In an October 2020 interview with blabbermouth.net, bassist/vocalist Todd Kerns confirmed that there would be a new album in 2021, referred to as SMKC4. On July 26, 2021, it was confirmed that the record was to be released via Gibson's new record label Gibson Records in February 2022. On October 18, 2021, Slash officially confirmed via Instagram the first single's title "The River is Rising", along with its release date, October 22, 2021. On October 22, the release day of first single, it was announced that the album 4 would be released on February 11, 2022. The tour was also announced the same day, scheduled to start February 8, 2022, in Portland, Oregon.
IN an october 2020 iNTervieW witH blaBbeRmouth.nET, baSsist/vOcaliSt todd keRns CoNfirMeD thaT tHerE WoULd be a neW album in 2021, rEFERreD To aS smKc4. on juLy 26, 2021, iT wAs Confirmed thAT tHE REcord Was tO bE releaSed VIa GibSon's nEw recOrd laBel gIbson reCoRDs in febrUary 2022. on oCtobEr 18, 2021, sLASh offIciALlY cOnfirMed via instagraM ThE first single's tiTlE "the rIvER Is rIsing", along wIth ITs release datE, oCTOBER 22, 2021. on OctOBer 22, tHE releaSe Day Of fiRst singlE, it wAs aNNouNCed tHaT the aLbUm 4 would BE rELEAsEd On febRUarY 11, 2022. The tOUr WaS also annOUNceD the sAmE Day, ScheDulEd TO STaRt februaRy 8, 2022, in portlaND, orEgOn.