U2 announce long-awaited new album ‘Carnaval De Luz’ and share charismatic single ‘Silencio’

U2 have announced their long-awaited new album ‘Carnaval De Luz’ – listen to new single ‘Silencio’ below.

READ MORE: U2 – ‘Songs Of Surrender’ review: the classics, but not as you know them Set for release on November 13, the new record marks the 16th full-length project from U2 and the first album of new material from the band in nine years.

Produced by Jacknife Lee , the 12-song collection tackles themes of spirituality, friendship, freedom and endurance, and comes on the heels of the group surprise releasing two six-track EPs earlier this year: ‘Days Of Ash’ and ‘Easter Lily’ .

Both of those EPs followed the liturgical calendar, as does this album, which sits before them in the timeline – referring to Carnival, a celebration of the flesh that comes before Lent, a period of reflection, and the rebirth of Easter.

Musically, the record mirrors some of U2’s most experimental work, and today (Thursday September 24) the band have dropped the latest taster of the album in the form of playful, energetic lead single ‘Silencio’.

As well as marking their first album of new material in nearly a decade, ‘Carnaval De Luz’ also arrives on the 50th anniversary of the band forming, and features ‘Torn’ – a duet between Bono and the late Dolly Parton , in what is her last recorded vocal performance.

Other collaborations come from Brian Eno , who co-wrote and provided synthesisers for ‘Go (Carnaval De Luz)’, Martin Garrix on ‘Glorify’, Daniel Lanois on ‘Torn’ and additional production from Ryan Tedder.

“It’s a messy, provocative, sacred collection of songs – and features the first-ever use of flat-wound strings on a U2 recording.

Just saying,” The Edge said.

Bono added: “Roll up, roll up, roll up! Bring your purple socks, your broken hearts, your rose-tinted naivety… oh be amazed in the hall of mirrors.

There will be loud guitars, deep bass, some ecstatic rhythms and, yes, some silver tears will make an appearance!” U2 ‘Carnaval De Luz’ album cover He continued: “Because in the near distance just outside our carnival of light there are all kinds of creatures.

The same imagination that brings us our creativity can also bring us monsters.

So we make the drums louder.

We build a bigger fire.