The Weeknd to release 'surprise album' called My Dear Melancholy

The musician confirms news of a release after weeks of speculation

The Weeknd. Credit: Kevin Winter/Getty (Kevin Winter/Getty)

The Weeknd will reportedly be releasing a new album on Friday - after sparking excitement with a mysterious Instagram post.

Abel Tesfaye announced the news of a new project on Instagram with a red and black-tinged photo of a shadow covering his face.

On the image has the words "My Dear Melancholy" on it which is likely title of The Weeknd's new project.

After The Weeknd made his Instagram post, one Twitter user shared a photo of a billboard featuring the same artwork that was on The Weeknd's Instagram and confirms My Dear Melancholy is an album.

The billboard was first spotted in London with text reading “New Album from The Weeknd. Available Now.”

Fans began to suspect The Weeknd was up to something when he uploaded a cryptic screenshot of texts to his Instagram.

While the clues were scarce, the message seemed to be from the musician himself asking, "should we drop Friday? I'm indifferent to be honest."

The person's name at the top of the message says "La Mar" which could mean Kendrick Lamar.

It could be The Weeknd trying to tell us about a collaboration on the project.

If My Dear Melancholy is indeed a new record, it will be The Weeknd's first LP since 2016's Starboy.

It will also be The Weeknd's fourth proper album.

The Weeknd recently contributed new music to the Black Panther soundtrack with "Pray For Me" alongside Kendrick Lamar, SZA and more.

By midnight, we'll know for sure if The Weeknd truly is dropping a surprise record.