Gorillaz unveil new track Damascus — a large-scale collaboration with Omar Souleyman and Yasiin Bey boosts anticipation for upcoming album
The British project Gorillaz has released a new single Damascus, created in collaboration with Syrian musician Omar Souleyman and American artist Yasiin Bey. This composition has become the fourth official release ahead of the highly anticipated album The Mountain, which will be released on February 27, 2026, through the band’s own label KONG. The track is already being actively discussed in the music community thanks to its strong cultural dynamics and distinctive sound.
The new work was written by Damon Albarn, Omar Souleyman, and Yasiin Bey, and the recording process took place in several countries — from Damascus and London to Mumbai and New York. This international approach highlights the global nature of the project and Gorillaz’s intention to unite different musical traditions within a single sonic canvas. The song has already been released on all major streaming platforms and is officially listed as a digital release with a length of 4:04.
The public first heard Damascus at the intimate The Mountain show at London’s Copper Box Arena, after which the track was performed at the Gaia Festival in Madrid and at the charity event Together For Palestine at Wembley Arena. One of the most memorable moments was the performance featuring The London Arab Orchestra, which added even more ethnic color to the composition.
In terms of sound, the track continues the signature Gorillaz direction toward bold experimentation. In Damascus, electronic textures, trip-hop atmospheres, and characteristic elements of Arab musical tradition are combined organically, making the track stand out even among the band’s other works. It follows previous singles from the upcoming album — The Happy Dictator, The Manifesto, and The God Of Lying.
The album The Mountain promises to be one of the most ambitious projects in the Gorillaz discography. It will include 15 compositions created together with artists from different countries — from Sparks and Anoushka Shankar to IDLES, Trueno, and Bizarrap. This concentration of cultural influences and genres makes the upcoming release one of the most anticipated of 2026.
The release of Damascus has significantly increased public interest in the upcoming album. The track is already being widely cited by music publications, and fans note its unusual sound and rare vocal combination. Gorillaz again confirm their status as one of the most experimental and influential contemporary acts, capable of turning every collaboration into a unique musical event.
