Grimes has announced her first new album in over five years, titled «Psyopera,» alongside the release of a dark, ravey lead single called «Accelerando.» The announcement marks the experimental artist's return to full-length releases since 2020's «Miss Anthropocene.»
The album was revealed on social media with a cryptic video in which Grimes delivers the message «Please wait patiently for the failure of the system» before speaking over the clip, saying «Welcome to the game» and touching on themes including God, Eden, and artificial intelligence. The video also showcases the surreal visuals she has designed for the record.
The first taste of the project, «Accelerando,» is out now and was made in collaboration with VADAKIN. The track captures the harsh, intense energy expected across the full album. While artificial intelligence is a central theme of «Psyopera,» Grimes has assured fans that she did not use AI to create the songs themselves.
In an interview on the Swiftologist podcast, Grimes said the theme of AI was integral to the record because she believes it is «very relevant» to modern life. She also admitted she wishes she had «a bit more of the emotions on this side and a bit more computer on the other side.» The artist has previously been vocal about AI in music, hitting out at labels earlier this year for «now investing in AI» and using the technology to «use [an artists'] IP to literally recreate» them. In 2024, she said the use of AI in music «will probably shape all minds going forward for the rest of time.»
Grimes also confirmed that «Psyopera» will not feature any songs about her ex Elon Musk. The Canadian artist, whose real name is Claire Boucher, shares three children with the Tesla and SpaceX CEO: X Æ A-Xii (aka Lil X), Exa Dark Sideræl Musk, and Techno Mechanicus (aka Tau). The two announced their split in September 2021 after three years together, stating they «still love each other.»
«I just didn't want any of this to be about Elon,» she told the Swiftologist podcast when asked if that relationship inspired any of the songs on the album. She then hinted that the record could be split into two parts, with the second being «100 per cent personal.»
No official release date for «Psyopera» has been shared. When it does arrive, it will be the first Grimes record released on her own label, Nazgul Recording LLC. The project follows a busy period for the artist, who made a surprise appearance at Coachella 2026 over the summer and previously shared a new song called «Artificial Angels,» written from the perspective of artificial intelligence. After sharing that music video, she drew attention to a new face tattoo that «literally no one noticed.»
Boucher and CreateSafe previously teamed up with Slipstream to make over 200 Grimes AI songs available for content creators to use on any platform, a move described at the time as «opening up new horizons for artistic expression.» The new album's title and themes suggest Grimes continues to explore the intersection of technology, spirituality, and pop music as she prepares for her first independent release.