A New Chapter for Gorillaz

The virtual band Gorillaz, masterminded by Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett, is set to release their ninth studio album, The Mountain, on March 20, 2026, under their newly launched KONG label. This highly anticipated album marks a significant milestone for the animated quartet—2-D, Murdoc Niccals, Noodle, and Russel Hobbs—as they venture into fresh sonic and cultural territory. Drawing inspiration from India, The Mountain promises to be a rich tapestry of global sounds, featuring collaborations with iconic artists and a blend of languages that reflect the band’s innovative spirit.

Rooted in India’s Cultural Heart

What sets The Mountain apart is its deep connection to India, where parts of the album were recorded in vibrant cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Rajasthan, and Varanasi. This immersive experience infuses the album with authentic South Asian influences, evident in its title, stylized in Hindi as Parvat on the album’s artwork. The cover, crafted by Jamie Hewlett, showcases the band’s iconic characters in intricate, hand-drawn illustrations set against Indian backdrops, capturing the essence of their creative journey.

The album features a stellar lineup of Indian musical legends, including the legendary vocalist Asha Bhosle, who lends her voice to the track The Shadowy Light, alongside sarod players Amaan and Ayaan Ali Bangash and flautist Ajay Prasanna. Sitar virtuoso Anoushka Shankar contributes to six tracks, including Orange County and The Plastic Guru, adding her signature depth to the album’s soundscape. Vocalist Asha Puthli also appears, enriching tracks like The Moon Cave. These collaborations highlight Gorillaz’s commitment to cross-cultural exploration, blending Indian classical elements with their eclectic mix of hip-hop, electronic, and art-pop.

A Global Sonic Tapestry

The Mountain is a 15-track celebration of diversity, with artists performing in five languages: Arabic, English, Hindi, Spanish, and Yoruba. Beyond Indian influences, the album boasts an impressive roster of international collaborators, including Syrian electro-folk artist Omar Souleyman, former Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr, and rapper Yasiin Bey. The lead single, The Happy Dictator, features American duo Sparks and sets the tone for the album’s bold, theatrical vibe. Posthumous contributions from late artists like Bobby Womack, Mark E. Smith, and Tony Allen add emotional depth, honoring Gorillaz’s tradition of paying tribute to their musical influences.

Recording sessions spanned global cities, from London and Los Angeles to Damascus and New York, creating a sound that feels both worldly and intimate. Produced by Gorillaz alongside James Ford, Samuel Egglenton, Remi Kabaka Jr., and Bizarrap, The Mountain is described as a “party on the border between this world and whatever happens next,” promising a genre-defying experience.

UK and Ireland Tour Announcement

To celebrate the album’s release, Gorillaz will embark on a nine-date UK and Ireland tour starting March 21, 2026, in Manchester, culminating in a headline performance at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on June 20. With support from Sparks and Trueno, the tour is set to bring the vibrant energy of The Mountain to life, offering fans a visual and sonic spectacle.

A Bold Step Forward

The Mountain represents Gorillaz at their most adventurous, weaving Indian influences with their signature boundary-pushing style. With its diverse collaborations, multilingual tracks, and a tour on the horizon, this album is poised to be a landmark in the band’s storied career, inviting listeners to explore a vibrant, cross-cultural soundscape.

Read Also: How Mahavatar Narsimha Roared to a ₹300 Crore Box Office Triumph

Get the latest Bollywood entertainment news, trending celebrity news, latest celebrity news, new movie reviews, latest entertainment news, latest Bollywood news, and Bollywood celebrity fashion & style updates!

HOW DID YOU LIKE THIS ARTICLE? CHOOSE YOUR EMOTICON!