The folk behind UK outfit The Gorillaz will release a soundtrack for a modern day opera later this year.

Damon Albarn and artist Jamie Hewlett will release the soundtrack to ‘Monkey: Journey to the West’ in September.

The album will be released under the title Journey to the West, with the artist’s name listed as Monkey.

The opera tells the story of ‘the Monkey King’s journey to enlightenment as it takes him undersea, to decadent banquets in heaven, through encounters with Spider Maidens and Skeleton Demons, and eventually to paradise,’ a statement from The Gorillaz said.

Albarn produced the album, with all its lyrics written in Mandarin.

The opera just opened at Royal Opera House in London.

For a sneak peek of the opera and first listen to the album check out www.monkeyjourneytothewest.com.

Journey to the West is out in September through XL/ Remote Control.

Tags | opera, The Gorillaz