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- Back in the booth with Sylvia Massy and engineer Jon DeBaun
- Loose details spark big expectations
- How Lucro Sucio arrived like a lightning strike
- Cedric Bixler-Zavala and the personal CD handoff that went viral
- Fan reaction and social media fallout
- Industry implications and what the new sessions might signal
- What fans should watch next
The Mars Volta have quietly returned to the studio, months after releasing their surprise album Lucro Sucio; Los Ojos del Vacio. The band’s sudden activity has fans and journalists speculating about a follow-up — possibly their tenth LP — and the choice of collaborators suggests something ambitious is underway.
Back in the booth with Sylvia Massy and engineer Jon DeBaun
Recent reports place the group in sessions with veteran producer Sylvia Massy. Massy is known for shaping records by Tool and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Engineer Jon DeBaun was also present during the sessions.
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The team-up hints at a deliberate sound direction. Massy brings experimental recording techniques. DeBaun adds modern engineering and mixing strengths.
Why this pairing matters for the band
- Massy’s résumé signals a heavy, textured production approach.
- DeBaun’s recent work favors clarity and dynamic range.
- Together, they could push The Mars Volta into new sonic territory.
Loose details spark big expectations
There are few confirmed facts beyond the names and the studio visit. No timelines, singles, or track counts have been announced yet.
Still, the presence of these collaborators has already generated online chatter. Fans are dissecting social posts and looking for clues.
How Lucro Sucio arrived like a lightning strike
The band’s last record landed with almost no formal rollout. Instead of pre-release fanfare, they debuted the new material live.
During a support slot for the Deftones in Portland, the group played the entire record to an audience that had not heard the songs in advance. Reactions ranged from stunned to elated.
Cedric Bixler-Zavala and the personal CD handoff that went viral
Anecdotes from that period added to the album’s mystique. One story involves Cedric handing a physical copy of the new record to a food delivery worker at a hotel.
The delivery worker shared the encounter online, describing the surreal moment of meeting a longtime idol. According to the account, Cedric asked if the person had a CD player and then gifted his own copy, noting the album had leaked.
The gesture became a talking point — a human and old-school moment in an era of streaming leaks and cryptic drops.
Fan reaction and social media fallout
- Discussion threads exploded after the Portland show.
- Physical media collectors praised the CD handoff as a rare, tangible memento.
- Speculation over leaks and deliberate secrecy grew louder.
Many listeners reported buying CD players for the novelty. Others debated whether the surprise strategy helps or hinders long-term visibility.
Industry implications and what the new sessions might signal
Working with Massy and DeBaun could mean:
- A more aggressive, experimental soundstage.
- Higher production values and complex arrangements.
- A possible pivot toward analog recording techniques.
Labels and promoters will watch for signs of a full campaign. A polished studio run often precedes singles, videos, and tour announcements.
What fans should watch next
- Official social channels for studio clips or teasers.
- Producer or engineer posts that confirm dates or sessions.
- Merch and ticket drops tied to upcoming tours.
Until an official statement appears, the combinations of names and anecdotes are the clearest indicators fans have.
