The virtual band Gorillaz, known for its innovative blend of music and visual art, is set to release a new album titled "The Mountain" on February 27th. This upcoming release marks a significant moment for the group, as co-creators Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett have revealed that the album is a tribute to their friendships and to collaborators who have passed away. This project delves into themes of mortality and legacy, suggesting a more introspective direction for the band.
Album "The Mountain" Explores Themes of Loss and Connection
"The Mountain" is described as a "very special project" by Damon Albarn, who revealed its completion in an interview published on December 3rd, 2025. This marks the first time either Albarn or Hewlett have discussed the album publicly. The project’s core appears to be a meditation on the bonds of friendship, both present and past. The album's themes are further illuminated by song titles such as "The Sad God" and lyrics from "The Manifesto," which touch upon searching for light and facing the unknown.
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The album is slated for release on February 27th.
It will be released under Gorillaz' new label, KONG.
The release of "The Mountain" was casually announced by Albarn during an interview that was originally intended to be a retrospective on the band's 25-year career.
"The Mountain" Tracklist Features Notable Collaborators
The album features a range of guest artists, indicating a continuation of Gorillaz' tradition of diverse collaborations. Among the featured artists are Black Thought, Johnny Marr, and Anoushka Shankar, who appear on multiple tracks, including "Delirium" and "The Sad God."
| Track Title | Featured Artists | Article Mentioned In ||—————————|————————————————————————————-|———————————|| The Mountain | Details not fully specified | Article 4 || Delirium | Ajay Prasanna, Johnny Marr, Anoushka Shankar | Article 4 || The Sad God | Black Thought, Johnny Marr, Anoushka Shankar | Article 4 || The Manifesto | Details not fully specified (features Trueno & Proof) | Article 4, Article 6 |
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The inclusion of artists like Johnny Marr and Anoushka Shankar suggests a blend of musical styles that have been characteristic of Gorillaz' expansive sound.
Exploring the Gorillaz Narrative and Themes
Gorillaz, a virtual band conceived by Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett, has consistently built a rich narrative universe around its animated characters: Murdoc Niccals, 2D, Russel Hobbs, and Noodle. Over their 25-year history, their music has often mirrored contemporary issues and explored complex emotional landscapes. Previous albums, such as "Plastic Beach" and "Humanz," have tackled themes ranging from environmental concerns to societal anxieties.
The band's narrative has evolved through various "eras," each accompanied by new visual styles and story arcs for the characters.
"Humanz" (released in 2017) was noted for its engagement with a "precarious moment in history" and featured a large ensemble of guest artists.
The album "The Now Now" saw Murdoc rejoining the band after escaping prison, leading to new narrative developments.
"The Manifesto" Lyrics Hint at Personal Journeys and Transcendence
The lyrics of "The Manifesto," featuring Trueno and Proof, offer a glimpse into the album's broader thematic concerns. Trueno's verses speak of moving towards a "light that unites us in the end" and finding peace, suggesting a journey of spiritual or personal clarity. This contrasts with lines that hint at loss and the awareness of mortality, as seen in the lines: "I don’t know what’s gonna happen tomorrow… When I answer the light that’s calling me."
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The song explores themes of leaving the past behind and focusing on simple things.
It also touches upon the concept of legacy and the effort invested in life's journey.
The juxtaposition of different lyrical perspectives within the song points to a multi-faceted exploration of life and its end.
Conclusion: "The Mountain" as a Reflection on Life and Friendship
With the announcement of "The Mountain," Gorillaz appears poised to release an album that is both a continuation of their artistic evolution and a deeply personal reflection. The focus on friendship and the memory of lost collaborators suggests an album that will resonate with themes of mortality, connection, and the enduring power of human bonds. The eclectic list of featured artists further promises a rich and varied sonic experience, consistent with the band's established pattern of genre-bending.
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The album's release date is set for February 27th.
It will be released on Gorillaz' new record label, KONG.
The thematic exploration of loss and enduring friendship is a central aspect of this new project.
Sources:
Lyndsanity: December 3, 2025. "Gorillaz 25th Anniversary Cover Story for FLOOD Magazine." https://www.lyndsanity.com/music/gorillaz-25th-anniversary-cover-story-for-flood-magazine/
Dazed: December 12, 2025. "The Mountain: A first look inside Gorillaz’ new album." https://www.dazeddigital.com/music/article/69260/1/the-unknown-is-whats-exciting-gorillaz-upcoming-album-tackles-death
Rolling Stone UK: September 11, 2025. "Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett tell us about new Gorillaz album ‘The Mountain’." https://www.rollingstone.co.uk/music/news/damon-albarn-jamie-hewlett-gorillaz-interview-album-the-mountain-53714/
LOS40 USA: October 9, 2025. "The Meaning of ‘The Manifesto’ by Gorillaz ft. Trueno and Proof: Full English Lyrics." https://los40.us/2025/the-meaning-of-the-manifesto-by-gorillaz-ft-trueno-and-proof-full-english-lyrics-39596.html
Far Out Magazine: August 18, 2024. "The Gorillaz universe and lore explained." https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/the-gorrilaz-verse-the-story-of-a-band-from-another-universe/
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