Depeche Mode has signed a new worldwide deal with Columbia Records and will release a new album in March 2013.
The influential and critically acclaimed band, comprised of Dave Gahan, Martin Gore and Andy “Fletch” Fletcher, had previously spent its 30-year career with Warner Music labels Sire and Reprise and EMI’s Mute and Capitol. Depeche Mode has notched six Billboard 200 top 10s, including the No. 1 “Songs of Faith and Devotion” in 1993. The group has tallied six top 40 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, led by the No. 8-peaking “Enjoy the Silence” in 1990. On Alternative Songs, the band has scored four No. 1s.
In a press release about the deal, Gore provided some clues as to the direction of their 13th album. “I am very happy with how the album turned out,” he commented. “The music has a similar vibe to ‘Violator’ and ‘Songs of Faith and Devotion’ and I think the songs on the album are among some of the very best we’ve done.”
Added Gahan: “The album has a very organic and direct feel to it. It’s not a blues record, but it definitely has a soulful vibe. During the recording process we really tried to get the elements of performing and the live show into the album more.”
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
Speaking to Billboard in May, Gahan said that Gore was “very prolific” in the sessions for this album and had already written several songs. “I’m excited about where this one’s going,” he said at the time. “I think it’s going to be a more direct record, a punchier record.”
Following the album’s release, Depeche Mode will embark on a world tour, kicking off in Tel Aviv on May 7 and later hitting 25 European countries. Among the bookings: the Rock Werchter Festival in Belgium, BBK Festival in Spain and Optimus Alive Festival in Portugal. A full North American tour will follow the European leg, which wraps in Minsk, Belarus on July 29.
Additional tour and album details will become available in the coming weeks.
Additional reporting by Billboard staff.