Eric Church is set to release his highly anticipated new album, ‘Evangeline vs. The Machine,' on May 2. The album, available for pre-order and pre-save now, marks another bold chapter in Church’s career as one of country music’s most fearless storytellers.
A self-proclaimed “album artist,” Church continues his tradition of crafting cohesive, immersive records. “An album is a snapshot in time that lasts for all time,” Church said of his creative process. “I believe in that time-tested tradition of making records that live and breathe as one piece of art – I think it’s important.”
The lead single ‘Hands Of Time' will impact country radio on March 24 and is available now as an early preview. Church describes the song as a reflection on nostalgia and the power of music to transport listeners to another time. “As I get older, I’m looking for things that make me feel not as old,” he explained. “I can honestly say that when I hear music or see something from my past, I feel like I did then; I relate to what it was then.”
One of the standout tracks on the album, ‘Darkest Hour,' was released ahead of the project in support of Hurricane Helene relief efforts. Church is donating all of his publishing royalties from the song to ongoing recovery efforts in North Carolina. “That song had the chance to change things—it already has,” Church said. “The greatest concert I’ve ever played was the Concert for Carolina, and this song played a big part in that night.”
Another emotionally charged track, ‘Johnny,' is a reinterpretation inspired by ‘The Devil Went Down to Georgia' and the Covenant School tragedy. Church first previewed the song at his Chief’s To Beat The Devil residency and at the Country Radio Seminar, where it left a lasting impact on audiences. “A year ago, we had a shooting here in Nashville at the Covenant School,” he said. “Dropping my two boys off at school the next day was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. As I was leaving, I heard Charlie Daniels playing, and I thought, ‘We could use Johnny right now, because the Devil’s not in Georgia, he’s everywhere.’ That’s when I went home and wrote ‘Johnny.'”
With ‘Evangeline vs. The Machine' Church continues to push the boundaries of country music, delivering a project that is deeply personal, thought-provoking, and sonically rich. This album follows his 2021 ‘Heart & Soul' trilogy and further cements his reputation as one of the genre’s most innovative artists.
Fans can also pre-order an exclusive Amazon Music vinyl edition of Evangeline vs. The Machine in translucent light blue, available through Amazon.com or the Amazon Music app with free shipping for Prime members.
Evangeline vs. The Machine Track List
1. Hands Of Time (Eric Church, Scooter Carusoe)
2. Bleed On Paper (Tucker Beathard, Casey Beathard, Monty Criswell)
3. Johnny (Eric Church, Luke Laird, Brett Warren)
4. Storm In Their Blood (Eric Church)
5. Darkest Hour (Eric Church)
6. Evangeline (Eric Church, Luke Laird, Barry Dean)
7. Rocket’s White Lincoln (Eric Church)
8. Clap Hands (Tom Waits)
