The Chief Returns: 5 Must-Know Updates On Eric Church's New Songs, Album, And 'Free The Machine' Tour In 2025

Eric Church, affectionately known as "The Chief," is back in the spotlight with a massive wave of new music and tour dates, solidifying his status as one of country music's most fearless storytellers. As of December 2025, the excitement is palpable following the official announcement of his ninth studio album and a sprawling North American tour, proving that the rock-influenced country outlaw is not slowing down.

The year 2025 is shaping up to be a landmark period for fans, bringing the highly anticipated album *Evangeline vs. the Machine* and a slew of new tracks that showcase his signature blend of grit, poetry, and raw emotion. This is your essential, up-to-the-minute guide to everything you need to know about Eric Church's latest releases, his new musical direction, and the massive tour that will be dominating arenas across the country.

Eric Church: A Brief Biography and Profile

Kenneth Eric Church was born on May 3, 1977, in Granite Falls, North Carolina. Church's journey into music began early; he bought his first guitar at the age of 13 and soon started writing songs, laying the foundation for his future career.

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Known for his distinctive outlaw image and a sound that heavily incorporates rock influences into the country genre, Church has released nine studio albums throughout his career. His early albums were released through Capitol Nashville, but his most recent work, including the upcoming 2025 release, is on his own label, BigEC Records.

Key Biographical Milestones:

• Full Name: Kenneth Eric Church
• Born: May 3, 1977
• Hometown: Granite Falls, North Carolina
• Musical Style: Country with heavy rock influence; known for his "outlaw" image.
• Signature Look: Rarely seen without his trademark sunglasses and baseball cap, often referred to as "The Chief."
• Studio Albums: Nine, including the upcoming *Evangeline vs. the Machine*.

1. The New Studio Album: *Evangeline vs. the Machine*

The biggest news for Eric Church fans is the official release date for his new studio album, *Evangeline vs. the Machine*, which is set to drop on May 2, 2025. This highly anticipated record marks Church's ninth studio effort and follows the critically acclaimed *Heart & Soul* triple album.

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The title itself hints at a thematic exploration of the human spirit—perhaps represented by "Evangeline"—pitted against the modern, mechanized world, or "the Machine." This narrative focus is consistent with Church's history of diving deep into complex, thought-provoking topics within his songwriting.

The album is being released under his own imprint, BigEC Records, showcasing his continued commitment to creative control and independence in the industry.

2. New Singles and Tracks Preceding the Release

To build anticipation for *Evangeline vs. the Machine*, Eric Church has already unveiled several key tracks, giving fans a clear indication of the album's sound and emotional depth. These songs are quickly becoming the most discussed new music in the country genre.

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"Hands of Time"

This track was officially announced as a new single, with the Chief posting a photo of himself in the studio to confirm the release. The song is expected to be a central piece of the new album, likely touching on themes of nostalgia, change, and the passage of years—a common thread in his most powerful work.

"Bleed On Paper"

Fans got an early taste of this powerful new song when Eric Church performed "Bleed On Paper" live on *Jimmy Kimmel Live!* The song title suggests a deeply personal, raw lyricism, where the act of writing becomes a form of emotional catharsis. It is listed on the album's tracklist, further fueling excitement for the full record.

"Johnny"

Another track creating significant buzz is "Johnny," which Eric Church debuted with a striking performance at CRS 2025, bringing out a full choir for accompaniment. The official audio for a single edit of "Johnny" has also been released, highlighting its emotional, emotive nature. The track is seen as a powerful example of Church's ability to blend rock energy with gospel-like intensity.

Other Notable Tracks

The album's tracklist, as teased by the artist and his team, also includes the song "Darkest Hour," which was released ahead of the full album announcement. Fans are also dissecting the meaning behind other listed tracks on the 19-song album, such as "Bleed On Paper" and "Hands of Time."

3. The 'Free The Machine' Tour for 2025 and 2026

A new album from Eric Church is always accompanied by a major tour, and 2025 is no exception. The Chief will be hitting the road for the massive "Free the Machine Tour," which is scheduled to run throughout 2025 and into 2026.

The tour is set to kick off in September 2025 in Pittsburgh, with dates confirmed across the U.S., including a stop in Lexington, KY, at Rupp Arena in October 2025. Church's live shows are legendary for their high-energy, cathartic atmosphere, making the "Free the Machine Tour" one of the most anticipated concert events of the year.

Supporting Acts and Experience:

The 2025 leg of the tour will feature support from notable artists Charles Wesley Godwin and The Marcus King Band, ensuring a powerful lineup of rock-influenced country and southern rock for every show. Attending an Eric Church concert is often described as "as much a catharsis as a hell-raising Friday," promising an unforgettable experience for fans of his outlaw style.

4. Recent High-Profile Collaborations

While gearing up for his solo album, Eric Church has also maintained his collaborative spirit, working with other major names in country music. This continues to expand his topical authority and influence across the genre.

One of his most recent and high-profile collaborations is the song "Number 3 and Number 7" with superstar Morgan Wallen. This track follows their earlier 2023 collaboration, "Man Made a Bar," further cementing a powerful musical partnership between two of country's biggest acts. These team-ups allow Church to explore different facets of his artistry while remaining true to his rock-infused country roots.

5. A New Live Album Release

Adding to the wealth of new music, Church also announced a new live album, *Desperate Man (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)*. This live recording captures the raw energy and spontaneity of his performances, which are a cornerstone of his appeal. To preview the live album, the track "Desperate Man (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)" was made available, giving fans a taste of the electric atmosphere.

The release of both a new studio album and a live album in the same year highlights the sheer volume of material Eric Church is sharing with the world, ensuring that "The Chief" remains at the forefront of the country music conversation throughout 2025 and beyond.