On Thursday (March 20), Eric Church announced the release date and details of his highly-anticipated new album, Evangeline Vs. the Machine, which will be out May 2. The eight-song collection is produced by Jay Joyce, and marks the country star’s first record since 2021’s Heart & Soul triple project. “An album is a snapshot in time that lasts for all time,” Church said in a statement. “I believe in that time-tested tradition of making records that live and breathe as one piece of art — I think it’s important. I’ve always let creativity be the muse.” The album includes the just released single, “Hands of Time,” and “Darkest Hour,” which Church released last year to raise funds for Hurricane Helene relief efforts in North Carolina, with all his royalties from the track being donated to the cause. The album closes with Church’s cover of Tom Waits’ “Clap Hands,” showcasing the country singer’s diverse musical influences and openness to experimentation. (Billboard)