L-R: John Hartwell, Dan Southall, Adam Brewell (floor), Rich Wilson, Arran Day.
Credit: Blackham Images
Derbyshire Blues-rockers, These Wicked Rivers, announce their third studio album Fire and Folklore set for release via Fat Earth Records, October 2nd 2026.
The album was recorded in the band’s hometown of Belper, Derbyshire, which is also the home of revered and prolific GRAMMY-award winning producer Andy Sneap (Sabbat, Judas Priest, Saxon, Megadeth etc.). These Wicked Rivers spent a month working with Sneap at his home studio together with producer Colin Richardson (Slipknot, Massive Wagons, Those Damn Crows). Fire And Folklore is the band’s most accomplished record to date. Expanding beyond their signature wizard-blues rock sound, pushing into new sonic territory and blending in shades of country and southern spirit while retaining the groove and soul that defines the band.
Singer John Hartwell states:
“Being local lads it’s been a real privilege to be able to record the album so close to home in beautiful Derbyshire, a stone’s throw from where some of the songs were written. To work with such experienced and talented producers as Andy Sneap and Colin Richardson has been a real eye opener and a great learning experience.”
Andy Sneap isn’t the only local the band have teamed up with. Fiercely proud of their Derbyshire roots and the following they’ve established there, fellow Derby artist and country music star Kezia Gill guests on the track Sing Another Song, exploring the band’s more country & western leanings.
Revealing the Fire And Folklore album art by Natalie Muir a.k.a Inktally earlier this week, Arran Day states:
“Just as with our previous records, it means a lot to us for the artwork to be as much an expression of the album as the music. Inspired by the joy of dropping the needle on a record and sitting down with the album in your hands, we feel the artwork truly reflects that immersive experience that we aspire to, and we couldn’t be more thankful to Natalie for bringing it to life.”
To celebrate the album announcement, the band have released their brand new single today titled ‘Ain’t No Smoke‘.
Keyboard player Rich Wilson comments:
“‘Ain’t No Smoke’ takes you on a journey of highs and lows of trust and betrayal through the eye of the storm and out the other side again. The song builds like waves crashing down before everything is suddenly calm again, only then to build to its inevitable end.”
Perfectly complementing this slow-burning steam-roller of a track, the video features fire-performer Kiara Leigh and was directed by Jack Collin (Florence Black, S-X).
“We worked with a fantastic team of creatives on this one and we’re very excited to share this first taste of what’s to come on the forthcoming new record, with the Rivers family” – Dan Southall (drummer)
Following a string of sold-out shows across the UK and Europe in 2025, the heavy-blues wizard-rockers will hit the road in November, after the release of the new album Fire and Folklore, showcasing the new material alongside fan-favourites from their previous albums.
Guitarist Arran Day says:
“DO NOT ADJUST YOUR AM RADIOS! The These Wicked Rivers travelling carnival will be bringing FIRE AND FOLKLORE to you this November and December – and it is an occasion not to be missed. Celebrating the joy of live music with like-minded folk means more now than ever, so we’re delighted to traverse the UK to bring the magic to as many people as we physically can.”
Tickets are on sale now at https://www.thesewickedrivers.com/shows
These Wicked Rivers – FIRE AND FOLKLORE will be released on Fat Earth Records, October 2nd, 2026
The album is available on a variety of formats including exclusive limited edition “Pressed-Flower” vinyl.
Pre-order now via www.thesewickedrivers.com
