Gabriels announce new EP with guest vocalists after dearture of lead singer

Los Angeles-based gospel ensemble Gabriels are poised to re-emerge with new material, marking their first release since 2023. Their upcoming four-track EP, Blood On My Hands, is scheduled to drop on November 20, 2026, signifying a new chapter for the group after the exit of their lead singer, Jacob Lusk, earlier this year.

The departure of Lusk, who left the band in 2024 to explore other musical directions, has led Gabriels to adopt a fresh approach for this release. Instead of bringing in a permanent replacement, founding members Ari Balouzian and Ryan Hope have enlisted a diverse roster of guest vocalists to contribute to the EP. This collaborative effort underscores the band's adaptive spirit and willingness to experiment beyond their previous gospel-infused sound.

Among the featured vocalists are Brooklyn’s disco outfit Say She She, Evita, a classically trained artist based in Los Angeles, and Qing. These artists lend their distinct styles to the tracks, injecting varied influences that expand Gabriels’ sonic palette. The lead single, “Break It,” which includes Say She She, has already been released and offers a glimpse of the band's evolving musical identity.

The decision to work with multiple guest vocalists follows the conclusion of Gabriels’ tour supporting their debut album, Angels & Queens, which was released prior to Lusk's departure. Since then, Balouzian and Hope have pursued individual creative projects: Balouzian has focused on composing scores for films, including notable A24 productions such as Primetime, featuring Phoebe Bridgers, and You Can See Everything. Meanwhile, Hope has cultivated a career as a DJ, performing alongside renowned artists like Moodymann, Kerri Chandler, and Laurent Garnier. His set at Glastonbury Festival’s Block 9 stage in 2025 was recognized in the festival’s Best of the Best highlights.

These personal ventures have seemingly informed the direction of Blood On My Hands, reflecting a fusion of cinematic and electronic textures alongside Gabriels’ foundational gospel roots. The EP’s tracklist features four songs: “Blood On My Hands” and “Lazy Afternoon” with vocals by Evita, “Break It” with Say She She, and “Eye of the Needle” featuring Qing.

The announcement of Blood On My Hands marks Gabriels’ redefinition in the wake of significant lineup changes. By embracing collaborations rather than seeking a singular frontperson, the band is navigating a transitional period that may open new artistic avenues. This strategy also highlights the fluid nature of contemporary music-making, where collective creativity can supplant traditional band structures.

While details about the full scope of the EP’s sound and thematic content remain limited, the involvement of diverse guest artists suggests a deliberate broadening of Gabriels’ musical horizons. Fans and observers can anticipate an exploration of new stylistic territories that maintain the emotional depth and spiritual resonance for which the band has been known.

As the release date approaches, it will be instructive to see how Gabriels balance continuity with innovation in Blood On My Hands. The project not only signals their resilience following the departure of a key member but also reflects the evolving dynamics of collaborative artistry in the modern music landscape.