Windwaker Announces New Album 'smile, you're on camera.,' Premieres 'closer' Video

Australian melodic metalcore band Windwaker has announced their third studio album and dropped a new music video. According to The Mosh Network, the band will release ‘smile, you’re on camera.’ on October 23 via Fearless Records. Alongside the announcement, they premiered the video for the album's lead single, “closer.”

The news arrives as the band prepares to return to North America this fall for a major tour. This marks a significant step for the group, following their first-ever headline U.S. tour earlier this year and the release of their 2024 album ‘HYPERVIOLENCE.’

What Are the Album and Tour Details?

The core details of Windwaker's announcement are concrete and ready for fans to mark their calendars. The band's new era kicks off with a single and culminates in a cross-continent live run.

• Album Title: ‘smile, you’re on camera.’
• Release Date: October 23, 2026
• Record Label: Fearless Records
• Lead Single: “closer,” with a music video now available
• Tour: A North American support run with Beartooth, Don Broco, and Magnolia Park

In a statement about the single, the band described “closer” as “an allegory for the struggles of being in a band dealing with rejection, self-doubt, and the resilience in spite of that to keep going with something you’ve given everything to.” They added that the song highlights a pivotal life decision between pursuing a conventional path or continuing to sacrifice for a creative dream.

Who Is Windwaker?

Windwaker is an Australian band that has been active since 2014, building a dedicated following in the metalcore and post-hardcore scenes. The group, consisting of vocalist Liam Guinane, guitarist Justin Keurntjes, bassist Indey Salvestro, drummer Chris Lalic, and synths specialist Connor Robins, is known for an eclectic signature sound that blends heavy instrumentation with electronic elements.

‘smile, you’re on camera.’ serves as the follow-up to their 2024 album ‘HYPERVIOLENCE’ and their 2022 release ‘Love Language.’ The band's music has garnered millions of plays across streaming platforms, with tracks like “SIRENS 2.0” and “Break The Rules” among their most popular. Their upcoming work is described as a more guitar-forward and analog-focused collection compared to its predecessor.

What Is the New Album About?

According to a press release cited in the reports, the album is a deeply introspective project. “‘smile, you’re on camera.’ ruminates on the weight of time and growth, struggles and sacrifice for the better life and authenticity in spite of a world full of superficial and sinister characters and bad actors,” the description states.

The album does not follow a linear narrative but instead presents a series of personal reflections. It’s framed as a candid look at the pressures of visibility and a celebration of the band's journey, aiming to leave listeners with “a sense of both resolution and ongoing evolution.” The tracklist includes collaborations with featured artists RinRin on “click.” and Mikaila Delgado of the band Yours Truly on “loser.”

What's Next for Windwaker?

The immediate roadmap is clear. Fans can stream the “closer” music video now while pre-orders for ‘smile, you’re on camera.’ are expected to begin shortly.

This tour represents a major platform, supporting established act Beartooth in large venues across the United States. For Windwaker, the final months of 2026 will be defined by the dual launch of a personal new album and a very public, continent-spanning tour.

The Full Tracklist for ‘smile, you’re on camera.’

The album's full tracklist, according to The Mosh Network, comprises twelve songs. It opens with “low” and closes with “some days.”

Two tracks feature guest artists: “click.” includes RinRin, while “loser” features Mikaila Delgado of the band Yours Truly. The lead single “closer” is the album's second track.