“Breaking Through” is the twelfth studio album by the American band Saliva, released on August 14, 2026, under Judge and Jury Records. It is their first full-length effort following Revelation (2023) and the first album recorded entirely by the band’s new lineup after the passing of founding member and guitarist Wayne Swinny. For Saliva, this release marks a new creative chapter, appropriately captured by the album’s title — Breaking Through.
The record demonstrates the band’s drive to blend modern production with Saliva’s signature early-2000s sound. Built on heavy guitar riffs, energetic choruses, aggressive vocals by Bobby Amaru, and melodic alternative rock elements, the album explores themes of inner struggle, psychological pressure, toxic relationships, loss, addiction, and the determination to keep moving forward.
Breaking Through is the first album recorded entirely by Saliva’s renewed lineup following the death of founder and guitarist Wayne Swinny in 2023. Guitarist Josh Kulack—who previously performed with the band as a touring musician and temporarily filled in for Swinny—and Sebastian LaBar, who permanently joined in 2024, stepped in to handle guitar duties. Alongside vocalist Bobby Amaru, bassist Brad Stewart, and drummer Sammi Jo Bishop, they formed a refreshed unit that preserves the band’s distinct identity without merely copying the past. The musicians have repeatedly noted that continuing the band’s journey honors Wayne Swinny’s wishes for Saliva to carry on.
The album was produced by Bobby Amaru and Steve Perreira, with executive production by legendary producer Howard Benson and Neil Sanderson of Three Days Grace.
Saliva and Judge & Jury Records
The collaboration between Saliva and Judge & Jury Records became a pivotal part of this new chapter. Judge & Jury Records is a Los Angeles-based label and production team founded by Howard Benson and Three Days Grace drummer/songwriter Neil Sanderson. The venture combines an in-house label with a team of producers, songwriters, and engineers tailored specifically for rock music.
The partnership began prior to Breaking Through, building on the work done after Revelation. In 2025, the label released Revelation: Retold—an expanded edition featuring new recordings, guest vocals, and reimagined tracks. Saliva is currently featured on the official Judge & Jury roster, with Revelation: Retold listed among their releases.
The next milestone was creating Breaking Through. Judge & Jury Records handled the release, preceded by a series of singles. The first major announcement was “Sadistic Love”, released on May 26, 2026, alongside an official music video. This was followed by “Longshot” featuring Johnny Van Zant of Lynyrd Skynyrd, among other tracks.
On streaming platforms, Breaking Through is officially listed as a joint release by Saliva & Judge & Jury, with copyright credited to ℗ 2026 Judge and Jury Records. This reflects a deep creative partnership rather than a standard distribution deal. For Saliva, this model provides a solid rock-oriented environment to evolve while maintaining their distinct sound.
Singles and Collaborations
One of the lead singles, “Sadistic Love”, deals with destructive relationships and stands out with its heavy modern production and a return to the band’s more aggressive style. Other notable tracks include “Hit ‘Em Where It Hurts”, “Cope” (featuring Trevor McNevan of Thousand Foot Krutch), “Too Broke to Fix”, “Starless” (with LYLVC), and “Edge of a Knife”, highlighting the album’s range from melodic post-grunge to modern alternative metal.
The album took several years to complete and was rolled out through a steady stream of singles. Guest appearances by Trevor McNevan (Thousand Foot Krutch), Austin John Winkler (ex-Hinder), and members of Lynyrd Skynyrd added variety while preserving Saliva’s core sound.
Reception
Initial listener response has been largely positive. Fans praised the return to heavier instrumentation, strong choruses, modern production, and Bobby Amaru’s confident vocal performance, with many calling Breaking Through one of the band’s strongest works in recent years.
Recommended For
Breaking Through is recommended for fans of Saliva’s Every Six Seconds and Back into Your System eras, as well as listeners of Shinedown, Three Days Grace, Saint Asonia, Hinder, Papa Roach, Theory of a Deadman, Seether, and Daughtry.
Summary
Despite numerous lineup changes in recent years, Breaking Through does not attempt to radically redefine Saliva’s style. Instead, it serves as a confident continuation of their sound, combining modern production with the familiar energy of post-grunge and alternative metal.
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