Editing Godsmack (section)

==History==
===Formation and ''All Wound Up...'' (1995–1997)===
In February 1995, [[Sully Erna]] decided to start a new band as the lead singer after playing the drums for more than 23 years, including more than two years in the now-defunct band Strip Mind.<ref name="Godsmack biography">{{cite web |url= http://www.godsmack.com/bio/bio.asp |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070930171134/http://www.godsmack.com/bio/bio.asp |archive-date= September 30, 2007 |title=Godsmack – Bio |access-date=October 10, 2007 |publisher=Godsmack.com}}</ref> His new band, The Scam, formed with Erna on vocals, [[Robbie Merrill]] on bass, local guitarist and friend Lee Richards on guitar, and [[Tommy Stewart]] on drums. The Scam quickly changed its name to Godsmack, after recording one demo.<ref name="Rolling Stone with Sully">{{cite magazine|first=Austin|last=Scaggs|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/artists/godsmack/articles/story/5936304/sully_awakes|title=Sully Awakes|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=May 6, 2003|access-date=December 2, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071210033805/http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/godsmack/articles/story/5936304/sully_awakes|archive-date=December 10, 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> The newly formed band started playing small bars in their hometown of [[Boston]]. Locally popular songs such as "[[Keep Away (song)|Keep Away]]" and "[[Whatever (Godsmack song)|Whatever]]" soon brought them to the top of the hit charts in the Boston/New England area.<ref name="Godsmack biography"/>

Many people think the band's name stemmed from the [[Godsmack (song)|Alice in Chains song of the same name]], but according to Erna, the band's name came from a small and personal incident. "I was making fun of [our drummer at the time]<ref name=":0" /> who had a cold sore on his lip and the next day I had one myself and somebody said, 'It's a god smack.' The name stuck. We were aware of the Alice In Chains song but didn't really think much about it."<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nyrock.com/interviews/1999/godsmack_int.asp|title=Sully Erna of Godsmack on Karma, Christians and the Law of Three (NY Rock)|publisher=Nyrock.com|date=October 1, 1999|access-date=October 10, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011092214/http://nyrock.com/interviews/1999/godsmack_int.asp|archive-date=October 11, 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 1996, [[Tony Rombola]] joined as the guitarist after Richards left upon learning he had a six-year-old child and Stewart left due to personal differences.<ref name="Richards leaving stuff">{{cite web|first=Morley|last=Seaver|url=http://www.rocknworld.com/morley/06/Godsmack.shtml|title=MorleyView Interview with Shannon Larkin of Godsmack|publisher=MorleyView|access-date=December 6, 2007}}</ref> In the same year, the band entered New Alliance Studio in Boston to record its debut album, ''[[All Wound Up (album)|All Wound Up...]]''.<ref name="Godsmack biography"/><ref>{{cite web|first=Robert|last=Taylor|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/all-wound-up-mw0001888339|title=All Wound Up Godsmack|publisher=[[AllMusic]]|access-date=May 28, 2022}}</ref> The CD was recorded in just three days for $2,600 and was self-released in February 1997 through the band's own record label, E. K. Records Company.<ref name="Godsmack biography"/><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Redmon |first=Jess |date=February 1999 |title=Godsmack Interview |url=http://www.altrockworld.com/interviews/godsmack.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19991001192234/http://www.altrockworld.com/interviews/godsmack.html |archive-date=October 1, 1999 |access-date=August 20, 2022 |website=Alt Rock World}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Carriere |first=Nicola |date=December 16, 1999 |title=Godsmack Interview |url=http://www.brokensilence.de/interviews/igodsmack1299.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010426123329/http://www.brokensilence.de/interviews/igodsmack1299.htm |archive-date=April 26, 2001 |access-date=August 20, 2022 |website=Broken Silence}}</ref> In May 1997, Joe D'Arco joined to replace Stewart on drums.<ref name=":22">{{Cite web |date=April 1999 |title=Godsmack is |url=http://xauw.com/godsmack.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19990420055448/http://members.xoom.com/xauw/godsmack/ |archive-date=April 20, 1999 |access-date=August 20, 2022 |website=The Best I Ever Did}}</ref>

Eventually, Godsmack's CD landed in the hands of Rocko, the night-time DJ for Boston radio station [[WKVB (FM)|WAAF (FM)]]. The radio station put "Keep Away" into heavy rotation and the song rose to the number one spot at the station very quickly.<ref name="Godsmack biography"/> Newbury Comics, a New England record store chain, agreed to sell the CD on consignment. Shortly after the success of "Keep Away", Godsmack went back into the studio and recorded a single titled "Whatever", which became the new local favorite on WAAF (FM).<ref name="Godsmack biography"/><ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> In an interview Sully Erna stated, "We had been selling maybe 50 copies a month at the time WAAF picked up the album. All of a sudden we started moving over a thousand records a week. (...) I was doing all this from my bedroom. After years of grinding away, things finally started taking off."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.barrystickets.com/concert-tickets/godsmack-tickets.php|title=Godsmack biography – Barrystickets|publisher=barrystickets.com|access-date=January 2, 2008}}</ref> In April 1998, D'Arco was dismissed from the band.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=April 27, 1998 |title=Godsmack News |url=http://xauw.com/godsmack/news.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19991114134849/http://members.xoom.com:80/xauw/godsmack/news.html |archive-date=November 14, 1999 |access-date=August 20, 2022 |website=The Best I Ever Did}}</ref> He was replaced by former drummer [[Tommy Stewart]], who returned after expressing a desire to be in the band again.<ref name="Drummer switch">{{cite news |date=August 13, 2002 |title=Godsmack's Sully Erna Speaks out on drummer switch |work=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?Mode=Archive&Date=8/13/2002 |url-status=dead |access-date=December 6, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071221093400/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?Mode=Archive&Date=8%2F13%2F2002 |archive-date=December 21, 2007}}</ref>

===''Godsmack'' (1998–1999)===
[[File:Godsmack logo.png|thumb|right|220px|Band [[logotype]] used from ''Awake'' to ''1000hp''.]]

In June 1998, [[Universal Music Group|Universal]]/[[Republic Records]] signed the band to their label.  The band's first album ''All Wound Up...'' was slightly edited to remove unlicensed samples, fully re-mastered and given a new artwork and layout; the finished self-titled album ''[[Godsmack (album)|Godsmack]]'' was released to the public six weeks later on August 25, 1998.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=April 26, 2001 |title=Interview - Godsmack |url=http://www.brokensilence.de/interviews/igodsmack1299.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010426123329/http://www.brokensilence.de/interviews/igodsmack1299.htm |archive-date=April 26, 2001  |access-date=June 27, 2022 }}</ref> This led to the band's first headlining tour, "The Godsmack Tour" with [[Jim Rose Circus]] as the opening act.<ref name="Godsmack biography"/> After the album's release the band went on the road playing club shows as well as playing at [[Ozzfest]] and [[Woodstock '99]]. This was followed by a tour in Europe supporting [[Black Sabbath]].<ref name="Godsmack biography"/> Roxanne Blanford from Allmusic gave the album three out of five stars, stating, "Godsmack confidently brought metal into the technological age".<ref>{{cite web |url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=r373845|pure_url=yes}}|title=Godsmack – self-titled review |access-date=November 9, 2007 |last=Blanford |first=Roxanne |website=Allmusic }}</ref> The album entered the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] at number twenty-two,<ref name="Billboard">{{cite magazine|title=Godsmack – Artist chart history|url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=godsmack|chart=all}}|access-date=November 6, 2007|magazine=Billboard.com}}</ref> and was certified [[Recording Industry Association of America certification|5× platinum]] by the [[Recording Industry Association of America]] in 2024<ref name="Godsmack – 10 Years of Godsmack arrives December 4">{{cite web|title=Godsmack – News |url=http://www.godsmack.com/news/news.asp?item=111184 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071111060224/http://www.godsmack.com/news/news.asp?item=111184 |archive-date=November 11, 2007 |access-date=November 6, 2007 |publisher=Godsmack.com}}</ref> after being initially certified gold in 1999.<ref name="allmusic">{{cite web|last=Ankeny|first=Jason|title=Godsmack – Biography|url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p308309|pure_url=yes}}|work=Allmusic|year=2006|access-date=May 7, 2008}}</ref>

The album sold well despite being initially pulled from the shelves in some stores due to concerns over some of its [[Lyrics|lyrical]] content.<ref name="MTV">{{cite web |title=Godsmack Album Pulled From Wal-Mart, Kmart |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1429571/godsmack-album-pulled-from-wal-mart-kmart/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416164642/http://www.mtv.com/news/1429571/godsmack-album-pulled-from-wal-mart-kmart/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 16, 2019 |website=MTV News |access-date=May 27, 2022 |language=en |date=June 2, 1999}}</ref> The band and its record label later added a [[Parental Advisory]] sticker to the album,<ref name="MTV"/> and some stores ordered amended copies of the album. Erna commented in ''Rolling Stone'' magazine stating, "Our record has been in the marketplace for more than a year now without a parental advisory sticker and this is the one and only complaint&nbsp;... Stickers and lyrics are by nature subjective&nbsp;... We have decided to put a sticker on the record." This controversy did not appear to adversely affect album sales but, according to Erna, helped; "It's almost taunting kids to go out and get the record to see what we're saying on it."<ref name="loudwire-godsmack">{{cite web |last1=Childers |first1=Chad |title=23 Years Ago: Godsmack Unleash Their Self-Titled Debut Album |url=https://loudwire.com/godsmack-self-titled-album-anniversary/ |website=Loudwire |access-date=May 27, 2022 |language=en |date=August 25, 2021}}</ref> The album also had four successful singles which were "Whatever", "Keep Away", "[[Voodoo (Godsmack song)|Voodoo]]" and "[[Bad Religion (song)|Bad Religion]]".<ref name="loudwire-godsmack"/>

===''Awake'' (2000–2001)===
{{listen
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| title="Vampires"
| description=Sample of "[[Vampires (Godsmack song)|Vampires]]", an instrumental song from ''[[Awake (Godsmack album)|Awake]]'', which received a [[Grammy Award|Grammy]] nomination for [[Grammy Award for Best Rock Instrumental Performance|Best Rock Instrumental Performance]].
| format=[[Ogg]]}}
In 2000, Godsmack returned to the studio after the multi-platinum success of ''[[Godsmack (album)|Godsmack]]'' to start recording ''[[Awake (Godsmack album)|Awake]]''. The album was released on {{Nowrap|October 31}}, 2000. The album debuted at number five on the ''Billboard'' 200, and has been certified 2× platinum by the RIAA.<ref name="Billboard"/> "[[Vampires (Godsmack song)|Vampires]]", a song on the album, also earned the band a [[Grammy Award|Grammy]] nomination for [[Grammy Award for Best Rock Instrumental Performance|Best Rock Instrumental Performance]] in 2002.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rockonthenet.com/archive/2002/grammys.htm|title=Rock On The Net: 44th Annual Grammy Awards – 2002 |publisher=Rock on the Net |access-date=October 10, 2007}}</ref> With the release of ''Awake'', Godsmack toured Europe supporting [[Limp Bizkit]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://godsmack.com/tour/tour.asp?catID=12414|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070816090445/http://godsmack.com/tour/tour.asp?catID=12414 |archive-date=August 16, 2007 |title=Godsmack – Tour 2001|publisher=Godsmack.com |access-date=November 10, 2007}}</ref> Erna said at the time, "We've been touring nonstop since August 1998, So most of ''Awake'' was written on tour while we were ping-ponging between America and Europe, building up the band. "[[Ozzfest]]" was actually the only big tour where we rode under someone else's wings; we did a lot of work on our own." The band played Ozzfest in 2000 again as they had in 1999.<ref name="allmusic"/> On July 19, 2001, Godsmack released their first live DVD titled ''[[Live (Godsmack DVD)|Live]]''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Godsmack - Live |date=July 19, 2001 |url=https://www.discogs.com/release/1029530-Godsmack-Live |publisher=Discogs |access-date=May 27, 2022 |language=en}}</ref> The DVD has since been certified Gold by the [[RIAA]] for selling 50,000 copies in the United States.<ref>{{cite certification|region=United States|type=video|artist=Godsmack}}</ref>

Two of the songs on the album were used in United States Navy commercials ("[[Sick of Life]]" and "[[Awake (Godsmack song)|Awake]]") as background music. Erna stated, "Someone in the military is a fan, and they asked if they could use the music, and we accepted".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=51830 |title=Godsmack Frontman Gets Defensive Over Band's Alleged 'Pro-Military' Stance |access-date=November 10, 2007 |first=Jay |last=Babcock |date=May 4, 2006 |publisher=Arthur Magazine |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071219212633/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=51830 |archive-date=December 19, 2007 }}</ref> However, Erna insisted in an interview that Godsmack does not support any war.<ref name="ArthurMag">{{cite web |url=http://www.arthurmag.com/magpie/?p=1244 |title=Talking to Godsmack (Whose Album is No.&nbsp;1 on the charts) about what they use their music for.|date=May 6, 2006 |publisher=ArthurMag.com}}</ref>

===''The Scorpion King'', ''Faceless'' and ''The Other Side'' (2002–2004)===
In 2002, Erna was asked to write and perform a song for the soundtrack to ''[[The Scorpion King]]''.<ref name="stone1">{{cite web|url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=r580844|pure_url=yes}}|title=The Scorpion King [Soundtrack]|website=[[AllMusic]]}}</ref> The song Godsmack wrote and performed was titled "[[I Stand Alone (Godsmack song)|I Stand Alone]]" and the song became the number 1 single at Rock Radio and the most played Active Rock song in 2002 for 14 weeks straight.<ref name="stone1"/> It was also used in the game ''[[Prince of Persia: Warrior Within]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=28931 |title=Godsmack Music To Be Featured In 'Prince of Persia: Warrior Within' Videogame |publisher=Blabbermouth.Net |access-date=January 5, 2009 |date=November 8, 2004 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090924105707/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=28931 |archive-date=September 24, 2009 }}</ref>

With [[Shannon Larkin]] (ex [[Ugly Kid Joe]], [[Souls at Zero (band)|Souls at Zero]], [[Wrathchild America]], MF Pitbulls) replacing [[Tommy Stewart]], who left due to personal differences for the second time,<ref name="Godsmack biography"/><ref name="Larkin – interview with moderndrummer.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.moderndrummer.com/updatefull/200001380 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060328004423/http://www.moderndrummer.com/updatefull/200001380 |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 28, 2006 |title=Shannon Larkin |access-date=November 10, 2007 |last=Farinella |first=David John |publisher=Modern drummer.com }}</ref> Godsmack went back into the studio later that year to record a new album that was released in 2003. ''[[Faceless (Godsmack album)|Faceless]]'' debuted at number one on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]], selling 269,000 copies in its first week,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=11391 |title=Godsmack: 'Faceless' Debut At No.&nbsp;1 |access-date=December 10, 2008 |date=April 16, 2003 |publisher=Blabbermouth.Net |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081223015931/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=11391 |archive-date=December 23, 2008 }}</ref> and the album would go on to sell over one million copies in the United States.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=11391 |title=Godsmack: 'Faceless' Debut At #1 |access-date=December 10, 2008 |date=April 16, 2003 |work=Blabbermouth.Net |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081223015931/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=11391 |archive-date=December 23, 2008 }}</ref> ''Faceless'' also debuted at number nine on the Top Canadian Albums and at number one on the Top Internet Albums and remained at that position for two weeks.<ref>{{cite magazine|url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=godsmack|chart=all}}|title=Faceless - Godsmack|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref> A massive Tour of America and Europe supporting Metallica followed.

The lead single "[[Straight Out of Line]]" received a [[Grammy Award]] nomination for "Best Hard Rock Performance". The award went to [[Evanescence]]'s single "[[Bring Me to Life]]".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.grammy.com/GRAMMY_Awards/Winners/Results.aspx?title=&winner=godsmack&year=0&genreID=0&hp=1 |title=Grammy Award Winners |access-date=November 10, 2007 |publisher=Grammy.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071202144238/http://www.grammy.com/GRAMMY_Awards/Winners/Results.aspx?title%3D%26winner%3Dgodsmack%26year%3D0%26genreID%3D0%26hp%3D1 <!--Added by H3llBot--> |archive-date=December 2, 2007 }}</ref> The album got its name after a swimming-pool incident.<ref>{{cite web
 |url=http://www.mtv.com/bands/g/godsmack/news_feature_030418/index2.jhtml 
 |title=Godsmack: Unpolished, Uncompromised 
 |access-date=November 10, 2007 |last=Wiederhorn 
 |first=Jon 
 |date=April 18, 2003 |publisher=MTV 
 |url-status=dead 
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071219114922/http://www.mtv.com/bands/g/godsmack/news_feature_030418/index2.jhtml 
 |archive-date=December 19, 2007 }}</ref> However, in a later interview Merrill stated otherwise, making it unclear of how the album's title came to be, "It came from the band's feeling that, despite our radio and sales success, we still flew a bit under the radar".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://unzipped.umrg.com/brands/default.aspx?bid=7&pg=77 |title="First great band of the millennium" – Hit the road with vengeance |access-date=November 10, 2007 |date=April 3, 2003 |website=Metal Edge Magazine}}{{dead link|date=May 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

On March 16, 2004 ''[[The Other Side (Godsmack album)|The Other Side]]'', an [[acoustic guitar|acoustic]] [[Extended play|EP]], was released. The album debuted at number five on the ''Billboard'' 200, a relatively high position for an acoustic EP.<ref name="Billboard"/> It included several previously released songs re-recorded as acoustic versions, as well as three new acoustic tracks. One new song, "[[Touché (Godsmack song)|Touché]]", featured Godsmack's first guitar player, Lee Richards, as well as John Kosco, who were at that time in the now defunct band [[Dropbox (band)|Dropbox]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1488133/20040603/dropbox.jhtml |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120529145814/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1488133/20040603/dropbox.jhtml |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 29, 2012 |title=Ex-Godsmack Guitarist Finds Second Act – News Story |access-date=October 10, 2007 |last=Wiederhorn |first=Jon |date=June 3, 2004 |publisher=MTV News }}</ref> The other two new acoustic tracks were "[[Running Blind (song)|Running Blind]]" and "Voices".<ref name="The Other Side on Godsmack discography">{{cite web|title=Discography – The Other Side |url=http://www.godsmack.com/albums/album_detail.asp?album_id=533|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071024113130/http://www.godsmack.com/albums/album_detail.asp?album_id=533|archive-date=October 24, 2007| access-date=November 10, 2007 |publisher=Godsmack – Discography}}</ref> The song "Asleep" is actually an acoustic version of "[[Awake (Godsmack song)|Awake]]" from the band's second album ''[[Awake (Godsmack album)|Awake]]''.<ref>{{cite web| title=Godsmack Travel To The Other Side For New EP |publisher=MTV |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1479636/20031008/godsmack.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040224063159/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1479636/20031008/godsmack.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 24, 2004| access-date=January 2, 2008 |last=Wiederhorn |first=Jon |date=October 8, 2003}}</ref> Godsmack shifted from its "heavy" sound to a more mellow acoustic sound on this EP in the same manner Alice in Chains did in the ''[[Sap (EP)|Sap]]'' and ''[[Jar of Flies]]'' EPs, one of many similarities to Alice in Chains for which the band has been criticized.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/upcoming_releases/godsmacks_acoustic_album.html |title=Ultimate Guitar – Godsmack's acoustic album |access-date=November 8, 2007 |date=October 13, 2003 |publisher=MTV.com }}</ref>

In 2004, Godsmack opened for [[Metallica]]'s "[[Madly in Anger with the World Tour|Madly in Anger with the World tour]]",<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metallica.com/timeline.asp?page=tour&n_categoryid=3644&year=2004 |title=Metallica.com |access-date=October 10, 2007 |publisher=Metallica.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011174317/http://metallica.com/timeline.asp?page=tour&n_categoryid=3644&year=2004 |archive-date=October 11, 2007 }}</ref> and headlined the tour along with Dropbox. Afterwards, in autumn 2004, the band played several acoustic shows to promote ''The Other Side'', while at the same time continuing to open for Metallica.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.godsmack.com/tour/tour.asp?catID=12411 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070825065126/http://www.godsmack.com/tour/tour.asp?catID=12411 |archive-date=August 25, 2007 |title=Godsmack.com – Metallica tour|access-date=November 8, 2007 |publisher=Godsmack – Tour }}</ref>

===''IV'' and ''Ten Years of Godsmack'' (2006–2008)===
[[File:Sully Erna, Lead Singer of Heavy Metal Band Godsmack.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Sully Erna performing during Godsmack's ''IV Tour'' in 2006]]

Throughout 2006, The band was in the studio recording and writing material for a new album. On April 25, 2006, Godsmack released its fourth studio album simply titled ''[[IV (Godsmack album)|IV]]'', followed by a tour that would continue until January 2008, titled "The IV tour".<ref>{{cite web|title=Godsmack tour '07 |url=http://www.godsmack.com/tour/tour.asp?catID=29109|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011030539/http://www.godsmack.com/tour/tour.asp?catID=29109|archive-date=October 11, 2007|access-date=November 8, 2007|publisher=Godsmack.com}}</ref> The album was produced by Erna and engineered by the well known producer and engineer [[Andy Johns]], known for engineering [[Led Zeppelin]]'s ''[[Led Zeppelin&nbsp;IV]]''.<ref name="Interview with Larkin">{{cite web |url=http://entertainment-news-network-archive.blogspot.com/2006/06/interview-shannon-larkin-of-godsmack.html |title=Interview: Shannon Larkin of Godsmack |access-date=November 10, 2007 |last=Fuoco |first=Christina |date=June 23, 2006 |publisher=Entertainment News |archive-date=July 8, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708034737/http://entertainment-news-network-archive.blogspot.com/2006/06/interview-shannon-larkin-of-godsmack.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> The first single from the album, "[[Speak (Godsmack song)|Speak]]" was released on {{Nowrap|February 14}}, 2006. The album debuted at number one on the ''Billboard'' 200, selling 211,000 copies in its first week.<ref name="Bands on demand – Godsmack">{{cite web|url=http://www.ugo.com/channels/music/features/bandsondemand/artist.aspx?artist=godsmack&cat=alternative&full=Godsmack |title=Ugo – Bands on demand – Godsmack |access-date=November 10, 2007 |publisher=Ugo |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011115951/http://ugo.com/channels/music/features/bandsondemand/artist.aspx?artist=godsmack&cat=alternative&full=Godsmack |archive-date=October 11, 2007 }}</ref>

''IV'' has since been certified gold. The band had written over forty songs for the album, but the final track listing had eleven tracks, Larkin commented, "it's Sully's band and his vision.[...]When it comes time to pick the songs it's all Sully".<ref name="Larkin interview">{{cite web |url=http://heavymetal.about.com/od/interviews/a/godsmackintie.htm |title=A Conversation with Drummer Shannon Larkin |access-date=November 10, 2007 |last=Bowar |first=Chad |publisher=Heavy metal about |archive-date=September 13, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090913234424/http://heavymetal.about.com/od/interviews/a/godsmackintie.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> The album's minimalist name "IV" derives not only from its being the band's fourth studio album, but also from a running piece of backstage humor, as related by Larkin and Erna in an interview.<ref name="The music and magic of Godsmack
">{{cite news |url=http://jam.canoe.ca/Music/2006/06/18/1639166.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121206043349/http://jam.canoe.ca/Music/2006/06/18/1639166.html |url-status=usurped |archive-date=December 6, 2012 |title=The music and magic of Godsmack|access-date=November 10, 2007 |last=Jenny |first=Feniak |newspaper=Edmonton Sun }}</ref><ref name="Interview with Shannon">{{cite web |url=http://www.live-metal.net/features_interviews_godsmack.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060627035048/http://www.live-metal.net/features_interviews_godsmack.html |url-status=usurped |archive-date=June 27, 2006 |title='Livin in Sin' with Godsmack's Shannon Larkin |access-date=November 10, 2007 |date=May 6, 2006|publisher=Live-Metal.Net}}</ref>

To celebrate ten years as a band, Godsmack released a [[greatest hits]] album entitled ''[[Good Times, Bad Times... Ten Years of Godsmack]]'' on {{Nowrap|December 4}}, 2007. The album debuted at number thirty-five on the ''Billboard'' 200, selling 40,000 copies in the first week of release.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=86629 |title=Godsmack – 'Good Times Bad Times' First-Week Sales Revealed |work=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |access-date=December 14, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071215075400/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=86629 |archive-date=December 15, 2007 }}</ref> It includes a cover of the [[Led Zeppelin]] song "[[Good Times Bad Times]]", as well as a DVD of Godsmack's acoustic performance in [[Las Vegas Valley|Las Vegas]] at [[House of Blues]]. The album was originally intended to be a boxed set, but the band scrapped the plans so they could release a best of album. Godsmack will follow the release of the album with an acoustic tour.<ref name="Greatest hits was originally intended to be a boxed set.">{{cite news|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=82111 |title=Blabbermouth.net – Godsmack Looking Back at 'Good Times, Bad Times' In November |access-date=October 10, 2007 |date=October 4, 2007 |work=Blabbermouth.net |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011093604/http://roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=82111 |archive-date=October 11, 2007 }}</ref> Despite rumors of the band going on hiatus as a result of releasing a greatest hits album, Erna was quoted as saying, "we're not going away, we are just gonna take a break and enjoy our 10th year anniversary and kind of recharge our batteries. And then Godsmack will be back, and we will come back bigger and badder than ever."<ref name="Greatest hits was originally intended to be a boxed set."/>

===''The Oracle'' and break (2008–2013)===
In November 2008, Larkin announced that the band would be reforming and recording a new album.<ref name="Godsmack Updates From Shannon">{{cite web|url=http://www.godsmack.com/news/newsFull.aspx?PostID=25 |title=Godsmack Updates From Shannon |access-date=November 3, 2008 |publisher=Godsmack.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090301225751/http://www.godsmack.com/news/newsFull.aspx?PostID=25 |archive-date=March 1, 2009 }}</ref> The following summer, the band toured as support to [[Mötley Crüe]]'s Crüe Fest 2 tour<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=116233|title=Mötley Crüe's 'Crüe Fest 2' Lineup Officially Announced|publisher=Blabbermouth.Net|date=March 16, 2009|access-date=May 29, 2022|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110811055628/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=116233|archive-date=August 11, 2011}}</ref> and released a non-album single, "[[Whiskey Hangover]]". After the tour, Godsmack started production for their new album. The album, titled ''[[The Oracle (Godsmack album)|The Oracle]]'' was released on {{Nowrap|May 4}}, 2010.<ref>{{cite web|first=Thom|last=Jurek|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-oracle-mw0001971938|title=The Oracle Godsmack|publisher=Allmusic|access-date=May 29, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=130194|title=Godsmack Working With Producer Dave Fortman On Next Album|publisher=[[blabbermouth.net]]|date=November 11, 2009|access-date=February 19, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091115070156/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=130194|archive-date=November 15, 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref> Arriving to popular reception, ''[[The Oracle (Godsmack album)|The Oracle]]'' was Godsmack's third straight full-length studio album to debut at No.&nbsp;1 with 117,000 sold in the first week of release.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/958279/godsmack-grabs-third-no-1-album-eminem-wows-digitally|title=Godsmack Grabs Third No.&nbsp;1 Album|work=Billboard.com|date=May 12, 2010|access-date=May 29, 2022}}</ref> Erna had this to say about the early sound album, "It's gonna be really heavy. I mean, it's very aggressive. I'm not really sure; it's very premature right now. Right now we just finished one track for the Crüe Fest this Summer. But as far as the whole record goes, I think it's going to be a lot more in your face. I don't think there's going to be any 'Voodoo's or 'Serenity's on this one. We decided to go balls out!".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/Blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=120646|title=Godsmack Working On 'Really Heavy' New Album|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=May 27, 2009|access-date=May 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606042104/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/Blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=120646 |archive-date=June 6, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Godsmack headlined the fourth annual [[Mayhem Festival]] alongside [[Disturbed (band)|Disturbed]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://bravewords.com/news/rockstar-energy-drink-mayhem-festival-2011-megadeth-machine-head-in-flames-trivium-disturbed-godsmack-among-acts-confirmed|title=Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival 2011 - Megadeth, Machine Head, In Flames, Trivium, Disturbed, Godsmack Among Acts Confirmed|website=Brave Words|date=January 31, 2011|access-date=May 29, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Matt|last=Debenedictis|url=https://noisecreep.com/mayhem-festival-2011-lineup-disturbed-godsmack-megadeth/|title=Disturbed, Godsmack, Megadeth Headlining Rockstar Mayhem Festival 2011|website=Noise Creep|date=January 31, 2011|access-date=May 29, 2022}}</ref> The band entered the studio in January 2012 to mix a live album plus record several covers for an upcoming release.<ref name="rockaccess">{{cite web|url=http://rockaccess.net/2011/12/15/godsmack-mixing-live-tracks-for-upcoming-release/|title=Godsmack Mixing Live Tracks For Upcoming Release|publisher=Rockaccess.net|date=December 15, 2011|access-date=May 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120515001330/http://rockaccess.net/2011/12/15/godsmack-mixing-live-tracks-for-upcoming-release/|archive-date=May 15, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> They then went on tour in the spring with [[Staind]].<ref name="rockaccess"/><ref>{{cite web|first=Mary|last=Ouellette|url=https://loudwire.com/godsmack-staind-halestorm-2012-u-s-tour-confirmed/|title=Godsmack, Staind + Halestorm 2012 U.S. Tour Confirmed|website=Loudwire.com|date=January 17, 2012|access-date=May 29, 2022}}</ref> In February 2012, Godsmack finished an EP of cover songs.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/godsmack-putting-finishing-touches-on-covers-ep/|title=Godsmack Putting Finishing Touches On Covers EP|website=Blabbermouth.net|date=February 13, 2012|access-date=May 29, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first=Tree|last=Riddle|url=https://loudwire.com/sully-erna-update-godsmack-covers-ep/|title=Sully Erna Offers Update on Godsmack Covers EP|website=Loudwire.com|date=February 14, 2012|access-date=May 29, 2022}}</ref> Godsmack released their new live album ''[[Live & Inspired]]'' on May 15, 2012. The set included a bonus EP of cover tracks.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://legacy.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=172295|title=Godsmack's Cover Of Joe Walsh's 'Rocky Mountain Way' Available For Streaming|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=April 8, 2012|access-date=May 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120408204853/http://legacy.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=172295|archive-date=April 8, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> In December of the same year, Sully said in an interview that Godsmack would take a break during 2013, stating "We're going to take some time away now because we just ran for the last two years."<ref>{{cite web|first=Mary|last=Ouellette|url=https://loudwire.com/sully-erna-on-godsmack-were-taking-2013-off/|title=Sully Erna on Godsmack: 'We're Taking 2013 Off'|website=Loudwire.com|date=December 6, 2012|access-date=May 27, 2022}}</ref> A month after, Erna announced a short solo tour through America.<ref>{{cite web|first=Chad|last=Childers|url=http://loudwire.com/godsmack-sully-erna-2013-solo-east-coast-tour/|title=Godsmack's Sully Erna Announces Dates for 2013 Solo East Coast Tour|website=Loudwire.com|date=January 15, 2013|access-date=May 29, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Chris|last=Epting|url=https://noisecreep.com/sully-erna-solo-godsmack/|title=Sully Erna on How His Solo Career Will Affect Godsmack (Interview)|website=Noise Creep|date=February 1, 2013|access-date=May 29, 2022}}</ref>

===''1000hp'' (2014–2016)===
[[file:2015 RiP Godsmack by 2eight - DSC4659.jpg|thumb|upright=1.25|Godsmack performing in 2015]]
In February 2014, Erna tweeted that the band had made progress in the songwriting process for its next studio album, tentatively scheduled for a late 2014 release. He also mentioned that the band finished 11 songs for the new record in two weeks.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/godsmack-11-songs-written-for-next-studio-album/|title=Godsmack: 11 Songs Written For Next Studio Album|website=Blabbermouth.net|date=February 7, 2014|access-date=May 28, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Mary|last=Ouellette|url=http://loudwire.com/godsmack-big-updates-new-album/|title=Godsmack Offer Big Updates On New Album|website=Loudwire.com|date=February 7, 2014|access-date=May 28, 2022}}</ref> In April, the band announced that they had recorded 15 songs, ten of which would make the final cut.<ref>{{cite web|first=Spencer|last=Kaufman|url=https://loudwire.com/godsmack-complete-work-new-album/|title=Godsmack Complete Work On New Album|website=Loudwire.com|date=April 22, 2014|access-date=May 28, 2022}}</ref> In May, Erna announced that the album would be titled ''[[1000hp (album)|1000hp]]'' (1000 Horsepower).<ref name="1000 Horsepower Blabbermouth">{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/godsmacks-sully-erna-says-forthcoming-1000-horsepower-album-is-a-bit-more-raw|title=Godsmack's Sully Erna Says Forthcoming '1000hp' Album Is A 'Bit More Raw'|website=Blabbermouth.net|date=May 30, 2014|access-date=May 28, 2022}}</ref> The album's title track was released as a single the following month.<ref name="1000 Horsepower Blabbermouth"/> The album was released on August 5, 2014, and sold around 58,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 3 on The Billboard 200 chart.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/godsmacks-1000hp-lands-at-no-3-on-billboard-chart/|title=Godsmack's '1000hp' Lands At No. 3 On Billboard Chart|website=Blabbermouth.net|date=August 13, 2014|access-date=May 28, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Chad|last=Childers|url=http://loudwire.com/godsmack-1000hp-video-debut-no-3-new-album/|title=Godsmack Unveil '1000hp' Video; Debut at No. 3 With New Album|website=Loudwire.com|date=August 13, 2014|access-date=May 28, 2022}}</ref> Since release the album has spawned the singles ''[[Something Different (Godsmack song)|Something Different]]''<ref>{{cite news|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/godsmacks-sully-erna-says-new-single-something-different-is-a-really-special-song|title=Godsmack's Sully Erna Says New Single 'Something Different' Is 'A Really Special Song'|website=Blabbermouth.net|date=November 16, 2014|access-date=May 28, 2022}}</ref> and ''[[What's Next (Godsmack song)|What's Next]]''.<ref name="What's Next Blabbermouth">{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/godsmack-partners-with-charity-home-base-with-new-single-whats-next/|title=Godsmack Partners With Charity Home Base With New Single 'What's Next?'|website=Blabbermouth.net|date=September 16, 2015|access-date=May 28, 2022}}</ref> The band have unified a campaign to aid military veterans with their latest single ''What's Next''.<ref name="What's Next Blabbermouth"/>

Godsmack also headlined the 2014 [[Uproar Festival]].<ref>{{cite web|first=Marty|last=Clear|url=http://www.bradenton.com/2014/08/28/5325310/godsmack-headlines-uproar-festival.html|title=Godsmack headlines Uproar Festival|website=Bradenton.com|date=September 18, 2014|access-date=May 28, 2022|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140918073954/http://www.bradenton.com/2014/08/28/5325310/godsmack-headlines-uproar-festival.html|archive-date=September 18, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> They were announced on August 20, 2014, to be part of the Soundwave Festival in Australia.<ref>{{cite web|first=Greg|last=Moskovitch|url=https://musicfeeds.com.au/features/godsmack-soundwave-will-be-the-baddest-ass-set-we-can-imagine/|title=Godsmack: "Soundwave Will Be The Baddest-Ass Set We Can Imagine"|website=Music Feeds|date=August 21, 2014|access-date=May 28, 2022}}</ref> In July 2015, the band revealed dates for an upcoming North American fall headline tour. The run included dates with [[Sevendust]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theprp.com/2015/07/13/news/godsmack-and-sevendust-announce-fall-north-american-tour/|title=Godsmack And Sevendust Announce Fall North American Tour|website=The PRP|date=July 13, 2015|access-date=May 28, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Chad|last=Bowar|url=http://loudwire.com/godsmack-sevendust-fall-north-american-tour/|title=Godsmack and Sevendust To Embark on Fall 2015 North American Tour|website=Loudwire.com|date=July 14, 2015|access-date=May 28, 2022}}</ref> Also in August 2015 Godsmack announced a new leg of North American dates that would keep the band busy through mid-November.<ref>{{cite web|author=Sarah Marie Pittman|url=http://www.pollstar.com/news_article.aspx?ID=819890|title=Godsmack Extends North American Plans|website=Pollstar.com|date=August 18, 2015|access-date=May 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170323114922/http://www.pollstar.com/news_article.aspx?ID=819890|archive-date=March 23, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Susan|last=Stapleton|url=http://www.latimes.com/travel/lasvegas/lasvegasnow/la-tr-lvn-las-vegas-shows-godsmack-20150818-story.html|title=Godsmack to end its fall tour with a stop in Las Vegas|publisher=[[Los Angeles Times]].com|date=August 19, 2015|access-date=May 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220405102444/http://www.latimes.com/travel/lasvegas/lasvegasnow/la-tr-lvn-las-vegas-shows-godsmack-20150818-story.html|archive-date=April 5, 2022}}</ref>

On October 14, 2015, Godsmack released a digital single called "Inside Yourself" available for a limited free download.<ref>{{cite web|first=Chad|last=Childers|url=http://loudwire.com/godsmack-free-song-inside-yourself/|title=Godsmack Surprise Fans With Free Song 'Inside Yourself'|website=Loudwire.com|date=October 14, 2015|access-date=May 28, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/godsmack-releases-new-song-inside-yourself/|title=Godsmack Releases New Song 'Inside Yourself'|website=Blabbermouth.net|date=October 14, 2015|access-date=May 28, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Richard|last=Bienstock|url=http://www.revolvermag.com/news/godsmack-offer-free-download-of-new-song-inside-yourself.html|title=Godsmack Offer Free Download of New Song, "Inside Yourself"|publisher=Revolvermag.com|date=October 14, 2015|access-date=May 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170614192932/http://www.revolvermag.com/news/godsmack-offer-free-download-of-new-song-inside-yourself.html|archive-date=June 14, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://radio.com/2015/10/14/godsmack-offer-free-track-inside-yourself/|title=Godsmack Offer Free Track 'Inside Yourself'|website=Radio.com|date=October 14, 2015|access-date=May 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170109120713/http://radio.com/2015/10/14/godsmack-offer-free-track-inside-yourself/|archive-date=January 9, 2017}}</ref> The song was released on iTunes on November 20, 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/Godsmack/photos/a.481090142454.262222.65461877454/10153110375102455/?type=3 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/65461877454/10153110375102455 |archive-date=February 26, 2022 |url-access=limited|title=Godsmack on Facebook|work=Godsmack|access-date=November 17, 2015}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=''Inside Yourself - Single'' by Godsmack on iTunes|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/inside-yourself-single/1058704696|website=[[iTunes Store]]|publisher=[[Apple Inc.]]|location=United States|date=November 20, 2015}}</ref>

On September 9, 2016, Erna confirmed that the band had officially left [[Universal Records|Universal]]/[[Republic Records|Republic]], and signed a deal with [[BMG Rights Management|BMG]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/godsmack-splits-with-longtime-label-republicuniversal-signs-with-bmg/|title=Godsmack Splits With Longtime Label Republic/Universal, Signs With BMG|website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=September 10, 2016|access-date=May 28, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Chad|last=Childers|url=http://loudwire.com/godsmack-sully-erna-confirms-band-label-change/|title=Godsmack's Sully Erna Confirms Band's Label Change|website=Loudwire.com|date=September 11, 2016|access-date=May 28, 2022}}</ref>

===''When Legends Rise'' (2017–2020)===
The band began work on a seventh studio album in 2017. The album, ''[[When Legends Rise]]'', was released on April 27, 2018.<ref>{{cite web|first=Joe|last=DiVita|url=http://loudwire.com/godsmack-when-legends-rise-song-bulletproof/|title=Godsmack Go Melodic on New 'When Legends Rise' Song 'Bulletproof'|website=Loudwire|date=February 28, 2018|access-date=May 28, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Neil Z.|last=Yeung|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/when-legends-rise-mw0003154317|title=When Legends Rise – Godsmack &#124; Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards|publisher=[[AllMusic]]|access-date=May 27, 2022}}</ref><ref name="Blabbermouth When Legends Rise">{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/godsmack-to-release-when-legends-rise-album-in-april-bulletproof-single-available/|title=Godsmack To Release 'When Legends Rise' Album In April; 'Bulletproof' Single Available|website=Blabbermouth.net|date=February 28, 2018|access-date=May 28, 2022}}</ref> The album's first single, "[[Bulletproof (Godsmack song)|Bulletproof]]", was released ahead of the album on February 28, 2018.<ref name="Blabbermouth When Legends Rise"/> The band toured across North America from May through October 2018. They played at several festivals before embarking on a co-headlining summer tour with Shinedown.<ref>{{cite magazine|first=Gary|last=Graff|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/godsmack-shinedown-tour-rock-8466327/|title=Godsmack & Shinedown Talk Touring Together, Explain Why 'Rock Is Not Dead'|magazine=Billboard|date=July 20, 2018|access-date=May 28, 2022}}</ref> The band then toured Europe in October and November 2018 in support of their new album.<ref>{{cite web|first=Scott|last=Munro|url=https://www.loudersound.com/news/godsmack-announce-european-tour|title=Godsmack announce European tour|work=Loudersound|date=May 1, 2018|access-date=May 28, 2022}}</ref> However, On October 17, 2018, it was announced that the band postponed their fall 2018 Europe tour, following death of [[Tony Rombola]]'s son and plan to reschedule in early 2019.<ref>{{cite web|first=Chad|last=Childers|url=http://loudwire.com/godsmack-fall-2018-european-tour-postponed-death-tony-rombola-son/|title=Godsmack Fall 2018 European Tour Postponed Following Death of Tony Rombola's Son|publisher=Loudwire.com|date=October 17, 2018|access-date=March 27, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Rachel|last=Campbell|url=https://www.altpress.com/news/godsmack-postpone-tour-tony-rombola-son/|title=Godsmack postpone tour following guitarist's son's death|publisher=Altpress.com|date=October 16, 2018|access-date=March 27, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://consequence.net/2018/10/godsmack-guitarist-tony-rombola-son-dies-band-postpones-europe-tour/|title=Godsmack guitarist Tony Rombola's son dies, band postpones Europe tour|publisher=Consequence|date=October 16, 2018|access-date=May 28, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|first=Nicole|last=Engelman|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/rock/8480809/godsmack-postpone-tony-rombola-son-dies|title=Godsmack Postpone Tour Following the Death of Tony Rombola's Son|magazine=Billboard|date=October 19, 2018|access-date=May 28, 2022}}</ref>

On July 25, 2019, the song "[[Under Your Scars]]" hit number 1 for two weeks for the first time on the ''Billboard'' [[Mainstream Rock (chart)|Mainstream Rock Songs]] chart.<ref>{{cite web|first=Kevin|last=Rutherford|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8523934/godsmack-under-your-scars-number-one-mainstream-rock-songs-chart/|title=Godsmack Lands Third Straight No. 1 (And 10th Overall) on Mainstream Rock Songs Chart|publisher=Billboard|date=July 25, 2019|access-date=May 28, 2022}}</ref>

On April 8, 2020, the band released a music video for the song "[[Unforgettable (Godsmack song)|Unforgettable]]". The band invited 400 aspiring musicians from middle school students across New England to take part in the video. The video, directed by Noah Berlow, again sent the song to the top of the charts for five weeks, setting a new record most constitutive at number 1 in its category.<ref>{{cite web|first=Lauryn|last=Schaffner|url=https://loudwire.com/godsmack-unforgettable-video-400-kids/|title=Godsmack's New 'Unforgettable' Video Features 400 Kids|website=Loudwire|date=April 8, 2020|access-date=May 28, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/watch-godsmack-bring-hundreds-of-students-together-in-new-hampshire-to-perform-in-music-video/|title=Watch Godsmack Bring Hundreds Of Students Together In New Hampshire To Perform In Music Video|website=Blabbermouth|date=February 18, 2020|access-date=May 28, 2022}}</ref>

===''Lighting Up the Sky'' (2021–2024)===
[[File:Godsmack Worcester.jpg|thumb|Godsmack performing in [[Worcester, Massachusetts]], in 2022]]
News of a follow-up to the album began circulating as early as August 2019 when frontman [[Sully Erna]] revealed in an interview with Canada's [[iHeartRadio]] that the band has been preparing to begin the songwriting process for the album.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/godsmack-is-preparing-to-begin-songwriting-process-for-next-studio-album|title=Godsmack Is Preparing To Begin Songwriting Process For Next Studio Album|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=September 13, 2019|access-date=September 28, 2022}}</ref>

It was later revealed that Godsmack would be working on two new releases for 2021: an acoustic EP and a full length album.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://loudwire.com/godsmack-two-new-releases-2021/|title=Godsmack Planning Two New Releases for 2021|work=[[Loudwire]]|date=August 9, 2020|access-date=October 2, 2022}}</ref> That plan has since been scrapped with Sully admitting that the band was being "a little bit more ambitious" at the time.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/why-godsmack-scrapped-plan-to-release-two-new-albums|title=Why Godsmack Scrapped Plan To Release Two New Albums|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=October 2, 2019|access-date=October 2, 2022}}</ref>

With just one album to focus on, Godsmack drummer [[Shannon Larkin]] said on "The Metal Teddy Bear Experience" podcast that the band intended for the album to be released in 2022.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/no-new-godsmack-album-before-2022/|title=No New Godsmack Album Before 2022|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=March 3, 2021|date=December 17, 2020}}</ref> In an April 23, 2022, interview with [[WJRR]], frontman [[Sully Erna]] said that the band has finished recording the new album with a new single expected to hit the airwaves in mid-to-late summer and that the album could be the band's last.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/sully-erna-opens-up-about-gnarly-battle-with-covid-19-says-godsmacks-next-album-might-be-bands-last/|title=Sully Erna Opens Up About 'Gnarly' Battle With COVID-19, Says Godsmack 's Next Album Might Be Band's Last|website=Blabbermouth.net|date=April 25, 2022|access-date=April 25, 2022}}</ref>

On September 28, 2022, the band released the single titled "[[Surrender (Godsmack song)|Surrender]]".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.audacy.com/national/music/audacy-world-premiere-godsmack-surrender|title=World Premiere: Godsmack – 'Surrender'|work=[[Audacy]]|date=September 28, 2022|access-date=September 28, 2022}}</ref> Shortly after the release of the new single, [[Sully Erna]] revealed in an interview with 93X Radio's Pablo that the title of the album would be ''[[Lighting Up the Sky]]'' and that it would indeed be the band's last record.<ref name="93x">{{cite web|url=https://www.93x.com/2022/09/28/interview-sully-erna/|title=Interview with Sully Erna (Godsmack)
|work=93x.com|date=September 28, 2022|access-date=September 28, 2022}}</ref> A second single for the album "You and I" was released on November 11, 2022. The album was released on February 24, 2023.

===Departures of Tony Rombola and Shannon Larkin (2025–present)===
On April 2, 2025, it was announced that guitarist [[Tony Rombola]] and drummer [[Shannon Larkin]] had both left Godsmack in 2024, citing exhaustion after years of touring.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/godsmack-confirms-split-with-shannon-larkin-and-tony-rombola-their-departure-opens-the-door-for-new-and-exciting-possibilities|title=Godsmack Confirms Split With Shannon Larkin And Tony Rombola: 'Their Departure Opens The Door For New And Exciting Possibilities'|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=April 2, 2025|access-date=April 2, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/shannon-larkin-says-he-and-tony-rombola-quit-godsmack-last-year|title=Shannon Larkin Says He And Tony Rombola Quit Godsmack Last Year|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=April 2, 2025|access-date=April 2, 2025}}</ref>