Last week Pearl Jam made some mysterious announcements on social media and through its monthly Ten Club fanclub newsletter. After the announcements fans and media members speculated a new album and tour would come soon.
The speculation was confirmed earlier today when the band announced the album “Gigaton” with a release date of March 27. The first single from the album “Dance of the Clairvoyants” will be released in the coming weeks. The group also routed the first leg of its North American tour as well as a European tour to support the album.
“Making this record was a long journey,” said Mike McCready in a statement posted on the band’s website. “It was emotionally dark and confusing at times, but also an exciting and experimental road map to musical redemption. Collaborating with my bandmates on Gigaton ultimately gave me greater love, awareness and knowledge of the need for human connection in these times.”
The record was produced by Josh Evans and is the band’s first album since 2013’s “Lightning Bolt.” It will be Pearl Jam’s 11th studio album and only the third that will not have Brendan O’Brian as producer. Evans has previously worked on records by Chris Cornell, Soundgarden, Dave Matthews Band, Thunderpussy and worked with Pearl Jam on “Lightning Bolt.”
The album artwork is an image taken by photographer, filmmaker, and marine biologist Paul Nicklen. The picture, titled “Ice Waterfall,” is of the Nordaustlandet ice cap in Norway gushing high meltwater.
