Gorillaz will return in March 2026 with their ninth studio album, The Mountain, the first release on the band’s new label, KONG. The record arrives on 20 March 2026 and is introduced by lead single The Happy Dictator featuring Sparks.
More than just another addition to their discography, The Mountain reflects a pivotal chapter in the band’s story: one rooted in India. The album was recorded partly in Mumbai, New Delhi, Rajasthan and Varanasi, with its title also carrying the Hindi translation Parvat. The cover artwork, created by Jamie Hewlett, incorporates the word “mountain” in Devanagari script and depicts Murdoc, Noodle, Russel and 2D during their time in India.
The 15-track project spans collaborations across five languages, Arabic, English, Hindi, Spanish and Yoruba. It carries Gorillaz’ trademark collaborative spirit. Alongside contributions from Sparks, Bizarrap, IDLES, Johnny Marr, Black Thought and Yasiin Bey, the record has a notable Indian presence:
- Asha Bhosle joins The Shadowy Light, performing alongside sarod players Amaan and Ayaan Ali Bangash and flautist Ajay Prasanna, who also appears on the title track The Mountain.
- Asha Puthli features on The Moon Cave.
- Prasanna returns on The Sweet Prince and The Sad God.
- Anoushka Shankar plays across six tracks, including Orange County, The Plastic Guru and The Empty Dream Machine.
The band’s mythology also ties this chapter to India: in the current narrative, Murdoc, Russel, 2D and Noodle have arrived in Mumbai on forged passports, turning away from global stardom to immerse themselves in mysticism and spiritual music-making.
Produced by Gorillaz with James Ford, Samuel Egglenton, Remi Kabaka Jr., and Bizarrap, The Mountain was recorded across a spread of locations, from London and Devon to Ashgabat, Damascus, Los Angeles, Miami and New York, but its thematic and creative centre clearly sits in India.
The release follows the return of Kong Studios, relaunched as an online gamified fan hub, and will be supported by The Mountain Tour across the UK and Ireland in spring 2026. The run begins in Manchester on 21 March, includes arena dates in Birmingham, Glasgow, Leeds, Cardiff, Nottingham, Liverpool, Belfast and Dublin, and culminates in a headline stadium show at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on 20 June, supported by Sparks and Trueno.
The Mountain will be available in multiple formats including digital, CD, vinyl, a hardback book vinyl edition, and a limited collector’s box with art prints. You can pre-save the album here.
