Our first cover reveal for Issue 82 is the legendary Social Distortion! Get the issue here, or subscribe here.
Social Distortion are back with their eighth studio album, Born to Kill; which dropped May 8 via Epitaph Records. This, the band’s first studio album in 15 years, is not only one of the most anticipated releases of 2026, but just might go down as one of the most vital records of the band’s career. After being diagnosed with tonsil cancer in 2023, Social D frontman Mike Ness underwent surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and extensive vocal rehabilitation. Now, Ness is back with a clean bill of health, an arsenal of guitars and one of best records he’s ever written.
“Obviously, after a gap like that you can’t deliver a sleeper,” Ness says proudly of his long awaited, ferocious new album. Born to Kill’s eleven distinct tracks incapsulate everything you know and love about Social D’s storied past, and highlights the bold trajectory Ness has planned for their future. “I feel like I couldn’t have made this record five years ago,” he explains. “Everything fell into place. I really feel like this is the beginning of a new chapter for the band.”
