The Gorillaz are a record-breaking rock band, iconic for selling over a million copies in their self-entitled debut album in 2001. Oh, and the band consists of only animated characters.

The band was created in 1998 by musician Damon Albarn, aiming for a combination of genres, the characters created by artist Jamie Hewlett. Gorillaz, already unique in nature, bring up unconventional and grim topics in their music such as politics and police brutality, all while disguising the somewhat dark topics with party-vibe jams.

Their sixth studio album, “The Fall,” was released for digital download late 2010, then available as a physical album in spring of 2011. After keeping quiet for sixyears, Albarn announced the release of their fifth album, “Humanz”, due to come out April 28, 2017.

“Humanz” will introduce a variety of genres such as R&B, hip hop, reggae, rap and a plethora of other unique sounds. The artists featured were skillfully selected in order to deliver the gloomy apocalyptic vibe that Albarn aims for. Artists such as Jamie Principle, Pusha T, Mavis Staples and many others are featured in the new album.

Gorillaz graciously allowed the early release of four tracks to be featured on the new album, such as “Ascension” (featuring rapper Vince Staples) which fosters a hip-hop sound, paired with a dark political humor, although continuing the upbeat theme that the Gorillaz are known for. Another track to be featured on the new album, “Saturn Barz” (featuring soul legend Popcaan), shifts the tone to a more reggaeton atmosphere, proving how versatile Albarn is with genres.

Albarn has been working on Humanz since the fall of 2014, fans of alternative rock eagerly on the edge of their seats for years, anticipating this masterpiece. After winning many awards, demonstrating clear mastery on previous albums and the early releases for “Humanz,” the world expects “Humanz” to be nothing other than exactly that: a masterpiece.