Gorillaz Drops Death-Themed Album
Gorillaz released *The Mountain*, an album confronting themes of death, transcendence, and optimism with 2D's refrain "You know the hardest thing/ is to say goodbye/ to someone you love." Critics compare it to mortality explorations by Bowie, Lou Reed, and Neil Young, but praise its ultimately hopeful tone. Co-creator Jamie Hewlett drew inspiration from personal grief and a transformative trip to India, saying "art has to be an evolution."
Released on February 27, 2026, *The Mountain* is Gorillaz's ninth studio album and their first to be released independently on their own label, KONG. The record, which debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart, was produced by Damon Albarn, Remi Kabaka Jr., James Ford, and Samuel Eggleston. The album's creation was deeply personal for co-creators Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett, who both experienced the deaths of close family members during its production. This profound sense of loss is woven throughout the album's 15 tracks, which were recorded in various locations including London, Devon, and across India in cities like Mumbai and Jaipur. *The Mountain* features a sprawling list of collaborators, including new partners like IDLES, Sparks, and Kara Jackson. In keeping with the album's themes of mortality, it also incorporates unused vocal takes from past collaborators who have since passed away, such as soul singer Bobby Womack, De La Soul's David Jolicoeur, actor Dennis Hopper, and drummer Tony Allen. Indian classical music is a significant influence, with sitar player Anoushka Shankar and playback singer Asha Bhosle among the featured artists. The album incorporates multiple languages including Hindi, Spanish, and Arabic, reflecting the global journey that inspired its sound. The album was first performed live in its entirety in September 2025 as the finale of the "House of Kong" exhibition in London, which celebrated the band's 25th anniversary. The official release was preceded by several singles, including "The Happy Dictator" and the double A-side "The Hardest Thing" / "Orange County". Accompanying the album is an 8-minute animated short film titled *The Mountain, the Moon Cave and the Sad God*. Directed by Jamie Hewlett and others, the film features hand-drawn animation inspired by classic Disney films like *The Jungle Book*.
