Windwaker Drop Third Album Ahead of Biggest Australian Headline Tour

Windwaker have unleashed their third studio album, smile, you’re on camera, arriving today (October 23rd) via Civilians and Fearless Records —just one week before the band embarks on its biggest Australian headline tour to date.

The Melbourne five-piece have built a reputation for refusing to play by genre rules, weaving metalcore, alternative rock, pop, hip-hop, and electronic influences into their increasingly unpredictable sound. Their latest release takes that approach into more personal territory.

Following 2024’s HYPERVIOLENCE, the 12-track album reflects on the challenges, sacrifices, and successes that have shaped the band’s journey over the past few years.

Exploring themes of identity, personal growth, and authenticity in a world increasingly preoccupied with appearances, smile, you’re on camera finds Windwaker confronting the pressures that come with moving forward.

Musically, the record shifts towards a grittier, more guitar-driven sound, favouring rawer, analogue-inspired production without abandoning the eclectic influences that have become the band’s calling card.

Previously released tracks including “victory lap”, “do or die”, and “dna” have offered a taste of that evolution, balancing crushing riffs and electronic textures with the kind of infectious hooks that have helped Windwaker carve out their own corner of Australia’s heavy music scene.

The album’s arrival also signals the beginning of a massive few months on the road.

Windwaker will kick off their six-date national headline tour in Perth on Friday, October 30th, before travelling through Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Newcastle, and Brisbane.

Presented by triple j and Destroy All Lines, the tour will feature US outfit The Pretty Wild making their Australian debut, alongside local favourites RinRin and DREGG.

“We’ve poured so much into this record, and we can’t wait to play these songs live for the very first time,” vocalist Liam Guinane said when announcing the tour.

The Australian run is only the beginning of an extensive international touring schedule. Windwaker will head back to North America in November and December supporting Beartooth alongside Don Broco, before joining Bury Tomorrow and Stick To Your Guns across Europe in February.

smile, you’re on camera is out now via Civilians and Fearless Records. Tickets for the Australian tour are available through Destroy All Lines.