AceShowbiz - It was a defining moment in 1996 when KROQ DJ Carson Daly first introduced me to the groundbreaking Los Angeles-based band, Failure. The following year, Daly, then MTV’s newest VJ, announced the band’s sudden breakup, a move that bewildered many fans and observers alike.

Failure, made up primarily of vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Ken Andrews, multi-instrumentalist Greg Edwards, and drummer Kellii Scott, had just released their third studio album, Fantastic Planet (1996), a record that transcended genre boundaries and captured something otherworldly. Despite their growing acclaim, the band remained mostly a word-of-mouth phenomenon. Unknown at the time was the impact heroin had wrought on the group, contributing to their untimely dissolution.

Even after their breakup, the influence of Failure lingered. In 2003, while recording at L.A.’s Paramount Studios, I overheard A Perfect Circle’s cover of Failure’s haunting ballad "The Nurse Who Loved Me" playing in the lobby. This sparked conversations about what might have been for the influential but short-lived band. A few years later, the buzz around a new female-led act named Paramore reignited interest in Failure when Paramore covered "Stuck on You," one of Failure’s most accessible tracks from Fantastic Planet.

Then, in late 2013, the band reunited. Andrews and Edwards cautiously rekindled their friendship and songwriting partnership and booked a February 2014 show at the El Rey Theatre. The show’s sellout in under two minutes confirmed that a new generation had discovered their back catalog and eagerly awaited more.

Since then, Failure has been remarkably prolific. They self-produced three studio albums: 2015’s The Heart Is a Monster, 2018’s In the Future …, and 2021’s Wild Type Droid. They accompanied these releases with a 2023 concert film, We Are Hallucinations, and a 2025 Hulu documentary, Every Time You Lose Your Mind. Through this period, the band performed approximately 220 live shows, establishing a sustained creative momentum that is now culminating in their seventh studio album, Location Lost, set for release on April 24.

With this new album, the band’s post-reunion output will surpass their initial 1990-1997 period. The third single from Location Lost, "The Rising Skyline," features a notable collaboration with Hayley Williams, frontwoman of Paramore. Williams contributes vocals to this emotionally charged acoustic breakup song, which crescendos into a dramatic finish. Her ongoing support of the band through covers and public praise has been instrumental in expanding Failure’s audience during their hiatus.

"She spent time digesting four songs before choosing the ballad. She messaged me, saying, ‘This feels like a different kind of Failure record to me. Good on you guys for doing that,’" Andrews shared with The Hollywood Reporter.

The creation of Location Lost was not without its difficulties, a hallmark of Failure’s career. Andrews was still recuperating from major back surgery, while Edwards wrestled with a sense of disconnection since their reunion. Edwards described his creative compass as lost, which inspired the album’s title.

"There was a lot of turmoil and life changes. Throughout making this record, we weren’t always the most cohesive as a group. It felt like things were fracturing," Edwards admitted. "I lost the entry point for how to approach the music. The documentary had a strange effect on me, and I think I withdrew. Being close to the center of Failure for so long, it pushed me out to the outskirts."

In the February 2026 press release for Location Lost, Edwards pondered the band’s future, asking, "Is Location Lost the last Failure record, or could it be the transition to yet another new phase? We’ll see where it goes from here."

When pressed about their trajectory, Edwards acknowledged that while another record is possible, nothing is guaranteed. "We already have enough material for another album, easily. It’s not that we lack the creative force or the ability to communicate through music. I just don’t take for granted that we will continue."

If Location Lost does represent the final chapter for Failure, it would be a profound loss given the band’s continued ability to create compelling, forward-thinking music. Andrews’ voice remains strong, arguably better than many of his ‘90s peers, with his performance on tracks like "Moonlight Understands" being among his best to date. There is still a vibrant market for ‘90s alternative acts, and it would be unfortunate if Failure did not continue to benefit from their enduring relevance and creative vitality.

Yet, it is hard to be disappointed when the band has already crafted one of rock’s most remarkable comeback stories. They have answered the hypothetical questions about what could have been by delivering a second act that honors and expands upon their legacy. Picking up where Fantastic Planet left off, their four albums since reuniting have set a new standard for bands attempting a rebirth.

During a detailed conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, Andrews, Edwards, and Scott discussed the making of Location Lost and reflected on the unexpected resurgence of their deep cut "The Nurse Who Loved Me" as their most streamed song in the digital era.

Ken Andrews revealed that during the documentary filming last June, he was still recovering from significant back surgery. "Physically and mentally, it was a long road. It made me aware of my mortality," he explained. The injury happened while he was trying to get in shape using an incline sit-up device. After aggravating his back, Andrews humorously recounted his frustration with the equipment, even kicking it in his backyard before hauling it away to the dump.

Despite the challenges and uncertainties, Failure’s members remain committed to their craft, even if the path forward isn’t fully clear. Their resilience and willingness to evolve continue to captivate fans old and new alike, making Location Lost a highly anticipated release that could either close a remarkable chapter or usher in yet another phase of creativity for this iconic band.

This article is based on reporting originally published by The Hollywood Reporter.