"The Mission" is the sixteenth studio album by the American rock band Styx, released on June 16, 2017, through UMe. It marked a significant return for the band, being their first studio album since 2005's "Big Bang Theory" and their first release of original material since 2003's "Cyclorama." The album's concept revolves around a mission to Mars in the year 2033, with the story written by Tommy Shaw and Will Evankovich.
Tommy Shaw's guitar riff for the closing track, "Mission to Mars," served as the catalyst for the album's creation. The storyline was crafted around this central theme, exploring themes of exploration, discovery, and adventure in outer space.
Despite modest commercial success in the United States, where it sold approximately 15,000 copies, "The Mission" briefly charted in the Top 100 in four other countries. It peaked at #45 on the Billboard 200, propelled by pre-sales, but dropped off the chart after two weeks. The album's lead single, "Gone Gone Gone," was followed by releases of "Radio Silence" and "Hundred Million Miles from Home."
In 2018, "The Mission" was re-released in an expanded format with 5.1 surround sound on a Blu-ray disc, featuring visualizations for each song, music videos, and a documentary titled "Making of the Mission."
Critically, "The Mission" was well-received, highlighting Styx's ability to create a cohesive concept album with a blend of classic rock elements and futuristic storytelling, appealing to both longtime fans and new listeners alike.
