Enter Shikari have announced plans to enter an indefinite hiatus from the end of 2027, with the band saying their dormancy could eventually lead to a return or the end of the group altogether.
The band will continue recording and performing through 2027, which marks 20 years since the release of their debut album Take To The Skies. After 31 December 2027, Enter Shikari will “fall dormant” as a recording and performing entity.
Enter Shikari To Go Dormant In 2027
In a statement, the band said they do not know whether the hiatus will eventually end in a return or the band’s extinction.
“As of December 31, 2027, Enter Shikari will fall dormant as a recording and performing entity.
“This dormancy may eventually end with an eruption back into activity, or may end with extinction, we have no idea which.”
The band said the 20th anniversary of Take To The Skies had prompted them to reflect on their two decades together.
“As everyone keeps reminding us, 2027 will be 20 years since the release of our debut album. We’ve been playing music together since we were 15, and friends longer still, but there’s no doubt this is a huge milestone.”
Enter Shikari said their approach to music has sometimes been difficult to maintain within an industry that favours easily defined artists.
“For the past two decades, we’ve run amok in a cultural landscape that elevates easily-pigeonholed art, so being an Enter Shikari hasn’t always been easy, professionally or personally, with obvious negative impact on one’s mental health when tasked with coming up with the goods.”
The band added that their commitment to making music remains, but acknowledged the demands of their career have taken their toll.
“But we do this because we love it, and we are lucky enough to have built an audience who understand that the less-trodden path is sometimes the more interesting journey.
“However, it gets to the point where the often difficult terrain of that path starts to frazzle and drain the humble traveller.”
Enter Shikari Say They Are Not Splitting Up
Enter Shikari have reached the UK top 10 with six albums and scored their first UK number one with 2023’s A Kiss For The Whole World.
The band said they are no longer the same people who made Take To The Skies, while stressing that their friendship and love of making music remain.
They also revealed that frontman Rou Reynolds has experienced a recent illness. However, the band said discussions about their future had already started before his illness and subsequently became more pressing.
“While we don’t think we’re splitting up, we do not have a diary that extends beyond 2027…
“Maybe we’ll be like Fugazi and just get together to rehearse for fun, without feeling the need to make anyone else listen to it.
“All we really know is after two decades of being a professional band, not having plans three years in advance is liberating.”
Enter Shikari Have New Music Coming
The band said new Enter Shikari music will arrive “sooner rather than a later” and confirmed they will continue to perform in 2027.
However, they have ruled out staging an official farewell world tour before the hiatus begins.
The group said they hope to see fans during the remaining period of their active schedule.
“We really hope we’ll be seeing you over the next 14 months or so, somehow. But if not, all that remains to be said is thank-you for your support, your sweat, your passion, your energy.”
For now, Enter Shikari’s future remains open-ended. The band will continue through 2027 before entering an indefinite period away from recording and performing.
