The Life of the World to Come is the sixth studio album from John Darnielle and his North Carolina-based band, The Mountain Goats. Well, actually, it's only their sixth studio album on the British record label known as 4AD. It's actually their seventeenth official release since their first three albums were released on cassette tape back in 1991, '92, and '93. John Darnielle informed the press that The Life of the World to Come is "less a profession of religions faith than an immersion in Biblical poetry and imagery." More from John Darnielle on the album, and a list of tour dates after the jump!

When asked later whether "some sort of religious awakening" inspired the album, he answered, "I guess lots of people might want to be coy about answering that, that's never really been my style, so: no. It's not like that. It's not some heavy-narrative-distance deal either, though, and it's not a screed. It's twelve songs the Bible taught me, kind of.” The album was recorded between April and June this year, and features string arrangements from Owen Pallett (Final Fantasy). After it's release, distribution, and praise (including a "Best New Music" title from Pitchfork), the band is on tour to support it even more. Better yet, they're joined by Final Fantasy all along the way!

The Mountain Goats w/ Final Fantasy - US Tour 2009


November 04 - Grand Rapids, MI @ Ladies Literary Club (Calvin College) 

November 05 - Chicago, IL @ The Metro ₁

November 06 - Madison, WI @ High Noon Saloon ₁

November 07 - Minneapolis, MN @ Cedar Cultural Centre ₁

November 10 - Seattle, WA @ The Showbox ₁

November 11 - Portland, OR @ Wonder Ballroom ₁

November 14 - San Francisco, CA @ The Fillmore ₁

November 15 - Los Angeles, CA @ Henry Fonda Theater ₁

November 18 - Austin, TX @ Antones ₁

November 19 - Dallas, TX @ Granada Theater ₁

November 20 - Nashville, TN @ Mercy Lounge ₁

November 21 - Atlanta, GA @ The Variety Playhouse ₁

November 23 - Orlando, FL @ The Social ₁

November 24 - St. Augustine, FL @ Café 11 ₁

November 27 - Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club ₁ 

November 28 - Philadelphia, PA @ Theater of Living Arts ₁

November 29 - Boston, MA @ Wilbur Theatre ₁

November 01 - New York, NY @ Webster Hall ₁

November 02 - Brooklyn, NY @ Bell House ₁

₁ = w/ full band, Final Fantasy