Kneecap Unveil Defiant New Album ‘Fenian’

Northern Irish hip-hop pioneers Kneecap have announced their highly anticipated new album, Fenian, which is set for release via Heavenly Records on 24 April 2026. The record is framed as a direct artistic response to the legal controversies that have surrounded frontman Mo Chara over the past year.

Mo Chara, whose birth name is Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, faced terrorism charges earlier this year after allegedly waving a Hezbollah flag during a London performance. Although the case was dismissed in September due to a legal timing error, the Director of Public Prosecutions has since appealed, and the court is currently reserving judgment.

Addressing these events in a statement on social media, Kneecap described the album as a deliberate and considered response to the attempts to silence them. “They tried to stop us by branding Kneecap ‘terrorists’, with cancellations, with statements from the Prime Minister himself. We had all the motivation we needed… this isn’t a swift reaction, but a considered response to those that tried to silence us. And failed,” the band wrote.

The album’s title, Fenian, reflects both Irish heritage and resilience. “Inspired by, and proudly named Fenian — once warriors in Irish folklore and later a derogatory term for the Irish — we now reclaim it for everyone speaking truth to power,” Kneecap explained. They continued, “After 800 years of colonisation, they thought the Irish language would die. It didn’t, thanks to Muintir na Gaeltachta and all the Gaels who refused to let their culture and language be destroyed. And KNEECAP is much the same… we haven’t gone away. The Paddies are back.”

Tonight, 28 January, the band will release their new single, Liars Tale, premiering on BBC Radio 1 before appearing on all major streaming platforms. A music video will also drop on YouTube.

Kneecap are preparing for a landmark summer of live performances, including the largest headline show of their career at Crystal Palace Park, London, and appearances at major festivals.

With Fenian, Kneecap appear determined to assert their voice and heritage, transforming controversy into bold musical expression. The album is poised to be a defining statement from one of Ireland’s most provocative and politically charged acts.