"Villains" is the seventh studio album by Queens of the Stone Age, released on August 25, 2017, through Matador Records. This album marked a few notable changes and highlights in the band's career:
The album was announced on June 14, 2017, with a unique teaser trailer featuring a comedic skit involving the band and Liam Lynch. The first single, "The Way You Used to Do," was released the following day, accompanied by the announcement of a world tour.
Villains is significant for being the first Queens of the Stone Age album without any special guest musicians, setting it apart from previous albums. It is also the second album not to feature Mark Lanegan, known for his contributions to the band's earlier work. Additionally, it marks the first album to include Jon Theodore as a full-time member of the band.
The album received widely positive reviews and performed well commercially. It topped both Billboard's Top Alternative Albums and Top Rock Albums charts. At the 2018 Grammy Awards, Villains was nominated for Best Rock Album, though it ultimately lost to The War on Drugs' A Deeper Understanding.
Villains continues the band's tradition of blending rock with their signature style, showcasing their evolution and solidifying their place in the rock genre.
