Full Breakdown
Tori Amos Unveils *In Times of Dragons*, a Politically Charged Allegorical Album
5/2/2026, 12:51:35 PM
In Times of Dragons: Album Overview
Tori Amos released her 18th studio album, *In Times of Dragons*, on May 1 2026 via Universal/Fontana. The 17-track record is presented as a mythic narrative in which a fictionalized Amos is married to a “Lizard Demon” billionaire and must flee across America to reclaim freedom. The opening track “Shush” introduces the oppressive husband; later songs such as “Stronger Together” (a duet with her daughter) and “Ode to Minnesota” address contemporary political anxieties. The album is supported by a 35-date world tour that began in early March, with a scheduled performance at London’s Royal Albert Hall on April 21.
Conceptual Narrative & Political Themes
Amos describes the work as “a metaphorical story about the fight for democracy over tyranny.” The Lizard Demon is “an amalgamation of powerful, predatory men,” but she deliberately avoids naming specific individuals. By using allegory, she hopes listeners can “join the story” and reflect on perceived threats to democratic institutions. Songs reference real events, such as the federal agents’ killing of protestors in Minneapolis, and incorporate a line from a 2009 essay stating “freedom and democracy are not compatible.” Amos stresses she is not a political journalist; instead, she uses narrative to document the era.
Key Contributors
- Tori Amos – primary composer, vocalist, pianist.
- Natasha “Tash” Hawley – 25-year-old daughter, Washington, D.C. law student; co-wrote three tracks and provides backing vocals.
- Mark Hawley – husband and longtime sound engineer; appears in interviews but is not a character in the album’s story.
- Backing musicians – three vocalists, a drummer, a bassist, and a multi-instrumentalist who accompany Amos on tour.
Album Details & Tour Statistics
- Release: May 1 2026.
- Length: 17 tracks, ~110 minutes total.
- Tour: 35 shows across Europe and North America; footwear switched to kitten heels after a 2023 ankle injury.
- Formats: digital, CD; live shows feature Bösendorfer pianos.
Official Statements & Responses
Amos likens her return to touring after a long hiatus to “riding a bucking bronco,” describing it as a “wake-up call.” She notes that collaboration with her daughter yielded “the brightest, sun-filled track” amid darker material. Regarding the Lizard Demon, she says she “won’t name them” to protect herself, while asserting the character “represents real people behind the scenes in America.” She also emphasizes that the album “had to be a narrative” to document the times.
Criticism & Opposition
No source offers explicit criticism of the album’s content. The deliberate anonymity of the Lizard Demon’s real-world counterparts has been noted as keeping the allegory “vague,” which some listeners say limits direct accountability. A few fans have expressed a desire for clearer identification of the political figures referenced.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Amos’s age is presented inconsistently: she refers to herself as “59 plus three” (implying 62) in one interview, while another source lists her as 62 outright. The identities of the “real people” behind the Lizard Demon are undisclosed, leaving speculation about specific individuals. Although the album is framed as a response to American politics, the extent of its focus on U.S. versus global issues is not fully detailed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I’m not saying that’s in Washington, D.C. We’re not mentioning names,” — Tori Amos
- “If you’re going to document our times, the only way is through allegory, I think, to allow other people in so they can join the story.” — Tori Amos
- “I wanted to document this time in our history. And I think artists are called to do different things, different projects at different times, and to express it in different ways,” — Tori Amos
- “all real. They’re based on different people. The Lizard Demon King is an amalgamation of a few very powerful men behind the scenes.” — Tori Amos
- “When you haven't played the ‘Cornflake [Girl]' solo or played ‘Precious Things' for three years and you start playing again, your hands are going to bleed,” — Tori Amos
- “I’m not in my 60s, I’m 59 plus three” — Tori Amos
What’s Next
The world tour continues through summer 2026, with additional U.S. dates and a final European leg ending in September. Amos has indicated that future shows will feature a rotating setlist blending new material with fan-requested classics, and she plans to release a limited-edition live recording of the London opening night.
