Inferno

Overview
Inferno is the fifth studio album by Boards of Canada, released May 29, 2026 on Warp. It was recorded at the duo’s Hexagon Sun studio in the Pentland Hills, Scotland, marking their first new full-length since Tomorrow’s Harvest (2013). ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inferno_%28Boards_of_Canada_album%29))

Recording History
- Studio/location: Hexagon Sun, Pentland Hills, Scotland. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inferno_%28Boards_of_Canada_album%29))
- Producers/engineers: Mike Sandison is credited as producer; Marcus Eoin and Sandison are listed as instrumentalists/sound designers with Sandison responsible for much of the production. Mastering was done by Matt Colton at Metropolis Studios, London. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inferno_%28Boards_of_Canada_album%29))
- Dates/sessions: The campaign began April 2026 with VHS mailouts; the single Introit / Prophecy at 1420 MHz arrived in May 2026, followed by listening sessions across multiple cities. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inferno_%28Boards_of_Canada_album%29))
- Techniques/equipment: The album blends live drums, guitar and synths for a “live” sound, with long-form, sample-rich arrangements typical of BoC. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inferno_%28Boards_of_Canada_album%29)) The track “Father and Son” incorporates a sample from a 1971 documentary The Jesus Trip. ([allmusic.com](https://www.allmusic.com/album/inferno-mw0004800877))

Chart Performance & Recognition
- UK Albums Chart peak: No. 3. ([officialcharts.com](https://www.officialcharts.com/albums/boards-of-canada-inferno/))
- Scottish Albums Chart peak: No. 2. ([officialcharts.com](https://www.officialcharts.com/albums/boards-of-canada-inferno/))
- Album Downloads Chart peak: No. 1; additional strong showing on Vinyl and other UK charts. ([officialcharts.com](https://www.officialcharts.com/albums/boards-of-canada-inferno/))
- Certifications: public certification data were not listed in major chart databases at press time. (Chart sources cited above.)

Cultural Impact & Legacy
- Reception: AllMusic highlighted Inferno’s imposing, cinematic production and its enduring BoC mood, while some reviews note its intensified clarity and gothic edge. ([allmusic.com](https://www.allmusic.com/album/inferno-mw0004800877))
- Notable details: The release cycle featured a mysterious promotional push, including early music drops and worldwide listening sessions, and the project attracted attention for its timely themes and panoramic scope. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inferno_%28Boards_of_Canada_album%29))
- Samples/connections: The album foregrounds sampled dialogue (e.g., The Jesus Trip) and Sanskrit-derived track titles, underscoring BoC’s characteristic blend of esotericism and sonic texture. ([allmusic.com](https://www.allmusic.com/album/inferno-mw0004800877))

Inferno is a monumental, time-stretched return that foregrounds Boards of Canada’s signature atmosphere while embracing a more assertive, drum- and guitar-driven presence.