After the success of Cracker Island in 2023, Gorillaz fans won’t have to wait long for the next chapter. Damon Albarn, the ever-prolific co-creator of the world’s most iconic virtual band, has officially confirmed that a brand-new Gorillaz album is coming in 2025. In an interview with French magazine Les Inrockuptibles, Albarn shared that he’s currently in the final stages of production, joking that finishing both an opera and a new Gorillaz record in the same year “seems like enough for 2025!” He added that the new album should be wrapped up within about six weeks—setting the stage for a late 2025 release.
The news was further cemented by Jamie Hewlett, the visual mastermind behind Gorillaz’s iconic animated members—2D, Murdoc, Noodle, and Russel. In a direct message to a fan page on Instagram, Hewlett confirmed that yes, a new album is definitely coming this year. Though Hewlett didn’t share specifics about the album title or concept art, his confirmation has ignited speculation throughout the fanbase.
While details are still under wraps, the momentum behind this release already feels different. The band’s last album, Cracker Island, wasn’t just a return to form—it was a commercial and critical success. It charted in the top 10 in both the UK and US, and boasted collaborations with Stevie Nicks, Thundercat, Tame Impala, Bad Bunny, and Beck. That record leaned into funk, synth-pop, and psychedelia, all while delivering Gorillaz’s signature commentary on modern dystopia and digital disillusionment.
What makes this next album especially intriguing is how quickly it’s following up Cracker Island. Historically, Gorillaz albums have had unpredictable gaps, with Albarn balancing multiple projects (Blur reunions, solo ventures, experimental operas). The quick turnaround this time suggests either a creative overflow or a strategic decision to ride the current wave of momentum.
There’s also a question of how Gorillaz might evolve their sound and presentation in 2025. The band has always lived at the intersection of music, art, and technology—long before “metaverse concerts” became a buzzword. With advancements in animation, real-time rendering, and AI-generated music, Gorillaz could once again redefine what it means to be a multimedia music act. Will the animated bandmates take on deepfakes, NFTs, or even AI bandmates? Or will Albarn and Hewlett double down on the analog, human imperfections that make Gorillaz so enduring?
The band has remained tight-lipped about guest features, but considering their history, it wouldn’t be surprising to see a fresh mix of legends and newcomers spanning multiple genres. Past albums have brought in the likes of De La Soul, Lou Reed, Vince Staples, Elton John, and Popcaan, so the bar is high—and always unexpected.
At its core, Gorillaz is a reflection of the world it exists in: political, chaotic, beautiful, strange, and always evolving. This next record is shaping up to be another vital entry in the band’s ever-growing digital mythology.
For now, fans can look forward to more teases, maybe even a single or two before the album drops. And with Albarn’s sense of urgency and Hewlett’s confirmation, the Gorillaz train is definitely back on the tracks. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering the band through TikTok edits and YouTube rabbit holes, 2025 is about to get a lot more animated.
