Twenty One Pilots Close the Book on Their Lore With ‘Breach,’ Hit No. 1
Twenty One Pilots’ latest record, Breach, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 on Sept. 27, marking the biggest week for a rock album in six years. Released Sept. 12, the duo’s eighth studio album also signals the end of a long-running narrative that has defined much of their career.
Fans got an early listen during record store events across the U.S. on Sept. 6 and 7, which offered limited-edition album art — echoing the rollout of 2024’s Clancy. Ahead of the full release, drummer Josh Dun took center stage with vocals on “Drum Show,” issued as a single Aug. 18.
The 13-track set includes “City Walls,” “RAWFEAR,” “The Contract,” “Center Mass” and “Intentions.” “City Walls,” paired with a nearly 10-minute music video, closes what fans call “the lore.” The video’s credits thanked fans for shaping the storyline, a gesture that underscored the participatory nature of the band’s world-building.
That storyline stretches back more than a decade. The fictional Clancy, trapped in the authoritarian city of Dema, struggles to escape the Bishops and their oppressive religion. Alongside the rebel Banditos, he resists the Bishops’ leader Blurryface — the same alter ego that drove the group’s mainstream breakthrough. With Breach, Clancy’s arc reaches its conclusion, culminating in one last confrontation with Blurryface, also known as Nico.
The album is also steeped in self-reference. “Intentions” repurposes “Truce” from 2013’s Vessel, reversing the original track and layering it with new lyrics — a move that ties a decade of music into a full-circle finale.
While Breach delivers narrative closure and commercial triumph, frontman Tyler Joseph noted on social media that the band “aren’t giving Breach a proper world tour.” Instead, Twenty One Pilots announced a short U.S. run in support of the record:
Sept. 18: Cincinnati, OH — TQL Stadium
Sept. 20: Toronto, ON — Budweiser Stage
Sept. 23: Milwaukee, WI — American Family Insurance Amphitheater
Sept. 24: Tinley Park, IL — Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre
Sept. 27: Hershey, PA — Hersheypark Stadium
Sept. 28: Burgettstown, PA — The Pavilion at Star Lake
Sept. 30: Hartford, CT — Xfinity Theatre
Oct. 1: Bangor, ME — Maine Savings Amphitheater
Oct. 4: Wantagh, NY — Northwell at Jones Beach Theater
Oct. 5: Bristow, VA — Jiffy Lube Live
Oct. 7: Virginia Beach, VA — Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater
Oct. 8: Charlotte, NC — PNC Music Pavilion
Oct. 10: West Palm Beach, FL — iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre
Oct. 11: Tampa, FL — MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
Oct. 14: Orange Beach, AL — The Wharf Amphitheater
Oct. 15: Alpharetta, GA — Ameris Bank Amphitheatre
Oct. 17: Birmingham, AL — Coca-Cola Amphitheater
Oct. 19: Rogers, AR — Walmart AMP
Oct. 20: Dallas, TX — Dos Equis Pavilion
Oct. 23: Chula Vista, CA — North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
Oct. 25: Los Angeles, CA — BMO Stadium
With Breach, Twenty One Pilots close the door on their elaborate saga while proving they can still command the charts — even without a full world tour.
