The Paradigm Shift will mark the return of co-founding guitarist Brian "Head" Welch. The band had an unexpected and emotional reunion with Welch during a performance in May at the Carolina Rebellion Festival.

"We got people that were working for us that were in tears. Jonathan was in tears. I almost cried four times. It was very overwhelming," Welch said of the impromptu on-stage reunion.

Welch had left the band seven years prior in search of himself, family and God, releasing a solo album in 2008.

Upon Welch's return, the band felt the good vibes return yet were decidedly cautious about jumping right back into the studio. Welch told Rolling Stone of the new album, "Since we got in the studio, everything just started pouring out, now I can't wait until our fans hear this stuff!"