Perfecth

In 2023, Queens of the Stone Age released their eighth album In Times New Roman..., after a long period of six years of inactivity for the band due to frontman Josh Homme's personal struggles. This was followed by extensive touring throughout the next few years, during which time Homme said that the band had no intention of waiting another six years for the next release.^[2] He also stated that he viewed the band's catalogue in cycles of three, and as such, whatever followed In Times New Roman... would be the start of a new era for the band.^[3]

In an interview at Download Festival in 2024, the band confirmed that they planned to finish touring later that year in order to spend more time with their families and recording new music.^[4] Touring was cut short however, due to Homme becoming ill and having to cancel several dates in the band's European summer leg. On July 8, 2024, the day before heading home, the band made a stop in Paris to record an acoustic set in the Paris Catacombs, which was released the following year as an extended play and concert film; Alive in the Catacombs (2025).^[5] At the end of the Catacombs film, Homme could be heard singing a new tune listed as "Insignificant Other", hinting at upcoming music.^[6]

Throughout late 2025 and early 2026, the band toured in support of the EP, with the sets focusing on acoustic arrangements of their older tracks. At the first show of the tour on October 2, 2025, the band debuted a new track "Easy Street", which became a staple in the setlists. The track drew comparisons to David Bowie as a distinct departure from the band's traditional sound.^[7] "Easy Street" got an official audio and music video release on July 14, 2026, as a non-album single, featuring previous Homme collaborator Nikki Lane and marking the band's first collaborative single.^[8] On August 25, they released "Insignificant Other", as their second single.

In early August, they established a complaint hotline for "gripes and grievances" where fans could call and leave a message.^[9] On August 15, the band officially announced the new album with a YouTube video featuring Josh Homme and Dean Fertita playing a knife game. In the video, the two briefly discuss new music, in which Homme announces new music for a September 30 release before accidentally stabbing himself with the knife and dying. The video ends announcing the album's release on September 30, before changing to "soon ... sometime".^[10] Consequence speculated that this may indicate the album will be released on a different date, as September 30 falls on a Wednesday—and albums are typically released on Fridays.^[11] On August 25, the band fully announced the album's artwork, tracklist, and a release date of October 30^[12]. The announcement was coincided with a second single, "Insignificant Other".^[1]