapter led by Nowell, the son of Sublime’s late frontman Bradley Nowell.

Bradley Nowell, who died of a drug overdose in 1996, was a defining force in the band’s sound and identity. Jakob Nowell initially viewed his role as a caretaker of his father’s legacy rather than a replacement. “I’ll never look at it as my band. Sublime is my dad’s band, and I’m helping out, that’s all,” Jakob said. However, over time, he found his own voice and comfort in the frontman position while performing alongside original Sublime members Bud Gaugh (drums) and Eric Wilson (bass).

The band’s revival took shape gradually, starting with a surprise reunion show in 2023 at a benefit event for Bad Brains frontman H.R. Encouraged by the chemistry and positive audience response, the trio embarked on tours and festivals, including appearances at Coachella and Warped Tour. This momentum led to the decision to record new material, resulting in a 21-track album that respects Sublime’s original style while showcasing the growth of its members.

Recording sessions were described by the band as dynamic and collaborative. Gaugh recalled how Jakob’s ideas often evolved during studio time, leading to the creation of new songs alongside revisited jams and unfinished recordings. Several tracks were inspired by an earlier collaboration with the reggae band Stick Figure, which helped affirm the presence of “meat on the bone” for new Sublime material.

The band also launched Sublime Fest and the Sublime Reef Madness Cruise, curated events that bring together artists aligned with their musical and cultural ethos. These festivals focus on fostering a communal atmosphere that blends music, art, and local culture, reflecting the band’s Long Beach roots.

Nowell emphasized the multigenerational appeal of Sublime’s music, noting that fans range from those who experienced the band’s early days in the '90s to younger audiences discovering the catalog for the first time. He also highlighted his own record label, Sunburnt Records, which supports emerging Southern California acts and carries forward the DIY spirit that marked Sublime’s original path.

The album’s title, "Until the Sun Explodes," symbolizes a lasting commitment to the band's enduring influence. Jakob reflected, “The fact that [Sublime] has lasted this long and has this many fans is evidence to me that we wanna be here forever.” The trio’s collaborative approach to songwriting and recording incorporates each member’s contributions, blending their individual styles into a "gumbo" that honors the past while looking ahead.

With the release of this album, Sublime not only celebrates a storied legacy but also introduces a revitalized sound poised to sustain its cultural resonance for years to come.