Twenty One Pilots reached the top of the Billboard charts this past month with their newest album, “Breach,” released Sept. 12. No other rock album in this decade has debuted with numbers as strong as their eighth studio release.

“Breach” is part of an ongoing project the band has been developing since 2015. Known for its unique storytelling and cryptic messaging, the narrative invites fans to piece together the decade-long story of Clancy, which began with their 2015 album “Blurryface.”

As the final piece of the band’s long-running lore, “Breach” has sparked bittersweet reactions among fans. Still, witnessing their years of work come full circle is deeply satisfying and well worth the wait. Vocalist Tyler Joseph and drummer Josh Dun continue to deliver an addictive sound, and this album is yet another gratifying chapter in their musical journey.

Twenty One Pilots doesn’t shy away from experimenting with their music, often blending multiple genres in a way that makes them difficult to categorize. Their distinctive sound draws from a wide range of influences, including alternative rock, electropop, hip-hop, indie and pop rock.

“Breach” is a testament to this genre-blending approach, incorporating a variety of musical elements across its 13 tracks, including the pre-released singles “The Contract” and “Drum Show.”

The power of their lyrics lies in their ability to captivate. The band delves into major themes such as introspection, mental health, faith and the search for purpose—some of the most honest and raw reflections fans have seen from them in awhile. Being relatable to all generations is what Twenty One Pilots excels at. 

“City Walls” is the epic opener of the album, accompanied by a 10-minute music video which is a heavily lore-based short film. The credits include a thank you to everyone who had worked on their project over the years, including the fans. 

The track is a striking blend of instrumental and lyrical artistry with use of synthesizers and raw drums. The lyric, “Entertain my faith/ This is the last time that I try,” echoes a line from “Holding on to You,” a beloved song from their 2013 album “Vessel.” The track also fades out with the familiar drum pattern from “Heavydirtysoul,” the opening song on their 2015 album “Blurryface,” creating a distinct nod to the band’s earlier work.

“RAWFEAR” is a headbanger. The punchy track slowly builds to a high in its bridge, which follows the theme of confronting irrational fears and using them as fuel to navigate life. The lyrics reflect this sentiment: “Learning all that really matters is a slow and painful lesson / It is not pass or fail, but a poisonous progression.” 

The third track and pre-released single, “Drum Show,” is essentially a love letter to Dun. Being the first released song to feature Dun’s vocals, it quickly became a fan-favorite. As the longtime backbone of the best friend duo, it’s refreshing to see Dun take the spotlight. His soft vocals during the second chorus and bridge are a standout moment, followed by an iconic Joseph scream that turns the track into an instant angsty punk rager.

“Garbage” is a more uplifting melody that contrasts with its deeper meaning of portraying the experience of hitting rock bottom and unintentionally projecting that pain onto others. The piano tempo and instrumental melody are especially lovely, harmonizing beautifully with Joseph’s vocals in the chorus.  

“Downstairs” has some of Joseph’s best vocals on the album. Reminiscent of “Vessel,” the track opens with dreamy, echoed vocals that build into a more rock-driven electronic chorus, layered with powerful drum beats. This song is a reflection of Joseph’s internal battles with his own faith as he begs and screams for mercy in the powerful bridge. 

“Robot Voices” is quite unique compared to the rest of the album, taking a more electropop route. With swinging guitar riffs in the mix, the track carries a lighthearted, feel-good vibe. It includes interpolated lyrics from the band, Blanket Approval’s song, “My Soft Spots My Robots.” 

“Center Mass” is one of those tracks you’ll completely fall in love with after a couple playbacks. The song opens with audio clips from viral moments within their fanbase, including a girl attempting to steal one of their drum sets after a show. This is such a sweet and silly acknowledgment of the fan culture they have built. 

The song begins with a fun alternative beat but transitions into a raw breakdown of grief, with raspy vocals that evoke the gut-wrenching pain of loss. Nearly bringing listeners to tears with the lyrics, “I miss you so, so much, take what you want/ Take what you want from me, took you for granted.”

If fans weren’t already left with tears, the next track “Cottonwood,” would definitely be the heartbreaking kicker. The slow sorrowful song is a beautiful tribute written for Joseph’s late grandfather. Again, following the theme of grief, Joseph uses his grandfather’s passing as a metaphor for a cottonwood tree. The result is a dreamy, mesmerizing ballad that feels both tragic and comforting.

“One Way,” gives similar vibes to their 2021 album “Scaled and Icy,” offering listeners a groovy break from the raw intensity of the previous tracks. Light and airy, the song evokes a levitating energy. The song closes with a playful voicemail from Dun saying, “Hey it’s Josh, call me back. Uh, I’m not opposed to ‘One Way’ going into ‘Days Lie Dormant,’ but it does feel like quite a vibe change.”

“Days Lie Dormant” is easily the happiest track on the album—a lighthearted and hopeful song, presumably dedicated to Joseph’s wife. It reflects on the emptiness felt when apart from a loved one, carried by an upbeat, boppy melody and a catchy whistle backtrack that makes you want to get up and dance.

“Tally” is fast and fierce, driven by electric drums and a rapid tempo that complements its introspective point of view. As one of the more experimental tracks on the album, it showcases the raw, authentic talent that Twenty One Pilots consistently delivers.

“Intentions” closes the album and narrative, bringing the cycle to an epic and emotional conclusion. The ballad explores the feeling of being trapped in a negative spiral, while emphasizing the importance of optimism which is captured in the lyric, “Intentions will set you free / just try to be.” The track’s melody is a reversed version of “Truce,” the closing song from “Vessel,” and the shared messages between the two serve as a powerful reminder for fans to keep going through dark times.

This album features some of Joseph’s most iconic screams to date, along with seamless transitions and an exceptional production, the artistry of “Breach” is unmatched. It is almost impossible to not hit replay, being one of those albums where each song gets more impressive every time you hear it. It is definitely a no skip record. 

2025 has been an eventful year for the duo, with Dun and his wife, Debby Ryan, expecting a baby and the band still touring to support “Breach.” Twenty One Pilots continues to deliver for their fans. 

“Breach” has certainly left fans unsure of the band’s future, with subtle hints to a possible hiatus, but there’s no denying this album has been the best goodbye gift, or rather see you later. 

The Clancy Tour: Breach will wrap up Oct. 25 in Los Angeles, and what comes after may be a mystery as of now, but it’s safe to say the fandom will continue to stay alive.