Mattador Unleash “Black Water” Fury: New Album III Set to Detonate This June

Rock Metal Machine
7 hours ago
3 min read

MATTADOR

Melodic rock powerhouse Mattador is excited to announce the release of their new studio album, titled "III", and scheduled for June 19, 2026, via Frontiers Music Srl.

The band also shares the new single "Black Water", along with an official video, available below.

Carlos Benitez expressed his enthusiasm for the release, by saying: "We are very excited about finally releasing the long-awaited single "Black Water" from our new album. This song is going to kick you up and put you in gear. It's a very hi-energy, rocking tune with great performance, loud choruses, and it's the first song we wrote for this album… So, it's a special one. I can't wait for all of you to rock out to this one!"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jAYbywRgGOk

Carlos Benitez said: "We feel that we have a great album packed with amazing songs, from big ballads and acoustic compositions to rock anthems and so much more. It's an evolution of the band and it has it all. The production is more on the organic side of things, when talking about the sound of the album. We didn't want it to sound like other productions out there today, and we worked hard to find the right balance to make it sound powerful and current but different from what is considered standard nowadays; and we are pleased with the results".

"We focused more on the music we wrote for this one. The album was co/produced and mixed by Bob St John, who has worked with Bands like Collective Soul Extreme, Duran Duran, and many others. Newcomer to the band is our bass player and multi-instrumentalist Abraham Millett, who comes from working and touring as a member of Third Eye Blind and many others", he added. "I play drums, and I also produced the album, while on vocals is original singer Mike Villegas, and on guitar is original member Miguel Rodriguez. Collectively all of the original members have been involved in high-profile gigs/bands and working with international artists and world tours during the band’s hiatus and bring all of that experience and growth to the group’s creative process. With this lineup, we found the right balance that inspired us to make this new album."

Mattador, the veteran melodic rock band from Puerto Rico, returns with "III" - their powerful new studio album of all-original material. Originally active from 1988 to 1995, the band earned a loyal following thanks to their explosive live shows and a unique blend of hard rock and Latin influences, performing alongside legends like Aerosmith and Iron Maiden and gaining attention across the European rock scene.

Four men pose confidently in front of a striped wooden wall. One wears sunglasses and a white jacket, another a brown leather jacket. — Aviatrix photography (Vannesa Trigo)

Reunited in 2022, the founding members reignited their creative fire, channelling decades of experience into 12 brand-new tracks. From soaring power ballads to riff-heavy anthems and high-octane rockers, "III" captures Mattador's signature sound with renewed energy and vision.

Co-produced and engineered by Bob St. John (Extreme, Dokken, Collective Soul), the album also marks the beginning of the band's collaboration with Frontiers Music Srl, poised to bring their music to a global audience.

The current lineup features original members Michael Villegas (vocals), Carlos Benitez (drums, vocals), Miguel "Tito" Rodriguez (guitar, violin), and new member Abraham Millet (bass, keyboards). Together, they forge a unique sound that combines the melodic sensibilities of classic Rock with an undercurrent of Hard Rock with a hint of Prog and a contemporary edge.

Rooted in Puerto Rico and ready for the world stage, Mattador is back - tighter, louder, and more inspired than ever.