Gigaton is the eleventh studio album by renowned American rock band Pearl Jam. It was released on March 27, 2020, representing the group's first studio album in seven years, the longest gap between the band's studio albums to date. The name Gigaton refers to a measurement of explosive power, and in this context carries connotations of climate change; the melting of polar ice caps in particular.
The album's artwork features an image of the Nordaustlandet ice cap in Norway, the photograph taken by Canadian photographer, filmmaker, and marine biologist Paul Nicklen providing a clear allusion to the themes of the album. It consists of 12 tracks in total, including the popular singles "Dance of the Clairvoyants," "Superblood Wolfmoon," and "Quick Escape."
Gigaton was co-produced by the band and Josh Evans. It has been described as "socially conscious" with lyrics addressing issues such as climate change and Donald Trump's presidency. Hailed by fans and critics alike, Gigaton was praised for its palpable energy and exploratory spirit. Upon its release, it debuted at number five on the Billboard 200 chart, marking a significant moment in the band's long-spanning career.
