Gorillaz return with their ninth studio album, The Mountain, also referred to as Parvat, a tightly constructed 15-track release shaped by themes of distance, reinvention and spiritual ascent. From its grounded opening moments to its expansive closing passages, Parvat unfolds with intention. The sequencing mirrors ascent, rhythmic and rooted at the base, gradually widening in texture, scope and emotional altitude.

More than a new addition to their catalogue, The Mountain reflects a pivotal moment in the band’s evolving story, one deeply 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 “mountain” in Devanagari script and depicts Murdoc, Noodle, Russel and 2D during their time in India.

A Landmark Lineup, Integrated with Purpose

As with many Gorillaz releases, collaboration forms the backbone of the record. Indian music legends Asha Puthli and Asha Bhosle appear alongside sitarist Anoushka Shankar and flautist Ajay Prasanna, weaving classical textures into the album’s sonic framework.

Hip-hop continues to anchor the Gorillaz identity. Black Thought, the late Dave Jolicoeur and soul icon Bobby Womack converge on “The Moon Cave,” blending generations and genres in a single composition.

“Damascus” brings together Omar Souleyman and Yasiin Bey in a dynamic exchange, while the rhythmic legacy of the late Afrobeat legend Tony Allen resonates across the record. Lead single “The Happy Dictator,” featuring Sparks, introduces a sharp, theatrical energy that complements the album’s broader spiritual arc.

Archival elements are thoughtfully integrated throughout, reinforcing the project’s themes of memory, continuity and creative lineage.

Grief, Renewal and Narrative Continuity

At its core, The Mountain channels transformation. Its progression reflects movement — from grounded reflection toward openness and clarity. Voices feel connected across time, bridging past collaborations with present moments.

The animated mythology of 2D, Murdoc, Noodle and Russell Hobbs remains part of the universe, yet here the narrative aligns closely with the album’s emotional trajectory. The story unfolds in tandem with the music, reinforcing the sense of departure and rediscovery.

A Defining Chapter in the Discography

If Plastic Beach expanded outward with cinematic ambition and Cracker Island leaned into glossy modernity, Parvat turns inward while maintaining scale. The ambition remains global, but the emphasis shifts toward atmosphere, cohesion and intention.

With The Mountain (Parvat), Gorillaz present a project rooted in place yet expansive in reach, a record shaped by collaboration, guided by concept and unified by ascent.

Parvat available at OTJF for Pre-Orders!